BGP Traffic Segregation via SCTP for Control Priority

The patent segments BGP traffic into two distinct types: control traffic and update traffic. This segmentation allows control traffic to be prioritized separately from update traffic, solving the problem of unable to prioritize control traffic in conventional TCP streams. The segmentation is implemented through separate queues and priority handling mechanisms that treat control traffic differently from bulk update traffic.

The patent changes the parameter of traffic classification by introducing traffic type identification that distinguishes between control and update traffic. This parameter change enables the system to apply different priority levels and handling mechanisms to different traffic types, overcoming the limitation of conventional TCP prioritization that treats all traffic in a stream equally.

The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism in the form of a traffic classifier and priority handler that sits between the BGP application layer and the transport layer. This intermediary segments traffic, identifies control versus update traffic, and applies appropriate priority markings without requiring fundamental changes to the underlying TCP protocol, thus achieving prioritization with moderate complexity increase.

The patent creates a multi-functional transport mechanism that can handle both conventional TCP traffic and prioritized BGP traffic through the same infrastructure. The solution provides universal handling by implementing priority queues and traffic classification that work with existing TCP while adding prioritization capabilities, avoiding the need for completely new protocol implementations.