{"schema_version":"1.0","canonical_url":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9853870","patent":{"patent_number":"US-9853870","title":"Controller supported service maps within a federation of forwarding boxes","assignee":null,"inventors":[],"filing_date":"2015-03-31T00:00:00.000Z","publication_date":"2017-12-26T00:00:00.000Z","cpc_codes":["H04L","H04L","H04L"],"num_claims":20,"abstract":"A controller network device, in a network control layer of a service provider network, receives one or more parameters for providing particular services over a service provider network and provides, to a forwarding network device in a network resources layer of the service provider network, a capabilities query. The capabilities query includes a feature type identifier for a feature required to support the parameters. The controller network device receives, from the forwarding network device, a response to the capabilities query, wherein a format for the response is one of a binary response format, a conditional response format, or a value response format. The controller network device compiles the response with responses from other forwarding network devices to define a network map for supporting the particular services."},"analysis":{"summary":"Controller Supported Service Maps Within a Federation of Forwarding Boxes introduces a dynamic approach to network management. This patent addresses the challenge of efficiently delivering services across a service provider network by enabling a controller network device to dynamically map network resources. The core innovation lies in the controller's ability to query forwarding network devices for their capabilities and then compile these responses into a network map that optimizes service delivery.\n\nThe problem being solved is the inefficiency and inflexibility of traditional network management systems. Static configurations and limited visibility into network resources often lead to congestion, poor service quality, and wasted resources. This technology offers a more adaptive and responsive solution.\n\nThe key technical approach involves a controller network device in the network control layer interacting with forwarding network devices in the network resources layer. The controller sends capabilities queries to the forwarding devices, which respond with information about their supported features. The controller then compiles these responses into a network map, which is used to make informed decisions about routing traffic and allocating resources. The responses can be formatted in binary, conditional, or value formats, allowing for efficient communication of capabilities information.\n\nThe business value and applications of this technology are significant. By enabling more efficient resource utilization, it can lead to cost savings for service providers. It can also improve service quality and reduce latency, enhancing the user experience. The dynamic nature of the system makes it well-suited for emerging network technologies such as software-defined networking (SDN) and network functions virtualization (NFV).\n\nThe market opportunity for this technology is substantial. As service providers continue to face increasing demands for bandwidth and low latency, the need for dynamic and efficient network management solutions will only grow. This patent offers a compelling solution for addressing these challenges and positions itself as a key enabler for the next generation of network services.","layman_explanation":"Controller Supported Service Maps Within a Federation of Forwarding Boxes addresses the challenge of efficiently managing network resources in today's complex and demanding network environments. It provides a way for service providers to optimize the delivery of services to their customers, improving performance and reducing costs.\n\n**1. What Problem Does This Solve?**\n\nImagine a highway system where traffic is managed statically. Some roads are always congested, while others are underutilized. This is similar to how traditional networks operate. They often rely on static configurations that don't adapt to changing traffic patterns or resource availability. This can lead to congestion, poor service quality, and wasted resources. Controller Supported Service Maps Within a Federation of Forwarding Boxes solves this problem by providing a dynamic and adaptive approach to network management. It allows service providers to optimize the use of their network resources in real-time, improving performance and reducing costs.\n\n**2. How Does It Work?**\n\nThis technology works by creating a dynamic map of network resources. Think of it like a GPS for your network. A central controller queries all the different parts of the network (the “forwarding boxes”) to find out what they are capable of. Are they fast? Are they reliable? Can they handle a lot of traffic? The controller then compiles this information into a map that shows the capabilities of each part of the network. When a customer requests a service, the controller uses this map to determine the best way to deliver that service. It routes the traffic through the parts of the network that are best suited to handle it, avoiding congestion and ensuring optimal performance. It’s like the GPS finding the fastest route to your destination, avoiding traffic jams.\n\n**3. Why Does This Matter?**\n\nThis technology matters because it can significantly improve the performance and efficiency of networks. It can reduce congestion, improve service quality, and lower costs for service providers. It also enables new business models, such as on-demand bandwidth and customized network solutions. For example, a service provider could use this technology to offer a premium service that guarantees a certain level of performance. This would be valuable for businesses that rely on high-bandwidth applications, such as video conferencing or cloud computing. The market impact is substantial, as it allows for better utilization of existing infrastructure and more reliable service delivery.\n\n**4. What's Next?**\n\nThe future applications of this technology are promising. As networks become even more complex and demanding, the need for dynamic and adaptive network management solutions will only grow. This technology is well-positioned to meet this need. We can expect to see further development and refinement of the technology, as well as wider adoption by service providers. The market adoption timeline is likely to be gradual, as service providers need to integrate the technology into their existing networks. However, the potential benefits are significant, making it a worthwhile investment.","technical_analysis":"Controller Supported Service Maps Within a Federation of Forwarding Boxes presents a novel architecture for dynamic network management. At its core, this patent outlines a system where a controller network device actively queries forwarding network devices to build a real-time map of available resources and capabilities. This approach contrasts sharply with traditional static network configurations, offering significant advantages in adaptability and efficiency.\n\nThe technical architecture centers around two primary components: the controller network device and the forwarding network devices. The controller, situated in the network control layer, initiates the process by sending capabilities queries. These queries are designed to elicit information about the features and capacities of each forwarding device.\n\nThe implementation details are crucial to understanding the system's effectiveness. The patent specifies that responses from the forwarding devices can be formatted in one of three ways: binary, conditional, or value. Binary responses provide a simple yes/no indication of feature support. Conditional responses offer more nuanced information, such as the conditions under which a feature is available. Value responses provide quantitative data about a device's capabilities, such as its maximum bandwidth.\n\nThe algorithm used by the controller to compile the responses into a network map is a critical aspect of the invention. While the patent does not explicitly detail the algorithm, it implies a process of aggregating and prioritizing resources based on their capabilities and availability. This likely involves complex calculations to determine the optimal routing paths and resource allocations for different service types.\n\nThe integration patterns for this technology are also noteworthy. The system is designed to be compatible with existing network infrastructure, allowing service providers to gradually adopt the technology without requiring a complete overhaul of their networks. This is facilitated by the use of standardized communication protocols and data formats.\n\nFrom a performance perspective, this technology offers the potential for significant improvements in network efficiency. By dynamically mapping resources and optimizing service delivery, it can reduce congestion, improve latency, and increase overall throughput. However, the performance characteristics of the system will depend on the specific implementation and the characteristics of the underlying network.\n\nThe code-level implications of this patent are significant. Implementing the controller network device and the forwarding network devices would require careful attention to detail and a deep understanding of network protocols and data structures. The use of efficient algorithms and data structures is essential for ensuring scalability and performance.\n\nIn summary, Controller Supported Service Maps Within a Federation of Forwarding Boxes offers a compelling technical solution for dynamic network management. Its architecture, implementation details, and integration patterns are well-suited for addressing the challenges of modern network environments. The potential performance improvements and cost savings make it a valuable asset for service providers looking to optimize their infrastructure.","business_analysis":"Controller Supported Service Maps Within a Federation of Forwarding Boxes addresses a critical need in the telecommunications and networking industries: the efficient and dynamic management of network resources. As networks become increasingly complex and demand for bandwidth continues to grow, traditional static network management systems are struggling to keep up. This patent offers a solution that can significantly improve network performance, reduce costs, and enable new business models.\n\nThe market opportunity for this technology is substantial. The global network management market is estimated to be worth billions of dollars, and it is growing rapidly. Service providers are under constant pressure to improve network performance, reduce costs, and offer new services. This patent provides a compelling solution for addressing these challenges.\n\nThe competitive advantages of this technology are clear. Traditional network management systems are often inflexible and require manual configuration. This patent offers a dynamic and automated approach that can adapt to changing network conditions in real-time. This can lead to significant improvements in network performance and efficiency.\n\nThe revenue potential for this technology is significant. Service providers can use it to improve network performance and reduce costs, leading to increased profitability. They can also use it to offer new services, such as on-demand bandwidth and customized network solutions. This can open up new revenue streams and increase customer loyalty.\n\nThere are several viable business models for this technology. It can be licensed to service providers, sold as a software product, or offered as a managed service. Each of these models has its own advantages and disadvantages, and the optimal choice will depend on the specific circumstances of the company offering the technology.\n\nThe strategic positioning of this technology is also important. It can be positioned as a key enabler for software-defined networking (SDN) and network functions virtualization (NFV). These technologies are transforming the networking industry, and this patent offers a valuable tool for implementing them effectively.\n\nThe ROI projections for this technology are attractive. Service providers can expect to see significant improvements in network performance, reduced costs, and increased revenue. The exact ROI will depend on the specific implementation and the characteristics of the underlying network, but it is likely to be substantial.\n\nIn conclusion, Controller Supported Service Maps Within a Federation of Forwarding Boxes offers a compelling business opportunity. Its market opportunity, competitive advantages, revenue potential, and strategic positioning make it a valuable asset for companies in the telecommunications and networking industries. The ROI projections are attractive, and the technology is well-suited for addressing the challenges of modern network environments.","faqs":null,"topics":[],"tech_cluster":null},"seo":{"title":"Controller Supported Service Maps - Patent US-9853870","description":"Discover how Controller Supported Service Maps dynamically optimize networks. Full patent analysis, claims, and technical details. Improve network performance today!","keywords":[]},"attribution":{"source":"Patentable","source_url":"https://patentable.app","canonical_url":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9853870","license":"CC-BY-4.0-like","license_terms":"AI-generated analysis on this page (summary, layman_explanation, technical_analysis, business_analysis, faqs) may be reused with attribution and a visible link back to the canonical URL above. Patent abstracts, claims, and bibliographic data are USPTO public domain.","required_link":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9853870","citation_suggestion":"Patentable. \"Controller supported service maps within a federation of forwarding boxes\" (US-9853870). https://patentable.app/patents/US-9853870","copyright_holder":"Nomic Interactive Technology LLC"},"links":{"html":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9853870","json":"https://patentable.app/api/llm-context/US-9853870","site":"https://patentable.app","llms_txt":"https://patentable.app/llms.txt"},"generated_at":"2026-05-30T17:12:58.800Z"}