Abstract: A method and a system for improving communication performance between nodes in a network is disclosed. In one embodiment, the system includes routers, switches, and a communication interface. The communication interface detects a communication flow between a source and a destination in response to a flow criteria. Upon detecting the communication flow, the communication interface issues a resolution request for identifying data path. After receipt of a response to the resolution request, multiple connections between switches are established in response to levels of quality of service (QoS).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing the amount of control plane processing and flow detection required in a Multiprotocol Over ATM (MPOA) system are provided. According to one aspect of the present invention, flow detection processing may be altered based upon a packet's content. A first MPOA client (MPC) may include a plurality of flow detection mechanisms including standard MPOA processing and modified flow detection processing. For example, a flow may be determined to exist when the number of packets to a particular destination within a predetermined time interval exceeds a threshold value. Alternatively, a flow may be determined to exist immediately for certain types of traffic and detection of a flow may be suppressed for other types of traffic. Upon receipt at a first MPC, traffic may be classified based upon any information contained within a packet, including the header, the payload, or portions and/or combinations thereof.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for more precise controlling of congestion on a network, provides for remote controlling of a remote station on the network by a local station to configure the remote station into a remote loopback configuration. With the remote station thus configured, the local station is then able to determine the link latency of the link, during auto-negotiation, for example. Provided with the link latency, a congestion control algorithm in the local station may be adjusted to account for the link latency to better control the input data streams by controlling when the congestion relieving control signal, such as a PAUSE frame, is transmitted to the remote station to inhibit transmission and relieve congestion.