Implementing novel reactive defense functionality in computer and telecommunications networks using hyperspeed signaling

Imagine if a network administrator had powers like the superhero Flash---perceived invisibility, omnipresence and superior surveillance and reconnaissance abilities---that would enable the administrator to send early warnings of threats and trigger mitigation efforts before malicious traffic reaches its target.;This dissertation describes the hyperspeed signaling paradigm, which can endow a network administrator with Flash-like superpowers. Hyperspeed signaling uses optimal (hyperspeed) paths to transmit high priority traffic while other traffic is sent along suboptimal (slower) paths. Slowing the traffic ever so slightly enables the faster command and control messages to implement sophisticated network defense mechanisms.;This dissertation details the core capabilities offered by hyperspeed signaling and its implementation requirements for service provider networks, local area networks (LANs), enterprise networks and the Internet in general. A series of algorithms and protocols are developed and evaluated for implementing hyperspeed signaling in computer networks and MPLS service provider networks. Novel defense techniques enabled by hyperspeed signaling are described---these include distributed filtering, teleporting packets, quarantining network devices, tagging and tracking suspicious packets, projecting holographic network topologies and transfiguring networks. The dissertation also discusses the principal challenges involved in implementing hyperspeed signaling in various types of networks.