Virtual local area network pruning protocol

Details Virtual local area network pruning protocol Virtual local area network pruning protocol

2011-01-25

2011-01-25

Bruckart, Benjamin R (Department: 2446)

Electrical computers and digital processing systems: multicomput

Computer-to-computer session/connection establishing

C370S256000

Reexamination Certificate

active

07877483

ABSTRACT:
In one embodiment, an intermediate network device has a plurality of ports, and at least some of the ports are associated with Virtual Local Area Network (VLAN) designations. A spanning tree entity executes a spanning tree protocol to transition the ports among a plurality of spanning tree states. A VLAN port logic circuit is disposed at one or more of the ports and processes control packets advertising VLAN memberships. The VLAN port logic circuit, in response to receiving a control packet broadcast by another intermediate network device, asserts bits in a VLAN wanted vector for which the spanning tree state of the selected port is in the forwarding state, signifying that network messages associated with such VLAN designations are to be forwarded from the respective port. The VLAN wanted vectors may later be transmitted in control messages from the intermediate network device.

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