Title:
DYNAMIC LAN BOUNDARIES
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO2002045356
Kind Code:
A3
Abstract:
A network device dynamically switches between layer (2) (data link) operation and layer (3) (network) operation. When enabled, bridging logic functions as a data link bridge, receiving data link messages from communications links forming part of a single network-layer segment and forwarding the messages to another communications link using layer-2 addresses in the messages. When enabled, routing logic functions as a network router, receiving network layer messages from different network-layer segments and forwarding the messages to other links based on a routing algorithm and the network layer addresses. Selection logic dynamically selects the desired function under different operating conditions. For a transition from router to bridge, multiple network-layer segments are merged into a single bridged network-layer segment, freeing up link numbers for use in configuring addresses for other segments. For the transition from bridge to router, a single bridged network-layer segment is divided into multiple segments having distinct routing identities.
Inventors:
PERLMAN RADIA J
GUTTMAN ERIC A
GUTTMAN ERIC A
Application Number:
PCT/US2001/044886
Publication Date:
January 30, 2003
Filing Date:
November 30, 2001
Export Citation:
Assignee:
SUN MICROSYSTEMS INC (US)
International Classes:
H04L12/46; (IPC1-7): H04L12/46; H04L29/12
Other References:
SEIFERT W M: "Integrated routing (and bridging)", LOCAL COMPUTER NETWORKS, 1989., PROCEEDINGS 14TH CONFERENCE ON MINEAPOLIS, MN, USA 10-12 OCT. 1989, LOS ALAMITOS, CA, USA,IEEE COMPUT. SOC, US, 10 October 1989 (1989-10-10), pages 270 - 277, XP010017049, ISBN: 0-8186-1968-6
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