Method for specifying a MAC identifier for a network-interface-device
US8184631B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 22, 2007 |
| Grant date | May 22, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 29, 2028 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04L2101/622
- WIPO fieldDigital communication
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that specifies a MAC identifier for a network-interface-device in a computing device. In this system, the network-interface-device is configured to connect to a network though a port. During operation, the network-interface-device receives data packets through this port, and accepts a data packet if the data packet contains a destination that matches the MAC identifier for the network-interface-device, which can be a universally-administered MAC identifier. The system is also configured to determine whether the network-interface-device supports one or more additional MAC identifiers. If so, the system adds and activates an additional MAC identifier. By activating the newly-added MAC identifier in the computing device, the system allows the network-interface-device to logically separate data packets based on MAC identifiers.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.