Abstract: A computer system that implements a quality of service policy. Information defining the quality of service policy is stored in a central location, such as a server within an enterprise. Policy management software on clients in the network download quality of service policy information from the central location to the clients. Within a client, a portion of the policy information is selected based on its applicability to a particular connection. The selected information is cached with an association to the connection so that, as datagrams are generated for transmission over the network, relevant policy information is quickly accessed for use in controlling transmission characteristics of datagrams sent using that connection. Additionally, time information may be associated with information in the cache as well as policy information available from the server. Whenever a datagram is to be transmitted over a connection associated with out-of-date policy information in the cache, the cache information is updated.

Abstract: A method to automatically configure a network device is provided. Without user intervention, configuration messages are generated and transmitted on physical interfaces associated with the network device. Acknowledgements to the configuration messages provide connectivity information that is utilized to instruct the network device to operate in a first, second, or third operational mode. The network device loads instructions associated with each mode to allow the network device to automatically provide connectivity based on the network configuration or topology of the domain or segment associated with the network device.

Abstract: A method to automatically configure a network device is provided. Without user intervention, configuration messages are generated and transmitted on physical interfaces associated with the network device. Acknowledgements to the configuration messages provide connectivity information that is utilized to instruct the network device to operate in a first, second, or third operational mode. The network device loads instructions associated with each mode to allow the network device to automatically provide connectivity based on the network configuration or topology of the domain or segment associated with the network device.