Method and system of setting network traffic flow quality of service by modifying port numbers

Abstract

In one exemplary aspect, a method of managing computer network traffic flow quality of service includes the step of configuring a configurable network device to provide a specified quality of service to a data packet with a specified quality of service configuration based on a quality of service classification port number in a data packet header of the data packet. At the source node, a data packet is generated. At the source node, replacing the destination port number in the data packet header with a quality of service classification port number. At the source node, the destination port number is included in an options field of the data packet's header. The data packet is communicated to the configurable network device. At the destination node, receiving the data packet, replacing the quality of service classification port number with the original destination port number, and forwarding the packet to a destination process.

Description

BACKGROUND[0001]1. Field[0002]This application relates generally to computer networking, and more specifically to a system, article of manufacture and method for setting network traffic flow quality of service (QoS) by modifying port numbers.[0003]2. Related Art[0004]Conventional methods of network services provide Quality of Service (QoS). Few non-limiting examples are based on COS values (layer 2 header) or TOS values (layer 3 header). Intermediate switches and routers can be configured to change these fields based on various parameters, a non-limiting example can be looking at the 5-tuple of the packet, 5-tuple consists of source IP, source port, destination IP, destination port, and protocol. Various network attributes such variable bit rate and delivery time may depend on various current states of the network such as the current traffic load.[0005]Deep packet inspection is another non-limiting option to classify the flow and provide QoS. Intermediate devices (e.g. routers and / o...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

This patent describes a method for managing network traffic to ensure good service quality. It involves configuring a network device to provide a specific quality of service to a data packet based on its quality of service classification port number. The source node generates the data packet with the destination port number and replaces it with the quality of service classification port number. The data packet is then sent to the configurable network device. The destination node receives the data packet and replaces the quality of service classification port number with the destination port number. The data packet is then forwarded to the destination process with the destination port number. Overall, this allows for efficient management of network traffic and ensures good service quality.

Problems solved by technology

Intermediate devices (e.g. routers and / or switches) in the network may not be configurable to efficiently inspect the deeper layers of the data packets and provide QoS or priority according to their contents.

Moreover, in-line deep packet inspection can increase networking latency, decrease throughput and reduce QoS.

Hence, this may require a customized software loaded on these intermediate devices, which is not very common.

Thus, conventional attempts to provide a QoS level based on current methods of inspecting data packet headers can be problematic.

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