Virtual Networks for Customizable Traffic Treatments

Abstract

Selective treatments are needed for different types of traffic and different user groups, even in the Internet. Virtual networks can help to partition physical network resources, where the resulting partitions may implement their own, independent control and processing mechanisms. This allows for customizable traffic treatment that is not available in either Integrated Services or Differentiated Services. This paper describes a networking strategy incorporating intelligent routers that implements the gateway between the end-user and the core (virtual) network. Intelligent routers classify end-user traffic and assign it to virtual networks provided by the core network, according to a programmable policy. Furthermore, an intelligent router may process transmitted data, according to QoS needs of the application and the core network’s resource allocation, as well as in support of higher-level application functionality. Open, CORBA-based interfaces allow for control of the intelligent router, including dynamic download of code which is used to extend the router’s functionality on the fly, as new applications or user requirements need to be supported.