Patent attributes
A dataflow hierarchy protocol is implemented by one or more devices to optimize how the one or more devices process datagrams for network communications. The dataflow hierarchy considers various available network pathways for dataflow. A device implementing the dataflow hierarchy selects one or more of the available network pathways to provide low latency in data communication with other devices. The device may sample various available network pathways to determine pathway metrics (e.g., latency) and select one or more network pathways based on the metrics. The available network pathways can include pathways through one or more intermediary nodes, such as pathways through a game server, pathways through a cell tower, and pathways through a network.