Distributed connection-oriented services for switched communication networks

US8023515B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Enterasys Networks, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Kurt Dobbins · New Castle, US
• Thomas A. Grant · Derry, US
• David J. Ruffen · Salem, US
• Laura Kane · Merrimack, US
• Theodore Len · Amherst, US
• Philip Andlauer · Londonderry, US
• David H. Bahi · Manchester, US
• Kevin Yohe · Nashua, US
• Brendan Fee · Nashua, US
• Chris Oliver · Normandy Park, US
• David L. Cullerot · Manchester, US
• Michael Skubisz · Durham, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Mar 23, 2010
• Grant date: Sep 20, 2011
• Expiry date: Mar 23, 2030

Classification

• Technology area (CPC H): Electricity
• CPC primary: H04L2212/00
• WIPO field: Digital communication
• WIPO sector: Electrical engineering

Abstract

Connection-oriented services for packet switched data communications networks are provided, including distributed MAC and protocol alias addresses discovery. Link state topology exchanges provide each switch with network topology graphs to determine paths from source to destination end systems. Broadcast frames are resolved to unicast frames to reduce broadcast traffic. Policy restrictions may be applied prior to connection setup. Connection management includes source-routed mapping of connections on the desired path. Distributed call rerouting is provided so switches receive topology change notifications and unmap failed link connections. Broadcast/unknown services provide non-resolvable packet restricted flooding. Connection-oriented switching is provided based on source and destination MAC addresses. Resolution of networks outside the switch domain is enabled by listening for network and server route advertisements and maintaining best routes to the networks and servers. Route and path metrics may be combined to determine paths from access switches to egress switches connected to the external network.