METHOD AND SYSTEM TO TRANSMIT AND RECEIVE DATA PACKETS THROUGH AT LEAST ONE END-TO-END CONNECTION

Abstract

A method and system for transmitting and receiving data packets between two network nodes via one or more end-to-end connections. An interface is provided for selecting one or more possible end-to-end connection(s) or established end-to-end connection(s). The method and system may further comprise receiving a policy, wherein one or more selected end-to-end connections are established based, at least in part, on the policy. The policy may also restrict or promote selection of certain established end-to-end connection(s) via the interface provided. The selected and established end-to-end connection(s) are used for transmitting and receiving data packets.

Claims

1. A method for transmitting and receiving data packets between a first network node and a second network node, comprising: determining the number of possible end-to-end connections between the first network node and the second network node; providing an interface for selecting at least one possible end-to-end connection; receiving selection information; establishing at least one end-to-end connection based on in part the selection information received; transmitting and receiving the data packets through the at least one end-to-end connection established.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising receiving a policy, wherein the at least one end-to-end connection is established based on, in part, the policy received.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein the policy is based, at least in part, on one of (i) time, (ii) expiration, (iii) location, (iv) network protocol, (v) user, (vi) application.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the possible end-to-end connections are represented by pairs of network interfaces and each pair of network interfaces comprises one network interface from the first network node and one network interface from the second network node.

5. The method of claim 1, further comprising: providing recommendation.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the interface is a user interface (UI).

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the interface is an application programming interface (API).

8. A method for transmitting and receiving data packets between a first network node and a second network node, wherein the first network node and the second network node are connected through a plurality of end-to-end connections, comprising: providing an interface for selecting at least one end-to-end connection; receiving selection information; transmitting and receiving the data packets through the selected at least one end-to-end connection.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein the at least one end-to-end connection is established based on, in part, a policy.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the policy is based, at least in part, on one of (i) time, (ii) expiration, (iii) location, (iv) network protocol, (v) user, (vi) application.

11. A system for transmitting and receiving data packets at a first network node, wherein the first network node comprising: at least one processing unit; at least one first computer readable storage medium; a plurality of network interface; and at least one second computer readable storage medium storing program instructions executable by the at least one processing unit for: determining the number of possible end-to-end connections between the first network node and a second network node; providing an interface for selecting at least one possible end-to-end connection; receiving selection information; establishing at least one end-to-end connection based on in part the received selection information; transmitting and receiving the data packets through the established at least one end-to-end connection.

12. The system of claim 11, wherein the second computer readable storage medium further stores program instructions for receiving a policy, wherein the at least one end-to-end connection is established based on, in part, the policy received.

13. The system of claim 12, wherein the policy is based, at least in part, on one of (i) time, (ii) expiration, (iii) location, (iv) network protocol, (v) user, (vi) application.

14. The system of claim 11, wherein the possible end-to-end connections are represented by pairs of network interfaces and each pair of network interfaces comprises one network interface from the first network node and one network interface from the second network node.

15. The system of claim 11, wherein the second computer readable storage medium further stores program instructions for providing recommendation.

16. The system of claim 11, wherein the interface is a user interface (UI).

17. The system of claim 11, wherein the interface is an application programming interface (API).

18. A system for receiving and transmitting data packets at a first network node, wherein the first network node and a second network node are connected through a plurality of end-to-end connections, the first network node comprising methods for: providing an interface for selecting at least one end-to-end connection; receiving selection information; transmitting and receiving the data packets through the selected at least one end-to-end connection.

19. The system of claim 18, wherein the at least one end-to-end connection is established based on, in part, a policy.

20. The system of claim 19, wherein the policy is based, at least in part, on one of (i) time, (ii) expiration, (iii) location, (iv) network protocol, (v) user, (vi) application.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0052] For a more complete understanding of the present invention. Reference is now made to the following descriptions taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing, in which:

[0053] FIG. 1 is a network diagram illustrating end-to-end connections in a network environment according to one of the embodiments of the present invention;

[0054] FIG. 2 illustrates a table representing six end-to-end connections;

[0055] FIG. 3 illustrates a process for selecting one or more end-to-end connections according to one of the embodiments;

[0056] FIG. 4 a process for selecting one or more end-to-end connections according to one of the embodiments;

[0057] FIG. 5 is an illustration of a back-panel of a gateway according to one of the embodiments of the present invention;

[0058] FIG. 6 illustrates a user interface for selecting end-to-end connections according to one of the embodiments of the present invention;

[0059] FIG. 7 is an illustrative block diagram of a gateway according to one of the embodiments of the present invention.