Microsoft patents network backup that switches data routes automatically
Microsoft describes a method for sending data between two points using two separate routes through a network. The system monitors the speed and health of the primary route and automatically switches the data to a backup route if performance drops.
In the filing’s own words
A first logical link path and a second logical link path between two endpoints are identified. The first logical link path and the second logical link path comprise an OSI layer 5 link path from source to destination including intermediate network devices. The first logical link path and the second logical link paths include at least a different intermediate network device. A communications session is established between the two endpoints. Data packets for the communications session are communicated using the first logical link path. A metric indicative of a time of receipt of packets on the first logical link path is determined. Based on the metric, presence of a network condition at the communications network that is indicative of a performance degradation of the first logical link path is determined. In response, data packets for the communications session are communicated on the second logical link path.
What exactly they claim (claim 1)
1. A method for sending data over a communications network comprising a plurality of network devices, the method comprising: selecting a first logical link path and a second logical link path between a first endpoint and a second endpoint of the communications network, wherein the first logical link path and the second logical link path each comprise an International Organization for Standardization (OSI) layer 5 logical link path from the first endpoint to the second endpoint including a respective intermediate network device of the plurality of network devices, and wherein the respective intermediate network device for the first logical link path is different than the respective intermediate network device for the second logical link path, and wherein the first logical link path and the second logical link path are active OSI layer 5 session links that have been established between the first endpoint and the second endpoint; establishing a communications session between the first endpoint and second endpoint using the first logical link path; and based on a metric indicative of health of the first logical link path, continuing the communications session using the second logical link path.
Facts
- Company
- Microsoft (MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING, LLC)
- Official title
- Logical link redundant paths
- Patent number
- US12764059B2
- Application number
- 18773511
- Filed
- Jul 15, 2024
- Granted
- Oct 13, 2026
- Inventors
- 1
- Claims
- 20
Classified under
H04L 45/24 Electricity & electronicsH04L 43/0817 Electricity & electronicsH04L 45/123 Electricity & electronicsMore from Microsoft in Networks & wireless
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Summaries are simplified from the filing’s own abstract and first claim. A patent filing is not a product announcement.
Patent data and drawings: U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Nebula is not affiliated with or endorsed by the USPTO.