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: 10904130
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2021
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Luyuan Fang, Jeff Cox, Nasser Elaawar, Darren Loher, Edet Nkposong, Gary Ratterree, Fabio Chiussi
  • Publication number: 20190372883
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2019
    Publication date: December 5, 2019
    Inventors: Luyuan Fang, Jeff Cox, Nasser Elaawar, Darren Loher, Edet Nkposong, Gary Ratterree, Fabio Chiussi
  • Patent number: 10270681
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2019
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Luyuan Fang, Jeff Cox, Nasser Elaawar, Darren Loher, Edet Nkposong, Gary Ratterree, Fabio Chiussi
  • Publication number: 20180159760
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2017
    Publication date: June 7, 2018
    Inventors: Luyuan Fang, Jeff Cox, Nasser Elaawar, Darren Loher, Edet Nkposong, Gary Ratterree, Fabio Chiussi
  • Patent number: 9819573
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Luyuan Fang, Jeff Cox, Nasser Elaawar, Darren Loher, Edet Nkposong, Gary Ratterree, Fabio Chiussi
  • Publication number: 20170012869
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2015
    Publication date: January 12, 2017
    Inventors: Darren Loher, Gary Ratterree, Chen Liu
  • Patent number: 9544225
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Luyuan Fang, Jeff Cox, Nasser Elaawar, Darren Loher, Edet Nkposong, Gary Ratterree, Fabio Chiussi
  • Publication number: 20160080245
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2014
    Publication date: March 17, 2016
    Inventors: Luyuan Fang, Jeff Cox, Nasser Elaawar, Darren Loher, Edet Nkposong, Gary Ratterree, Fabio Chiussi
  • Publication number: 20160080258
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2014
    Publication date: March 17, 2016
    Inventors: Luyuan Fang, Jeff Cox, Nasser Elaawar, Darren Loher, Edet Nkposong, Gary Ratterree, Fabio Chiussi
  • Patent number: 8995451
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Level 3 Communications, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph Lawrence, Nassar El-Aawar, Darren Loher, Steven Craig White, Raoul Alcala, Niclas Comstedt
  • Patent number: 8526446
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Level 3 Communications, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph Lawrence, Nassar El-Aawar, Darren Loher, Steven Craig White, Raoul Alcala
  • Publication number: 20120327946
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2012
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Applicant: Level 3 Communications, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph Lawrence, Nassar El-Aawar, Darren Loher, Steven Craig White, Raoul Alcala, Niclas Comstedt
  • Patent number: 8259713
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Level 3 Communications, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph Lawrence, Nassar El-Aawar, Darren Loher, Steven Craig White, Raoul Alcala, Niclas Comstedt
  • Patent number: 8064467
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Level 3 Communications, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph Lawrence, Nassar El-Aawar, Darren Loher, Steven Craig White, Raoul Alcala, Niclas Comstedt
  • Publication number: 20090141632
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2009
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Applicant: Level 3 Communication, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph Lawrence, Nassar El-Aawar, Darren Loher, Steven Craig White, Raoul Alcala, Niclas Comstedt
  • Publication number: 20070086429
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2006
    Publication date: April 19, 2007
    Applicant: Level 3 Communications, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Lawrence, Nassar El-Aawar, Darren Loher, Steven White, Raoul Alcala, Niclas Comstedt
  • Publication number: 20060274760
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2005
    Publication date: December 7, 2006
    Applicant: Level 3 Communications, Inc.
    Inventor: Darren Loher
  • Publication number: 20060215672
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2006
    Publication date: September 28, 2006
    Applicant: Level 3 Communications, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Lawrence, Nassar El-Aawar, Darren Loher, Steven White, Raoul Alcala