High-speed trunk cluster reliable load sharing system using temporary port down
US6570881B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 21, 1999 |
| Grant date | May 27, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 21, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04L45/46
- WIPO fieldDigital communication
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A packet based high-speed communications mesh is disclosed including a plurality of switches trunked network interfaces including links connecting the switches to form a trunk cluster. Edge devices are connected to the trunk cluster via trunked links. The trunked links provide a physical connection form each switch to each edge device. A configuration protocol is used for configuring the trunk cluster by eliminating links connected to a switch upon loss of connectivity to a switch. The protocol includes trunk configuration protocol packets transmitted by the edge devices. A trunk switch agent associated with each switch receives and transmits all trunking protocol packets for the associated switch and builds up an identifier list upon monitoring trunk configuration protocol packets. The agent monitors link status and accesses the list. The agent issues a requests to bring down all links to edge devices on a trunk switch for removal of the trunk switch upon all links to a particular edge device being lost and another trunk switch of a trunk cluster having at least one link to the particular edge device. Edge devices stop transmitting to the trunk switch upon receiving link down indi…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.