Abstract: A method and apparatus can direct packets from a first network to a second network, e.g., a backbone network. Packets of the first network follow a predetermined protocol employing global addressing. Packets of the first network have a source identification code, a destination code, and a service code. The second network offers the benefit of one of a plurality of service classes. A host (in some case in cooperation with a gateway) can (a) originate at least some of the packets and set the source identification code, the destination code, and the service code for the packets, and (b) send the packets from the host on at least one hop consistent with the destination code. An edge router can transfer the packets to the second network offering the benefit of one or more service classes. The edge router has an input device and an output device. The input device can extract from the packets the source identification code and the service code.

Abstract: A method and apparatus can direct packets from a first network to a second network, e.g., a backbone network. Packets of the first network follow a predetermined protocol employing global addressing. Packets of the first network have a source identification code, a destination code, and a service code. The second network offers the benefit of one of a plurality of service classes. A host (in some case in cooperation with a gateway) can (a) originate at least some of the packets and set the source identification code, the destination code, and the service code for the packets, and (b) send the packets from the host on at least one hop consistent with the destination code. An edge router can transfer the packets to the second network offering the benefit of one or more service classes. The edge router has an input device and an output device. The input device can extract from the packets the source identification code and the service code.