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 use OSPF is the fact that many traffic flows are influenced by single weight changes. We introduce SAPOR (scheme for alternative packet overflow routing), which 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.