Method and apparatus for hardware forwarding of LAN frames over ATM networks
US6970468B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 31, 2003 |
| Grant date | Nov 29, 2005 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 24, 2024 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04L2012/5665
- WIPO fieldDigital communication
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A multiported LAN switch comprised of legacy local area network ports and ATM ports. Each ATM port comprising a hardware forwarding engine for bridging LAN frames from the LAN ports to the ATM port. The hardware forwarding engine converts layer 2 protocols between the dissimilar ports expediently, without requiring intervention by a microprocessor. A substantial performance gain is attained compared to microprocessor controlled format converters. Both LAN emulation and virtual LANs are supported.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.