Systems and methods for the schedule alignment of a packet flow

A classification mechanism automatically aligns time-sensitive data streams to sequences (schedules), according to information in the packets or other information and classification criteria specified by a human network administrator, a sequence agent, an application program or otherwise. When a packet arrives at a first sequence-aware switch along a path, the packet is aligned to a new or existing sequence. When a new sequence is established, appointments are reserved at sequence-aware switches along the path. The packet is placed in a queue, based on its classification. When the packet reaches the head of the queue, at that queue's appointment time, the switch forwards the packet along the path. If possible, appointments have been reserved at subsequent switches along the packet's path, so the packet can be forwarded through the subsequent switches without delay. Packets that do not match any classification criteria are handled on a best-effort basis.