Patents by Inventor Gary Ratterree
Gary Ratterree 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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Patent number: 11012153Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices are disclosed for monitoring optical communications between a managed location and a remote location. In particular, an optical signal is transmitted over an optical fiber and passed-through a test device. A portion of the optical signal is filtered from the original optical signal and passed to a monitoring unit. The monitoring unit may instruct one or more switches in the test device to loop the optical signal back toward the managed location. Subsequently, testing and monitoring may be performed at the managed location. The device may provide a test output or may transmit the information to the managed location.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2018Date of Patent: May 18, 2021Assignee: Level 3 Communications, LLCInventors: Jeffrey K. Storey, John F. Waters, Andrew Dugan, Salvador Paredes, Gary Ratterree
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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
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Publication number: 20200350987Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices are disclosed for monitoring optical communications between a managed location and a remote location. In particular, an optical signal is transmitted over an optical fiber and passed-through a test device. A portion of the optical signal is filtered from the original optical signal and passed to a monitoring unit. The monitoring unit may instruct one or more switches in the test device to loop the optical signal back toward the managed location. Subsequently, testing and monitoring may be performed at the managed location. The device may provide a test output or may transmit the information to the managed location.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 25, 2018Publication date: November 5, 2020Applicant: Level 3 Communications, LLCInventors: Jeffrey K. Storey, John F. Waters, Andrew Dugan, Salvador Paredes, Gary Ratterree
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Publication number: 20200099445Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices are disclosed for monitoring optical communications between a managed location and a remote location. In particular, an optical signal is transmitted over an optical fiber and passed-through a test device. A portion of the optical signal is filtered from the original optical signal and passed to a monitoring unit. The monitoring unit may instruct one or more switches in the test device to loop the optical signal back toward the managed location. Subsequently, testing and monitoring may be performed at the managed location. The device may provide a test output or may transmit the information to the managed location.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 25, 2018Publication date: March 26, 2020Applicant: Level 3 Communications, LLCInventors: Jeffrey K. Storey, John F. Waters, Andrew Dugan, Salvador Paredes, Gary Ratterree
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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
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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
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Patent number: 10084539Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices are disclosed for monitoring optical communications between a managed location and a remote location. In particular, an optical signal is transmitted over an optical fiber and passed-through a test device. A portion of the optical signal is filtered from the original optical signal and passed to a monitoring unit. The monitoring unit may instruct one or more switches in the test device to loop the optical signal back toward the managed location. Subsequently, testing and monitoring may be performed at the managed location. The device may provide a test output or may transmit the information to the managed location.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2017Date of Patent: September 25, 2018Assignee: Level 3 Communications, LLCInventors: Jeffrey K. Storey, John F. Waters, Andrew Dugan, Salvador Parades, Gary Ratterree
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Patent number: 10038629Abstract: Various techniques for migrating virtual entities via a label based underlay network is disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a method includes receiving packets associated with migrating a virtual machine from an originating network node of the underlay network to a target network node of the underlay network. The received packets individually include a label associated with a network path from the originating network node to the target network node in the underlay network. In response to receiving the packets, the method includes examining the labels of the packets to determine the network paths associated the labels and forwarding the packets following the determined network paths in the underlay network.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 2014Date of Patent: July 31, 2018Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLCInventors: Luyuan Fang, Fabio Chiussi, Vijay Gill, Deepak Bansal, Jeff Cox, Nasser Elaawar, Gary Ratterree
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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
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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
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Patent number: 9722694Abstract: Various techniques for managing communications backup for computer networks are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a method includes detecting an abnormal operating condition at a primary network node, the primary network node being coupled to a computing device via a first optical connection between an optical switch and the primary network node. In response to the detected abnormal operation condition, the method includes prompting the optical switch to switch from the first optical connection to a second optical connection between the optical switch and a standby network node. The method further includes instructing the standby network node to facilitate communications with the computing device based on the replicated network configuration.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2015Date of Patent: August 1, 2017Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLCInventors: Gary Ratterree, Jeff Cox, Gerald Degrace
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Patent number: 9673896Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices are disclosed for monitoring optical communications between a managed location and a remote location. In particular, an optical signal is transmitted over an optical fiber and passed-through a test device. A portion of the optical signal is filtered from the original optical signal and passed to a monitoring unit. The monitoring unit may instruct one or more switches in the test device to loop the optical signal back toward the managed location. Subsequently, testing and monitoring may be performed at the managed location. The device may provide a test output or may transmit the information to the managed location.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2016Date of Patent: June 6, 2017Assignee: Level 3 Communications, LLCInventors: Jeffrey K. Storey, John F. Waters, Andrew Dugan, Salvador Paredes, Gary Ratterree
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Publication number: 20170078015Abstract: Various techniques for managing communications backup for computer networks are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a method includes detecting an abnormal operating condition at a primary network node, the primary network node being coupled to a computing device via a first optical connection between an optical switch and the primary network node. In response to the detected abnormal operation condition, the method includes prompting the optical switch to switch from the first optical connection to a second optical connection between the optical switch and a standby network node. The method further includes instructing the standby network node to facilitate communications with the computing device based on the replicated network configuration.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 11, 2015Publication date: March 16, 2017Inventors: Gary Ratterree, Jeff Cox, Gerald Degrace
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Patent number: 9584219Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices are disclosed for monitoring optical communications between a managed location and a remote location. In particular, an optical signal is transmitted over an optical fiber and passed-through a test device. A portion of the optical signal is filtered from the original optical signal and passed to a monitoring unit. The monitoring unit may instruct one or more switches in the test device to loop the optical signal back toward the managed location. Subsequently, testing and monitoring may be performed at the managed location. The device may provide a test output or may transmit the information to the managed location.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2015Date of Patent: February 28, 2017Assignee: LEVEL 3 COMMUNICATIONS, LLCInventors: Jeffrey Kendall Storey, John F. Waters, Andrew Dugan, Salvador Paredes, Gary Ratterree
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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
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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
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Publication number: 20160380695Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices are disclosed for monitoring optical communications between a managed location and a remote location. In particular, an optical signal is transmitted over an optical fiber and passed-through a test device. A portion of the optical signal is filtered from the original optical signal and passed to a monitoring unit. The monitoring unit may instruct one or more switches in the test device to loop the optical signal back toward the managed location. Subsequently, testing and monitoring may be performed at the managed location. The device may provide a test output or may transmit the information to the managed location.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 12, 2016Publication date: December 29, 2016Applicant: Level 3 Communications, LLCInventors: Jeffrey K. Storey, John F. Waters, Andrew Dugan, Salvador Paredes, Gary Ratterree
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Publication number: 20160117185Abstract: Various techniques for migrating virtual entities via a label based underlay network is disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a method includes receiving packets associated with migrating a virtual machine from an originating network node of the underlay network to a target network node of the underlay network. The received packets individually include a label associated with a network path from the originating network node to the target network node in the underlay network. In response to receiving the packets, the method includes examining the labels of the packets to determine the network paths associated the labels and forwarding the packets following the determined network paths in the underlay network.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 28, 2014Publication date: April 28, 2016Inventors: Luyuan Fang, Fabio Chiussi, Vijay Gill, Deepak Bansal, Jeff Cox, Nasser Elaawar, Gary Ratterree
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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
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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