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Synchronization mechanism for link state packet routing

  • US 5,265,092 A
  • Filed: 03/18/1992
  • Issued: 11/23/1993
  • Est. Priority Date: 03/18/1992
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. A method of providing loop free routing of data packets in a network having a plurality of switches, routing messages for communicating network topology information between said switches, each of said switches having a routing database for storing said network topology information and routing path information used in forwarding packets, a plurality of links connecting said switches and a plurality of channels connecting said switches to said links, comprising the steps of:

  • receiving by a first one of said plurality of switches a routing message identifying new network topology information and said new network topology information differing from the network topology information currently contained in said routing database of said first switch;

    incorporating said new network topology information into said routing database of said first switch and changing routing path information based thereon; and

    notifying each one of said plurality of switches adjacent to said first switch that said new network topology information has been received by said first switch and used to change routing path information;

    temporarily discarding data packets received by said first switch whose routing paths are affected by said new network topology information;

    transmitting said routing message received by said first switch to said plurality of switches;

    notifying said first switch by each of said plurality of adjacent switches that said routing message identifying said new network topology information is stored in each of said routing databases of said plurality of adjacent switches and used to change routing path information; and

    discontinuing said discarding of data packets whose routing paths were affected by said new network topology information by said first switch after said notification from all of said plurality of adjacent switches.

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