Multi-layer switching apparatus and method

Details Multi-layer switching apparatus and method Multi-layer switching apparatus and method

1998-07-17

2002-07-23

Hsu, Alpus H. (Department: 2661)

Multiplex communications

Communication techniques for information carried in plural...

Adaptive

C370S389000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06424659

ABSTRACT:

FIELD OF INVENTION
Invention relates to digital networks, particularly to multi-layer switching network apparatus and method.
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
Conventional local area network (LAN) and TCP/IP have become dominant technologies in computer networking. As businesses increasingly rely on such technologies, both LAN size and TCP/IP traffic volume that runs across them have grown dramatically. This has led the network manager on continuous search for products to increase network performance, easily adapt to changing network requirements, and preserve existing network investment.
Presently, LAN technology is evolving into Gigabit per second (Gbps) range. Equipment designers have been challenged to make network interfaces and networking products such as bridges, routers, and switches, fast enough to take advantage of the new performance. Compounding the equipment design problem has been the rapid innovation in networking protocols. The traditional response to this shifting sands problem has been to build easily upgradable software-intensive products. Unfortunately, these software intensive products typically exhibit poor system performance.
Accordingly, there is need for a new generation of internetworking devices capable of gigabit speeds, but with the flexibility of previous software intensive products.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
Invention resides in a multilayer switching device and associated technique for enabling simultaneous wire-speed routing at layer
3
, wire-speed switching at layer
2
, and support multiple interfaces at layer
1
, according to OSI reference model. Inventive implementation may be embodied using one or more integrated circuits (ASIC), RISC processor, and software, thereby providing wire-speed performance on interfaces, in various operational modes.


REFERENCES:
patent: 4821265 (1989-04-01), Albal et al.
patent: 4949338 (1990-08-01), Albal et al.
patent: 5357504 (1994-10-01), Siegmund
patent: 5408464 (1995-04-01), Jurkevich
patent: 5581552 (1996-12-01), Civanlar et al.
patent: 5600644 (1997-02-01), Chang et al.
patent: 5805072 (1998-09-01), Kakemizu
patent: 5889778 (1999-03-01), Huscroft et al.
patent: 5909686 (1999-06-01), Muller et al.
patent: 5926482 (1999-07-01), Christie et al.
patent: 5938736 (1999-08-01), Muller et al.
patent: 6016310 (2000-01-01), Muller et al.
patent: 6021132 (2000-02-01), Muller et al.
patent: 6067608 (2000-05-01), Perry

Affiliated with

Also associated with

Rating

Multi-layer switching apparatus and method does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.

If you have personal experience with Multi-layer switching apparatus and method, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Multi-layer switching apparatus and method will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2819270