Patents by Inventor Darren Loher
Darren Loher has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
-
Patent number: 10904130Abstract: Various techniques for partitioning a computer network is disclosed herein. In certain embodiments, control plane functions (e.g., computation of network routes) and/or forwarding plane functions (e.g., routing, forwarding, switching) may be partitioned and performed individually on per domain basis based on (1) a network configuration of a particular domain (e.g., end points and/or lower-level domains in the particular domain); and (2) one or more higher-level domains connected to the particular domain in the hierarchy. Thus, a particular domain can manage various network operations of the domain without concerns regarding end points or network nodes in other domains of the hierarchy. Thus, network configuration and operation may be partitioned to reduce hardware costs and operational complexity even as the size of the overall computer networks increases.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2019Date of Patent: January 26, 2021Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLCInventors: Luyuan Fang, Jeff Cox, Nasser Elaawar, Darren Loher, Edet Nkposong, Gary Ratterree, Fabio Chiussi
-
Publication number: 20190372883Abstract: Various techniques for partitioning a computer network is disclosed herein. In certain embodiments, control plane functions (e.g., computation of network routes) and/or forwarding plane functions (e.g., routing, forwarding, switching) may be partitioned and performed individually on per domain basis based on (1) a network configuration of a particular domain (e.g., end points and/or lower-level domains in the particular domain); and (2) one or more higher-level domains connected to the particular domain in the hierarchy. Thus, a particular domain can manage various network operations of the domain without concerns regarding end points or network nodes in other domains of the hierarchy. Thus, network configuration and operation may be partitioned to reduce hardware costs and operational complexity even as the size of the overall computer networks increases.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 18, 2019Publication date: December 5, 2019Inventors: Luyuan Fang, Jeff Cox, Nasser Elaawar, Darren Loher, Edet Nkposong, Gary Ratterree, Fabio Chiussi
-
Patent number: 10270681Abstract: Various techniques for partitioning a computer network is disclosed herein. In certain embodiments, control plane functions (e.g., computation of network routes) and/or forwarding plane functions (e.g., routing, forwarding, switching) may be partitioned and performed individually on per domain basis based on (1) a network configuration of a particular domain (e.g., end points and/or lower-level domains in the particular domain); and (2) one or more higher-level domains connected to the particular domain in the hierarchy. Thus, a particular domain can manage various network operations of the domain without concerns regarding end points or network nodes in other domains of the hierarchy. Thus, network configuration and operation may be partitioned to reduce hardware costs and operational complexity even as the size of the overall computer networks increases.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2017Date of Patent: April 23, 2019Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLCInventors: Luyuan Fang, Jeff Cox, Nasser Elaawar, Darren Loher, Edet Nkposong, Gary Ratterree, Fabio Chiussi
-
Publication number: 20180159760Abstract: Various techniques for partitioning a computer network is disclosed herein. In certain embodiments, control plane functions (e.g., computation of network routes) and/or forwarding plane functions (e.g., routing, forwarding, switching) may be partitioned and performed individually on per domain basis based on (1) a network configuration of a particular domain (e.g., end points and/or lower-level domains in the particular domain); and (2) one or more higher-level domains connected to the particular domain in the hierarchy. Thus, a particular domain can manage various network operations of the domain without concerns regarding end points or network nodes in other domains of the hierarchy. Thus, network configuration and operation may be partitioned to reduce hardware costs and operational complexity even as the size of the overall computer networks increases.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 9, 2017Publication date: June 7, 2018Inventors: Luyuan Fang, Jeff Cox, Nasser Elaawar, Darren Loher, Edet Nkposong, Gary Ratterree, Fabio Chiussi
-
Patent number: 9819573Abstract: Various techniques for partitioning a computer network is disclosed herein. In certain embodiments, control plane functions (e.g., computation of network routes) and/or forwarding plane functions (e.g., routing, forwarding, switching) may be partitioned and performed individually on per domain basis based on (1) a network configuration of a particular domain (e.g., end points and/or lower-level domains in the particular domain); and (2) one or more higher-level domains connected to the particular domain in the hierarchy. Thus, a particular domain can manage various network operations of the domain without concerns regarding end points or network nodes in other domains of the hierarchy. Thus, network configuration and operation may be partitioned to reduce hardware costs and operational complexity even as the size of the overall computer networks increases.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2014Date of Patent: November 14, 2017Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLCInventors: Luyuan Fang, Jeff Cox, Nasser Elaawar, Darren Loher, Edet Nkposong, Gary Ratterree, Fabio Chiussi
-
Publication number: 20170012869Abstract: Various techniques for managing forwarding tables in computer networks are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a method includes receiving an indication of a network condition in a computer network having a network node and determining a routing table key based on the received indication of the network condition in the computing network. The routing table key corresponds to a routing table for the network node that is pre-computed under the indicated network condition in the computer network. The method then includes transmitting the determined routing table key to the network node for routing data in the computer network.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 10, 2015Publication date: January 12, 2017Inventors: Darren Loher, Gary Ratterree, Chen Liu
-
Patent number: 9544225Abstract: Various techniques for partitioning a computer network is disclosed herein. In certain embodiments, control plane functions (e.g., computation of network routes) and/or forwarding plane functions (e.g., routing, forwarding, switching) may be partitioned and performed individually on per domain basis based on (1) a network configuration of a particular domain (e.g., end points and/or lower-level domains in the particular domain); and (2) one or more higher-level domains connected to the particular domain in the hierarchy. Thus, a particular domain can manage various network operations of the domain without concerns regarding end points or network nodes in other domains of the hierarchy. Thus, network configuration and operation may be partitioned to reduce hardware costs and operational complexity even as the size of the overall computer networks increases.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2014Date of Patent: January 10, 2017Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLCInventors: Luyuan Fang, Jeff Cox, Nasser Elaawar, Darren Loher, Edet Nkposong, Gary Ratterree, Fabio Chiussi
-
Publication number: 20160080245Abstract: Various techniques for partitioning a computer network is disclosed herein. In certain embodiments, control plane functions (e.g., computation of network routes) and/or forwarding plane functions (e.g., routing, forwarding, switching) may be partitioned and performed individually on per domain basis based on (1) a network configuration of a particular domain (e.g., end points and/or lower-level domains in the particular domain); and (2) one or more higher-level domains connected to the particular domain in the hierarchy. Thus, a particular domain can manage various network operations of the domain without concerns regarding end points or network nodes in other domains of the hierarchy. Thus, network configuration and operation may be partitioned to reduce hardware costs and operational complexity even as the size of the overall computer networks increases.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 11, 2014Publication date: March 17, 2016Inventors: Luyuan Fang, Jeff Cox, Nasser Elaawar, Darren Loher, Edet Nkposong, Gary Ratterree, Fabio Chiussi
-
Publication number: 20160080258Abstract: Various techniques for partitioning a computer network is disclosed herein. In certain embodiments, control plane functions (e.g., computation of network routes) and/or forwarding plane functions (e.g., routing, forwarding, switching) may be partitioned and performed individually on per domain basis based on (1) a network configuration of a particular domain (e.g., end points and/or lower-level domains in the particular domain); and (2) one or more higher-level domains connected to the particular domain in the hierarchy. Thus, a particular domain can manage various network operations of the domain without concerns regarding end points or network nodes in other domains of the hierarchy. Thus, network configuration and operation may be partitioned to reduce hardware costs and operational complexity even as the size of the overall computer networks increases.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 16, 2014Publication date: March 17, 2016Inventors: Luyuan Fang, Jeff Cox, Nasser Elaawar, Darren Loher, Edet Nkposong, Gary Ratterree, Fabio Chiussi
-
Patent number: 8995451Abstract: Embodiments of a network architecture include a backbone node having a plurality of independent routers or switches connected in a matrix, wherein the matrix includes a plurality of stages of routers or switches, to form a node having a node switching capacity that is greater than the node switching capacity of the individual routers or switches. A method includes assigning one of a plurality of backbone networks to a destination network address, associating a next hop loopback address with the destination network address, and advertising the destination network address in combination with the next hop loopback address through the selected backbone network address.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2012Date of Patent: March 31, 2015Assignee: Level 3 Communications, LLCInventors: Joseph Lawrence, Nassar El-Aawar, Darren Loher, Steven Craig White, Raoul Alcala, Niclas Comstedt
-
Patent number: 8526446Abstract: Ethernet-based networks for routing Internet Protocol (IP) traffic between source and destination sites. One embodiment includes a plurality of discrete data transmission backbones between the source and destination sites. The source site includes control means for distributing IP traffic at the source site to the plurality of backbones for transmission to the destination site.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2006Date of Patent: September 3, 2013Assignee: Level 3 Communications, LLCInventors: Joseph Lawrence, Nassar El-Aawar, Darren Loher, Steven Craig White, Raoul Alcala
-
Publication number: 20120327946Abstract: Embodiments of a network architecture include a backbone node having a plurality of independent routers or switches connected in a matrix, wherein the matrix includes a plurality of stages of routers or switches, to form a node having a node switching capacity that is greater than the node switching capacity of the individual routers or switches. A method includes assigning one of a plurality of backbone networks to a destination network address, associating a next hop loopback address with the destination network address, and advertising the destination network address in combination with the next hop loopback address through the selected backbone network address.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 31, 2012Publication date: December 27, 2012Applicant: Level 3 Communications, LLCInventors: Joseph Lawrence, Nassar El-Aawar, Darren Loher, Steven Craig White, Raoul Alcala, Niclas Comstedt
-
Patent number: 8259713Abstract: Embodiments of a network architecture include a backbone node having a plurality of independent routers or switches connected in a matrix, wherein the matrix includes a plurality of stages of routers or switches, to form a node having a node switching capacity that is greater than the node switching capacity of the individual routers or switches. A method includes assigning one of a plurality of backbone networks to a destination network address, associating a next hop loopback address with the destination network address, and advertising the destination network address in combination with the next hop loopback address through the selected backbone network address.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 2009Date of Patent: September 4, 2012Assignee: Level 3 Communications, LLCInventors: Joseph Lawrence, Nassar El-Aawar, Darren Loher, Steven Craig White, Raoul Alcala, Niclas Comstedt
-
Patent number: 8064467Abstract: Embodiments of a network architecture include a backbone node having a plurality of independent routers or switches connected in a matrix, wherein the matrix includes a plurality of stages of routers or switches, to form a node having a node switching capacity that is greater than the node switching capacity of the individual routers or switches. A method includes assigning one of a plurality of backbone networks to a destination network address, associating a next hop loopback address with the destination network address, and advertising the destination network address in combination with the next hop loopback address through the selected backbone network address.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2006Date of Patent: November 22, 2011Assignee: Level 3 Communications, LLCInventors: Joseph Lawrence, Nassar El-Aawar, Darren Loher, Steven Craig White, Raoul Alcala, Niclas Comstedt
-
Publication number: 20090141632Abstract: Embodiments of a network architecture include a backbone node having a plurality of independent routers or switches connected in a matrix, wherein the matrix includes a plurality of stages of routers or switches, to form a node having a node switching capacity that is greater than the node switching capacity of the individual routers or switches. A method includes assigning one of a plurality of backbone networks to a destination network address, associating a next hop loopback address with the destination network address, and advertising the destination network address in combination with the next hop loopback address through the selected backbone network address.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 6, 2009Publication date: June 4, 2009Applicant: Level 3 Communication, LLCInventors: Joseph Lawrence, Nassar El-Aawar, Darren Loher, Steven Craig White, Raoul Alcala, Niclas Comstedt
-
Publication number: 20070086429Abstract: Embodiments of a network architecture include a backbone node having a plurality of independent routers or switches connected in a matrix, wherein the matrix includes a plurality of stages of routers or switches, to form a node having a node switching capacity that is greater than the node switching capacity of the individual routers or switches. A method includes assigning one of a plurality of backbone networks to a destination network address, associating a next hop loopback address with the destination network address, and advertising the destination network address in combination with the next hop loopback address through the selected backbone network address.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 30, 2006Publication date: April 19, 2007Applicant: Level 3 Communications, Inc.Inventors: Joseph Lawrence, Nassar El-Aawar, Darren Loher, Steven White, Raoul Alcala, Niclas Comstedt
-
Publication number: 20060274760Abstract: A system for determining packet quality on an Internet protocol-based (IP-based) network includes a packet test device that traces multiple paths on the IP-based network to obtain node identifiers corresponding to nodes on each path, and an Internet quality monitor (IQM) that associates a quality metric with each path, and associates an identified link between nodes in a path with one of the quality metrics. A method for monitoring quality of data on an Internet protocol (IP)-based network includes deriving a network topology corresponding to a portion of the IP-based network, determining a quality metric associated with a path in the network topology, deriving a link in the path, and determining a quality metric associated with the link based on the quality metric associated with the path.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 7, 2005Publication date: December 7, 2006Applicant: Level 3 Communications, Inc.Inventor: Darren Loher
-
Publication number: 20060215672Abstract: Ethernet-based networks for routing Internet Protocol (IP) traffic between source and destination sites. One embodiment includes a plurality of discrete data transmission backbones between the source and destination sites. The source site includes control means for distributing IP traffic at the source site to the plurality of backbones for transmission to the destination site.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 3, 2006Publication date: September 28, 2006Applicant: Level 3 Communications, Inc.Inventors: Joseph Lawrence, Nassar El-Aawar, Darren Loher, Steven White, Raoul Alcala