Multiple instance spanning tree protocol
US6937576B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 17, 2000 |
| Grant date | Aug 30, 2005 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 29, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04L45/48
- WIPO fieldDigital communication
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A multiple instance spanning tree protocol (MI-STP) creates a plurality of active topologies (i.e., loop-free paths) within a computer network. These active topologies may be established through the exchange and processing of multiple instance spanning tree bridge protocol data unit messages (MI-STP BPDUs) by the intermediate network devices within the network. The active topologies are preferably created independently of any virtual local area network (VLAN) designations defined within the network. Once the active topologies are defined, each VLAN designation is then mapped to a single active topology, although multiple VLAN designations are preferably mapped to the same active topology to provide load balancing.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.