Abstract: A method for providing domain name services of heterogeneous transport networks is provided. Internet Protocol (“IP”) address information, in addition to Domain Name Service (“DNS”) name information is ascertained for a given host. Non-IP information for the host, corresponding to non-IP connections, are also ascertained. The DNS name and at least one IP address, in addition to the non-IP information, are utilized to form a DNS record entry for a DNS database. The DNS record entry, once constructed and recorded into the DNS database, stores both IP and non-IP information about the given host. The DNS database can then be queried by an additional host using only a DNS name, in order to retrieve both IP and non-IP address information. Both the IP and non-IP address information, once resolved and returned to the additional host, can be utilized to effectuate both IP and non-IP connections between hosts.

Abstract: Protection switching of a virtual private network is provided whereby working VPN paths and protection VPN paths are defined. The working VPN path is monitored for increased data traffic and failures, and in response, data is switched from the working VPN path to the protection VPN path. The working VPN path is monitored for a return to proper functioning and normal data conditions, and data is then switched back from the protection VPN path to the working VPN path. Additionally, data capacity is managed through virtual bandwidth classes, and different classes of qualities of service are provided.

Abstract: A generic quality of service (“G-QoS”) protocol and architecture for applications executing in multiple transport protocol environments is provided. G-QoS negotiators establish a QoS level for user applications by communicating over a network and exchanging network and application data via a G-QoS protocol that can be implemented using out-of-band ICMP messages. A Dynamic Profile Management Algorithm (“DPMA”) allows the G-QoS negotiators to negotiate, establish, and maintain the desired QoS level between the user applications by providing real-time monitoring of application parameters including bandwith, buffer, and cache status information of the communicating client and server. A G-QoS applications programmer interface (“API”) allows network administrators to easily monitor and maintain the overall G-QoS architecture of the present invention. The G-QoS negotiators, G-QoS protocol, and DPMA form a generic QoS architecture that provides guaranteed QoS for user applications.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for ensuring end-to-end QoS for user applications operating in multi-transport protocol environments while using PVC or SVC connection management procedures. A user application at a workstation having specific QoS requirements can selectively connect to one of a plurality of servers having varying QoS profiles, regardless of the transport protocols used in the underlying network. The user application initiates a session with a first QoS negotiator and a first QoS selector. The first QoS negotiator queries a second QoS negotiator for the QoS profile of a connected server. The second QoS negotiator, in conjunction with a second QoS selector, notifies the server of the address of the second QoS negotiator. The second QoS negotiator, in conjunction with the second QoS selector, sends a response to the first QoS negotiator and the first QoS selector indicating QoS profile and connection information of the server.