US 9900249

US Patent 9900249, titled "Communication system, forwarding node, path management server, communication method, and program," was issued on February 20, 2018, from an application filed on April 3, 2014. The inventor is Jun Awano. The current assignee is Cloud Byte LLC, while the original assignee was NEC Corp.

Abstract:
A packet forwarding node is described that includes a storage unit for a packet forwarding table. This table is used to forward packets based on an identifier that identifies a link between nodes on a packet forwarding path. The node also has a forwarding unit that receives incoming packets containing multiple such identifiers and forwards the packet based on the identifier corresponding to that specific packet forwarding node.

Independent Claims Overview:

• Claim 1 (Communication System): This claim describes a communication system comprising a path management server and a forwarding node. The path management server is responsible for configuring forwarding path information. This information is created by arranging identifiers that pinpoint communication interfaces within forwarding nodes or links connecting them. The forwarding node then processes and forwards packets according to this forwarding path information, which is included in the packet's header.

• Claim 9 (Forwarding Node): This claim focuses on a forwarding node connected to a path management server. The server configures forwarding path information using arranged identifiers for communication interfaces or links. The forwarding node itself is characterized by its ability to perform packet forwarding processing based on this forwarding path information, which is carried in the packet's header.

• Claim 15 (Boundary Forwarding Node): This claim details a boundary forwarding node situated at the edge of a data transfer network and an external network. It includes a header operation unit that performs two key functions: 1) forwards packets based on the forwarding path information present in the packet header (where the information consists of arranged identifiers for communication interfaces or links), and 2) adds such a header to packets received from the external network or removes it from packets being sent to the external network.

• Claim 19 (Path Management Server): This claim outlines a path management server that includes a path calculation unit and a path request processing unit. The path calculation unit is responsible for creating forwarding path information by arranging identifiers for communication interfaces or links. The path request processing unit then transmits this created forwarding path information in response to a request from a boundary forwarding node.

• Claim 25 (Communication Method): This claim describes a communication method where forwarding nodes in a data transfer network receive packets with an added header containing forwarding path information. This information is configured by arranging identifiers for communication interfaces or links. The method then involves these forwarding nodes performing packet forwarding processing in accordance with this header information.

• Claim 26 (Program for Forwarding Nodes): This claim covers a computer program executable on a computer configuring forwarding nodes. The program enables the forwarding nodes to receive packets with a header containing forwarding path information (arranged identifiers for interfaces or links) and to forward the packet according to that information.

• Claim 27 (Program for Boundary Forwarding Node): This claim describes a computer program for a boundary forwarding node. This program facilitates receiving and forwarding packets based on forwarding path information in a header (arranged identifiers for interfaces or links). Additionally, it enables the boundary forwarding node to perform header operations, specifically adding this header to packets from an external network or removing it from packets sent to an external network.

• Claim 28 (Program for Path Management Server): This claim covers a computer program for a path management server. The program enables the server to create forwarding path information (arranged identifiers for interfaces or links) in response to a request from a boundary forwarding node and to transmit this created information to the boundary forwarding node.

CAFC 2026 Dockets:
No specific litigation dockets for US Patent 9900249 were found in the provided CAFC 2026 dockets.