method and system for controlling network routing

A method and system for controlling network routing are disclosed. As an overview, the present disclosure presents a system for increasing network optimization. In particular, the disclosure discusses a unified system for control of data routing in a dynamic network. In some implementations, edge devices (i.e., hosts or exterior switches) are interconnected through a network fabric (i.e., a plurality of interior switches). The hosts and switches include forwarding engines, which determine the next destination of incoming traffic. The disclosure discusses a network controller that collects application requirements and programs the forwarding engines of the edge devices and the network fabric responsive to the application requirements.