Scheme for Alternative Packet Overflow Routing (SAPOR)

Shortest path routing schemes like Open Shortest Path First (OSPF) have shortcomings when networks are highly loaded. Traffic engineering of IP networks is required to avoid this problem. Current efforts suggest the optimisation of OSPF weights to balance the network load more evenly. Also more advanced technologies like Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) are proposed. One major problem of dynamic routing efforts that are using OSPF is the fact that many traffic flows are influenced by single weight changes. The Scheme for Alternative Packet Overflow Routing (SAPOR) which is introduced in this paper, realises a methodology that can remember the routing of packets for the duration of a micro flow. This allows the rerouting of overflow traffic. In this case, well known concepts and methodologies from conventional circuit switched teletraffic engineering can be adapted for IP networks.