Abstract: Systems and methods are described that manage routing information in an IP network using extensible indexing and use the indexing to control the network. The indexing and associated controls apply to any router within the routing domain.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described that manage routing information in an IP network using extensible indexing and use the indexing to control the network. The indexing and associated controls apply to any router within the routing domain.

Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments comprise a method, which can comprise providing a preferred route for a predetermined block of traffic to a router. The predetermined block of traffic can be destined for a predetermined destination. The predetermined destination can be coupled to a network via a plurality of routers. The preferred route can be adapted to override an initial route.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for optimally routing a data packet through multiple autonomous networks. A data packet received at an ingress node of a first autonomous network is routed to an egress node of a second autonomous network by selecting an optimal route based on the lowest latency using internal gateway protocol (IGP) routing information of the first and second autonomous networks, which is distributed to nodes of the first and second autonomous network. The data packet is then transmitted along the selected optimal route.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing traffic management for distributed denial of service (DDOS) traffic. Within a communications network, a DDOS detection system monitors network traffic to identify traffic that is designed to attack a particular server within the network and their entry points into the network. A traffic routing control unit is requested to deny service to the DDOS traffic. By selectively manipulating the routing information propagated to network edge routers, the traffic that is denied service is limited to mostly DDOS traffic and is routed to a cleaning center or a null address in the most effective fashion.

Abstract: The invention comprises a method and apparatus for managing route selection in a network. Specifically, the method comprises receiving a set of routes from each of a plurality of routers, filtering each of the sets of routes, and selecting at least one route from each of the filtered sets of routes according to routing information associated with each of the respective routers.

Abstract: A method of selling and delivering a product includes distributing a product card, which includes product and card information, storing the product and card information in a computer system, collecting revenue from a purchaser of the card, and activating the card when the card is purchased so that the card can be redeemed. The product and card information and delivery information are received from the redeemer of the card and input into the computer system. Thereafter, the product associated with the product information is delivered to a location associated with the delivery information.