Abstract: A method and apparatus for hierarchical redundancy for a distributed control plane. In one embodiment of the invention, control plane processes are distributed among a plurality of processing entities including an active primary control processing entity and multiple secondary processing entities. Each of the secondary processing entities performs a dual role; an active role and a standby role. An application redundancy manager (ARM) instantiated on the active primary control processing entity manages the redundancy services for the secondary processing entities. For each secondary processing entity, the ARM selects one of the secondary processing entities to act as a backup for another one of the secondary processing entities. Upon a failure of one of the secondary processing entities, the ARM causes the secondary processing entity backing up the failed secondary processing entity to transition its standby role to an active role regarding the services provided by the failed secondary processing entity.

Abstract: A method for managing a plurality of subscriber sessions tied to mobile devices in a router, each subscriber session of the plurality of subscriber sessions assigned to a line card in the router, the line card implementing a data plane entity and a control card implementing a control plane entity, the method comprising: redistributing each subscriber session in the plurality of subscriber sessions assigned to a failed line card in the router to minimize packets lost and maximize subscriber session retention, redistributing including classifying each subscriber session in the plurality of subscriber sessions into a plurality of priority queues, in response to detection of the failed line card, transferring each subscriber session in the plurality of subscriber sessions assigned to the failed line card to one of a plurality of operating line cards in priority queue order.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a distributed control plane. In one embodiment of the invention, a primary control card distributes control plane process instances among one or more secondary cards, including a secondary control card and/or one or more Advanced Service Engine (ASE) cards. The primary control card associates particular control messages with particular control plane process instances. Upon a line card receiving a control message that is associated with a particular control plane instance, the line card forwards the control message directly to that particular control plane instance.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a distributed control plane. In one embodiment of the invention, a primary control card distributes control plane process instances among one or more secondary cards, including a secondary control card and/or one or more Advanced Service Engine (ASE) cards. The primary control card associates particular control messages with particular control plane process instances. Upon a line card receiving a control message that is associated with a particular control plane instance, the line card forwards the control message directly to that particular control plane instance.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for hierarchical redundancy for a distributed control plane. In one embodiment of the invention, control plane processes are distributed among a plurality of processing entities including an active primary control processing entity and multiple secondary processing entities. Each of the secondary processing entities performs a dual role; an active role and a standby role. An application redundancy manager (ARM) instantiated on the active primary control processing entity manages the redundancy services for the secondary processing entities. For each secondary processing entity, the ARM selects one of the secondary processing entities to act as a backup for another one of the secondary processing entities. Upon a failure of one of the secondary processing entities, the ARM causes the secondary processing entity backing up the failed secondary processing entity to transition its standby role to an active role regarding the services provided by the failed secondary processing entity.

Abstract: Techniques for security association management on a home agent and a foreign agent are described herein. In one embodiment, in response to a first mobile network registration request from a mobile node, a remote authentication facility is accessed to retrieve a security association for the mobile node for authenticating and providing a first network connectivity to the mobile node, wherein the security association is associated with a lifespan. The security association is inserted in a local security association database to create a security association entry, wherein the security association entry includes the lifespan.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for maintaining access point names (APNs) at a centralized location for distribution to gateway nodes are disclosed. According to one aspect of the present invention, a method for maintaining service profile information includes receiving the service profile information from a server arrangement that is substantially external to a node. The server arrangement and the node are associated with a network that supports a general packet radio service (GPRS) protocol. The method also includes storing the service profile information in a memory of the node.

Abstract: A method for executing authentication in a network environment is provided that includes retrieving a group profile from an authentication, authorization, and accounting (AAA) server in response to receiving a request from a first end user and locally caching the group profile. A service may be provided to the first end user based on information included within the group profile and associated with the first end user. A request may be received from a second end user. It is then determined if the second end user is included within the group profile such that in cases where the second end user is included in the group profile the group profile can be locally cached in order to provide a service to the second end user without having to communicate with the AAA server.