Method for handling IP multicast packets in network switch
US6707817B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 17, 2000 |
| Grant date | Mar 16, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 17, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04L69/14
- WIPO fieldDigital communication
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A method of switching packets in a network switch includes the step of receiving a packet on a source port of a network switch. Thereafter, the method includes the step of determining whether the network switch has sufficient memory capacity to process the data packet; and if memory capacity is sufficient, then the method reads a selected portion of the packet to determine if the packet is to be sent to a mirrored port. If mirroring is determined, then the method sends the data packet to the mirrored port. The method also includes the step of determining whether the packet is to be sent to a remote CPU for further handling, and sending the data packet to the remote CPU if appropriate. The method additionally includes the step of determining whether the packet is a unicast packet, and if so, placing the packet on an internal communication channel within the network switch for appropriate storing and forwarding. If the packet is not a unicast packet, then the method determines if the packet is a multicast packet. If the packet is determined to be a multicast packet, then performing simultaneous lookups and switching using layer 2 lookup tables and addresses, and layer 3 lookup tables…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.