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Discovery of unknown MAC addresses using load balancing switch protocols

  • US 6,456,597 B1
  • Filed: 01/11/1999
  • Issued: 09/24/2002
  • Est. Priority Date: 05/04/1998
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. A method operable within a network switch for discovering a path to a device owning an unknown destination MAC address comprising the steps of:

  • receiving a packet on a first port of said network switch wherein said packet has a destination MAC address unknown to said network switch and wherein said network switch is a member of a load balance domain comprising at least one other network switch;

    sending a query message on a port of said network switch requesting information regarding said path wherein said query message is of a first type when said first port is within said load balancing domain and wherein said query message is of a second type when said first port is not within said load balancing domain;

    receiving a reply message on a port of said network switch in response to sending of said query message wherein said reply message provides addressing information regarding said unknown destination MAC address;

    updating addressing tables in said network switch in response to receipt of said reply message to indicate said path provided by said addressing information; and

    forwarding said packet to said device via said path.

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