Network clustering technology

Abstract

Network Clustering Technology (“NCT”) creates an controlled environment that allows organizations to manage their networks, information resources, users and uses through a common structure. Although that capability is valuable in and of itself, it has the additional advantage of being both highly configurable and extensible. NCT is implemented so that it can function as a multiple-redundant implementation configuration to ensure that the network experiences minimal downtime with optimized throughput through one or more connections. As part of a Global Information Architecture (“GIA”), NCT provides the capability to establish rules for prioritizing and optimizing network traffic for specific users or classes of users, and specific classes of information traffic.

1 . A method for controlling a network-support device, the method comprising the steps of:
 instantiating a configurable network device control manager on a machine;   loading an initial boot configuration;   determining whether there is an alive network control system manager on said network; and   configuring said machine based on said determination.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said initial boot configuration is used to configure the network-support device. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said network device control manager is configured to operate normally when intermediate commands for said system block subsequent commands for said system. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said configuring comprises the steps of:
 receiving an instruction from an alive network control system manager; and   using said instruction to configure said network-support device.   
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein said instruction is received at a secure location. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein said receiving comprises the steps of:
 polling a location specified by said initial boot configuration for an instruction from said alive network control manager; and   receiving from said specified location an instruction from said alive network control manager.   
     
     
         7 . A computer readable medium storing computer-executable instructions for performing a method comprising:
 creating a payload comprising a plurality of commands for a network administrative control system, and   transmitting said payload to a specific location capable of being accessed by said system using a configurable network device control manager.   
     
     
         8 . A method of managing Quality of Service between two nodes, the method comprising the steps of:
 identifying a priority or a permission of a data stream;   matching said priority or permission of said data stream to said channel; and   directing said data stream for transmission through said tunnel.   creating a channel by assigning a priority or a permission to a tunnel between said two nodes;   
     
     
         9 . A method of managing Quality of Service for a user, the method comprising the steps of:
 associating a user with a priority or permission,   tagging data associated with said user with said priority or permission, and   matching said tagged data to a channel assigned said priority or permission.