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).
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Publication number: 20240048472Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 24, 2023Publication date: February 8, 2024Applicant: Level 3 Communications, LLCInventors: Francis Ferguson, Eric Osborne, Clyde David Cooper, III, Brent W. Smith
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Patent number: 11743167Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 28, 2022Date of Patent: August 29, 2023Assignee: Level 3 Communications, LLCInventors: Francis Ferguson, Eric Osborne, Clyde David Cooper, III, Brent W. Smith
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Publication number: 20230046362Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 28, 2022Publication date: February 16, 2023Applicant: Level 3 Communications, LLCInventors: Francis Ferguson, Eric Osborne, Clyde David Cooper, III, Brent W. Smith
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Patent number: 11489755Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 13, 2021Date of Patent: November 1, 2022Assignee: Level 3 Communications, LLCInventors: Francis Ferguson, Eric Osborne, Clyde David Cooper, III, Brent W. Smith
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Publication number: 20220224774Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: January 6, 2022Publication date: July 14, 2022Applicant: Level 3 Communications, LLCInventor: Francis Ferguson
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Publication number: 20210344585Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: July 13, 2021Publication date: November 4, 2021Applicant: Level 3 Communications, LLCInventors: Francis Ferguson, Eric Osborne, Clyde David Cooper, III, Brent W. Smith
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Patent number: 11070460Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 17, 2020Date of Patent: July 20, 2021Assignee: Level 3 Communications, LLCInventors: Francis Ferguson, Eric Osborne, Clyde David Cooper, III, Brent W. Smith
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Patent number: 10904138Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 16, 2019Date of Patent: January 26, 2021Assignee: Level 3 Communications, LLCInventors: Darrell Smith, Francis Ferguson
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Patent number: 10749797Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 28, 2019Date of Patent: August 18, 2020Assignee: Level 3 Communications, LLCInventor: Francis Ferguson
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Publication number: 20200220801Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 17, 2020Publication date: July 9, 2020Applicant: Level 3 Communications, LLCInventors: Francis Ferguson, Eric Osborne, Clyde David Cooper, III, Brent W. Smith
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Patent number: 10601699Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 29, 2019Date of Patent: March 24, 2020Assignee: Level 3 Communications, LLCInventors: Francis Ferguson, Eric Osborne, Clyde David Cooper, III, Brent W. Smith
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Publication number: 20190372891Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 16, 2019Publication date: December 5, 2019Applicant: Level 3 Communications, LLCInventors: Darrell SMITH, Francis FERGUSON
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Patent number: 10389621Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 15, 2017Date of Patent: August 20, 2019Assignee: Level 3 Communications, LLCInventors: Darrell Smith, Francis Ferguson
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Publication number: 20190253338Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 29, 2019Publication date: August 15, 2019Inventors: Francis Ferguson, Eric Osborne, Clyde David Cooper, III, Brent W. Smith
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Publication number: 20190158392Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: January 28, 2019Publication date: May 23, 2019Inventor: Francis Ferguson
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Patent number: 10277499Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 7, 2018Date of Patent: April 30, 2019Assignee: Level 3 Communications, LLCInventors: Francis Ferguson, Eric Osborne, Clyde David Cooper, III, Brent W. Smith
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Patent number: 10193800Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 24, 2016Date of Patent: January 29, 2019Assignee: Level 3 Communications, LLCInventor: Francis Ferguson
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Publication number: 20180227212Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 7, 2018Publication date: August 9, 2018Applicant: Level 3 Communications, LLCInventors: Francis Ferguson, Eric Osborne, Clyde David Cooper, III, Brent W. Smith
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Publication number: 20170346722Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 15, 2017Publication date: November 30, 2017Applicant: Level 3 Communications, LLCInventors: Darrell Smith, Francis Ferguson
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Publication number: 20160285755Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 24, 2016Publication date: September 29, 2016Applicant: Level 3 Communications, LLCInventor: Francis Ferguson