Please download the dossier by clicking on the dossier button x
×

Combining virtual local area networks and load balancing with fault tolerance in a high performance protocol

  • US 6,590,861 B1
  • Filed: 03/18/1999
  • Issued: 07/08/2003
  • Est. Priority Date: 03/18/1999
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
Patent Images

1. In a server computer system adapted to have a plurality of network interface cards (NICs) coupled thereto, a method for sending and receiving data packets over a network of computer systems, said method comprising the computer-implemented steps of:

  • a) addressing an outgoing data packet using a first media access control (MAC) address and a second MAC address, wherein said first MAC address is a virtual MAC address representing said plurality of NICs and wherein said second MAC address is a virtual MAC address corresponding to a virtual local area network (VLAN) that is a destination of said outgoing data packet;

    b) selecting a first NIC from said plurality of NICs using a load balancing scheme;

    c) verifying functionality of said first NIC using a fault tolerance scheme;

    d) replacing said first MAC address in said outgoing data packet with a MAC address representing said first NIC and replacing said second MAC address in said outgoing data packet with an identifier corresponding to said VLAN; and

    e) sending said outgoing data packet using said first NIC.

View all claims
  • 5 Assignments
Timeline View
Assignment View
    ×
    ×