Patents by Inventor Francis Ferguson

Francis Ferguson 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).

  • Publication number: 20240048472
    Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure involve systems for providing multiple egress routes from a telecommunications network for a client of the network. In general, the system provides for a client of the network to receive intended packets of information through multiple connections to the network such that load balancing and failover services for traffic to the customer are provided. The process and system allow for telecommunications network to utilize a common next-hop value of announced border gateway protocol (BGP) routes to advertise multiple routes to reach a destination customer network or address. By utilizing a common next-hop value in the announced BGP information, the devices of the network may load balance communication packets to the destination customer or address among the multiple egress locations from the network, as well as providing fast failover to alternate routes when a failure at the network or customer occurs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2023
    Publication date: February 8, 2024
    Applicant: Level 3 Communications, LLC
    Inventors: Francis Ferguson, Eric Osborne, Clyde David Cooper, III, Brent W. Smith
  • Patent number: 11743167
    Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure involve systems for providing multiple egress routes from a telecommunications network for a client of the network. In general, the system provides for a client of the network to receive intended packets of information through multiple connections to the network such that load balancing and failover services for traffic to the customer are provided. The process and system allow for telecommunications network to utilize a common next-hop value of announced border gateway protocol (BGP) routes to advertise multiple routes to reach a destination customer network or address. By utilizing a common next-hop value in the announced BGP information, the devices of the network may load balance communication packets to the destination customer or address among the multiple egress locations from the network, as well as providing fast failover to alternate routes when a failure at the network or customer occurs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Assignee: Level 3 Communications, LLC
    Inventors: Francis Ferguson, Eric Osborne, Clyde David Cooper, III, Brent W. Smith
  • Publication number: 20230046362
    Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure involve systems for providing multiple egress routes from a telecommunications network for a client of the network. In general, the system provides for a client of the network to receive intended packets of information through multiple connections to the network such that load balancing and failover services for traffic to the customer are provided. The process and system allow for telecommunications network to utilize a common next-hop value of announced border gateway protocol (BGP) routes to advertise multiple routes to reach a destination customer network or address. By utilizing a common next-hop value in the announced BGP information, the devices of the network may load balance communication packets to the destination customer or address among the multiple egress locations from the network, as well as providing fast failover to alternate routes when a failure at the network or customer occurs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2022
    Publication date: February 16, 2023
    Applicant: Level 3 Communications, LLC
    Inventors: Francis Ferguson, Eric Osborne, Clyde David Cooper, III, Brent W. Smith
  • Patent number: 11489755
    Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure involve systems for providing multiple egress routes from a telecommunications network for a client of the network. In general, the system provides for a client of the network to receive intended packets of information through multiple connections to the network such that load balancing and failover services for traffic to the customer are provided. The process and system allow for telecommunications network to utilize a common next-hop value of announced border gateway protocol (BGP) routes to advertise multiple routes to reach a destination customer network or address. By utilizing a common next-hop value in the announced BGP information, the devices of the network may load balance communication packets to the destination customer or address among the multiple egress locations from the network, as well as providing fast failover to alternate routes when a failure at the network or customer occurs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2022
    Assignee: Level 3 Communications, LLC
    Inventors: Francis Ferguson, Eric Osborne, Clyde David Cooper, III, Brent W. Smith
  • Publication number: 20220224774
    Abstract: The present application describes a standardized application programming interface for network service devices. The application programming interface may be provided to network service devices of different manufacturers. Each network service device may, upon an initial boot sequence, perform a self-discovery process and gather information in a standardized format required by the application programming interface. The standardized information may then be made available to a network service provider and to other network service devices on the network.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2022
    Publication date: July 14, 2022
    Applicant: Level 3 Communications, LLC
    Inventor: Francis Ferguson
  • Publication number: 20210344585
    Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure involve systems for providing multiple egress routes from a telecommunications network for a client of the network. In general, the system provides for a client of the network to receive intended packets of information through multiple connections to the network such that load balancing and failover services for traffic to the customer are provided. The process and system allows for telecommunications network to utilize a common next-hop value of announced border gateway protocol (BGP) routes to advertise multiple routes to reach a destination customer network or address. By utilizing a common next-hop value in the announced BGP information, the devices of the network may load balance communication packets to the destination customer or address among the multiple egress locations from the network, as well as providing fast failover to alternate routes when a failure at the network or customer occurs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2021
    Publication date: November 4, 2021
    Applicant: Level 3 Communications, LLC
    Inventors: Francis Ferguson, Eric Osborne, Clyde David Cooper, III, Brent W. Smith
  • Patent number: 11070460
    Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure involve systems for providing multiple egress routes from a telecommunications network for a client of the network. In general, the system provides for a client of the network to receive intended packets of information through multiple connections to the network such that load balancing and failover services for traffic to the customer are provided. The process and system allows for telecommunications network to utilize a common next-hop value of announced border gateway protocol (BGP) routes to advertise multiple routes to reach a destination customer network or address. By utilizing a common next-hop value in the announced BGP information, the devices of the network may load balance communication packets to the destination customer or address among the multiple egress locations from the network, as well as providing fast failover to alternate routes when a failure at the network or customer occurs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2021
    Assignee: Level 3 Communications, LLC
    Inventors: Francis Ferguson, Eric Osborne, Clyde David Cooper, III, Brent W. Smith
  • Patent number: 10904138
    Abstract: A route selection system includes a hub controller in communication with multiple network hubs of a first network domain in which each of the hubs are in communication with a corresponding multiple routers of a second network domain. The hub controller is executed to obtain at least one performance measurement associated with a route terminating at the network hub, generate a border gateway protocol (BGP) advertisement with a preference value that is proportional to the received performance measurement, and transmit the generated advertisement to the network hub, the network hub forwarding the advertisement to the router configured in the other network domain. Upon receipt of the advertisements, the second network domain selects one of the routers for processing the route through the second network domain according to the performance measurement included in the advertisement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2021
    Assignee: Level 3 Communications, LLC
    Inventors: Darrell Smith, Francis Ferguson
  • Patent number: 10749797
    Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure involve systems, methods, computer program products, and the like, for implementing and utilizing one or more service labels in a Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) network for delivery service through the network. The general, the service label acts to instantiate a service tunnel between two or more devices of the network, such as between a service or provider edge device and a metro device of the network. The service label is unique and arbitrary label per service to a network device. Once the service tunnel is established between the devices, one or more Internet Protocol (IP) or Ethernet services can be multiplex over the service tunnel to the network device. Also, one or more service labels (tunnels) can be established between any two or more network devices to allow for greater flexibility and scale.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Assignee: Level 3 Communications, LLC
    Inventor: Francis Ferguson
  • Publication number: 20200220801
    Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure involve systems for providing multiple egress routes from a telecommunications network for a client of the network. In general, the system provides for a client of the network to receive intended packets of information through multiple connections to the network such that load balancing and failover services for traffic to the customer are provided. The process and system allows for telecommunications network to utilize a common next-hop value of announced border gateway protocol (BGP) routes to advertise multiple routes to reach a destination customer network or address. By utilizing a common next-hop value in the announced BGP information, the devices of the network may load balance communication packets to the destination customer or address among the multiple egress locations from the network, as well as providing fast failover to alternate routes when a failure at the network or customer occurs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2020
    Publication date: July 9, 2020
    Applicant: Level 3 Communications, LLC
    Inventors: Francis Ferguson, Eric Osborne, Clyde David Cooper, III, Brent W. Smith
  • Patent number: 10601699
    Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure involve systems for providing multiple egress routes from a telecommunications network for a client of the network. In general, the system provides for a client of the network to receive intended packets of information through multiple connections to the network such that load balancing and failover services for traffic to the customer are provided. The process and system allows for telecommunications network to utilize a common next-hop value of announced border gateway protocol (BGP) routes to advertise multiple routes to reach a destination customer network or address. By utilizing a common next-hop value in the announced BGP information, the devices of the network may load balance communication packets to the destination customer or address among the multiple egress locations from the network, as well as providing fast failover to alternate routes when a failure at the network or customer occurs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2020
    Assignee: Level 3 Communications, LLC
    Inventors: Francis Ferguson, Eric Osborne, Clyde David Cooper, III, Brent W. Smith
  • Publication number: 20190372891
    Abstract: A route selection system includes a hub controller in communication with multiple network hubs of a first network domain in which each of the hubs are in communication with a corresponding multiple routers of a second network domain. The hub controller is executed to obtain at least one performance measurement associated with a route terminating at the network hub, generate a border gateway protocol (BGP) advertisement with a preference value that is proportional to the received performance measurement, and transmit the generated advertisement to the network hub, the network hub forwarding the advertisement to the router configured in the other network domain. Upon receipt of the advertisements, the second network domain selects one of the routers for processing the route through the second network domain according to the performance measurement included in the advertisement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2019
    Publication date: December 5, 2019
    Applicant: Level 3 Communications, LLC
    Inventors: Darrell SMITH, Francis FERGUSON
  • Patent number: 10389621
    Abstract: A route selection system includes a hub controller in communication with multiple network hubs of a first network domain in which each of the hubs are in communication with a corresponding multiple routers of a second network domain. The hub controller is executed to obtain at least one performance measurement associated with a route terminating at the network hub, generate a border gateway protocol (BGP) advertisement with a preference value that is proportional to the received performance measurement, and transmit the generated advertisement to the network hub, the network hub forwarding the advertisement to the router configured in the other network domain. Upon receipt of the advertisements, the second network domain selects one of the routers for processing the route through the second network domain according to the performance measurement included in the advertisement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: Level 3 Communications, LLC
    Inventors: Darrell Smith, Francis Ferguson
  • Publication number: 20190253338
    Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure involve systems for providing multiple egress routes from a telecommunications network for a client of the network. In general, the system provides for a client of the network to receive intended packets of information through multiple connections to the network such that load balancing and failover services for traffic to the customer are provided. The process and system allows for telecommunications network to utilize a common next-hop value of announced border gateway protocol (BGP) routes to advertise multiple routes to reach a destination customer network or address. By utilizing a common next-hop value in the announced BGP information, the devices of the network may load balance communication packets to the destination customer or address among the multiple egress locations from the network, as well as providing fast failover to alternate routes when a failure at the network or customer occurs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2019
    Publication date: August 15, 2019
    Inventors: Francis Ferguson, Eric Osborne, Clyde David Cooper, III, Brent W. Smith
  • Publication number: 20190158392
    Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure involve systems, methods, computer program products, and the like, for implementing and utilizing one or more service labels in a Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) network for delivery service through the network. The general, the service label acts to instantiate a service tunnel between two or more devices of the network, such as between a service or provider edge device and a metro device of the network. The service label is unique and arbitrary label per service to a network device. Once the service tunnel is established between the devices, one or more Internet Protocol (IP) or Ethernet services can be multiplex over the service tunnel to the network device. Also, one or more service labels (tunnels) can be established between any two or more network devices to allow for greater flexibility and scale.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2019
    Publication date: May 23, 2019
    Inventor: Francis Ferguson
  • Patent number: 10277499
    Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure involve systems for providing multiple egress routes from a telecommunications network for a client of the network. In general, the system provides for a client of the network to receive intended packets of information through multiple connections to the network such that load balancing and failover services for traffic to the customer are provided. The process and system allows for telecommunications network to utilize a common next-hop value of announced border gateway protocol (BGP) routes to advertise multiple routes to reach a destination customer network or address. By utilizing a common next-hop value in the announced BGP information, the devices of the network may load balance communication packets to the destination customer or address among the multiple egress locations from the network, as well as providing fast failover to alternate routes when a failure at the network or customer occurs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: Level 3 Communications, LLC
    Inventors: Francis Ferguson, Eric Osborne, Clyde David Cooper, III, Brent W. Smith
  • Patent number: 10193800
    Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure involve systems, methods, computer program products, and the like, for implementing and utilizing one or more service labels in a Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) network for delivery service through the network. The general, the service label acts to instantiate a service tunnel between two or more devices of the network, such as between a service or provider edge device and a metro device of the network. The service label is unique and arbitrary label per service to a network device. Once the service tunnel is established between the devices, one or more Internet Protocol (IP) or Ethernet services can be multiplex over the service tunnel to the network device. Also, one or more service labels (tunnels) can be established between any two or more network devices to allow for greater flexibility and scale.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: Level 3 Communications, LLC
    Inventor: Francis Ferguson
  • Publication number: 20180227212
    Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure involve systems for providing multiple egress routes from a telecommunications network for a client of the network. In general, the system provides for a client of the network to receive intended packets of information through multiple connections to the network such that load balancing and failover services for traffic to the customer are provided. The process and system allows for telecommunications network to utilize a common next-hop value of announced border gateway protocol (BGP) routes to advertise multiple routes to reach a destination customer network or address. By utilizing a common next-hop value in the announced BGP information, the devices of the network may load balance communication packets to the destination customer or address among the multiple egress locations from the network, as well as providing fast failover to alternate routes when a failure at the network or customer occurs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2018
    Publication date: August 9, 2018
    Applicant: Level 3 Communications, LLC
    Inventors: Francis Ferguson, Eric Osborne, Clyde David Cooper, III, Brent W. Smith
  • Publication number: 20170346722
    Abstract: A route selection system includes a hub controller in communication with multiple network hubs of a first network domain in which each of the hubs are in communication with a corresponding multiple routers of a second network domain. The hub controller is executed to obtain at least one performance measurement associated with a route terminating at the network hub, generate a border gateway protocol (BGP) advertisement with a preference value that is proportional to the received performance measurement, and transmit the generated advertisement to the network hub, the network hub forwarding the advertisement to the router configured in the other network domain. Upon receipt of the advertisements, the second network domain selects one of the routers for processing the route through the second network domain according to the performance measurement included in the advertisement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2017
    Publication date: November 30, 2017
    Applicant: Level 3 Communications, LLC
    Inventors: Darrell Smith, Francis Ferguson
  • Publication number: 20160285755
    Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure involve systems, methods, computer program products, and the like, for implementing and utilizing one or more service labels in a Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) network for delivery service through the network. The general, the service label acts to instantiate a service tunnel between two or more devices of the network, such as between a service or provider edge device and a metro device of the network. The service label is unique and arbitrary label per service to a network device. Once the service tunnel is established between the devices, one or more Internet Protocol (IP) or Ethernet services can be multiplex over the service tunnel to the network device. Also, one or more service labels (tunnels) can be established between any two or more network devices to allow for greater flexibility and scale.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2016
    Publication date: September 29, 2016
    Applicant: Level 3 Communications, LLC
    Inventor: Francis Ferguson