Abstract: A method, apparatus, computer product and structure is presented for representing and managing large amounts of information concerning networks of elements. While being useful for communication networks, it can be also usefully deployed in the context of other networks such as distribution and transportation networks. The method uses a hierarchical construct called “catalog”—a set of elements (which could be “atomic” elements or catalogs themselves)—to organize information about physical or abstract entities relevant for modeling the network. A matrix construct whose rows and columns constitute such elements are used to model connections at different levels of abstraction. A common framework and representation provided using these two constructs is shown to be useful for visualization, administration, configuration, modeling, monitoring and manipulation of the network.

Abstract: A method of controlling packet traffic in an IP network of originating, receiving and intermediate nodes to meet performance objectives established by service level agreements. Traffic statistics and performance data such as delay and loss rates relating to traffic flows are collected at intermediate nodes. A control server processes the collected data to determines data flow rates for different priorities of traffic. A static directory node is used to look up inter-node connections and determine initial traffic classes corresponding to those connections. The rates are combined with the initial traffic classes to define codes for encoding the headers of packets to determine their network priority.

Abstract: A method of providing a rate guarantee to individual or groups of flows in a router through intelligent management of buffers. Rate guarantees are provided by intelligently allocating and isolating the buffers available to each flow. In its most basic form, the method applies to output queued network devices with a simple FIFO scheduler, where a number of streams some with rate reservations are sought to be multiplexed onto an outgoing link. The method involves strictly partitioning the buffer into portions strictly reserved for each flow in proportion to its link reservation. This ensures that each stream obtains the link reservation rate in a scalable manner. A particular embodiment of the invention allow for a portion of the buffer to be strictly partitioned while allowing streams full access to the remainder of the buffer.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus for controlling client node access to data items maintained in a storage device. The data items include volatile data items. The apparatus comprises a communication device for communicating with multiple client nodes; and a processor, coupled to the storage device for polling the client nodes to exchange (e.g., retrieve and/or transmit) data related to the volatile data items, via the communication device. The processing system further controls client node access to the data items of the storage device. In this way, the apparatus and method of the present invention remedies the problems associated with directory server overload.

Abstract: The present invention is a directory server for monitoring network access requests, which includes a storage device for storing data items and an identifier associated with a monitoring node for at least a selected data item of the data items; a communication device for transmitting signals to the monitoring node; and a processing device, coupled to the storage device and the communication device. The processing device receives a network access request for the selected data item and, responsive to receipt of the request, automatically transmits a signal notifying the monitoring node of the request via the communication device, thereby enabling the monitoring node, e.g., a third party, to enforce traffic class priorities and access characteristics of the network.