External loop detection for an ethernet fabric switch
First Claim
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1. A switch, comprising:
- a receiving interface adapted to identify a loop-detection frame which includes a first identifier identifying an originating switch of the loop-detection frame;
a loop-detection module adapted to detect a loop based on a match between the first identifier identifying the originating switch and a fabric identifier identifying an Ethernet fabric switch, wherein the Ethernet fabric switch comprises a number of physical switches and functions as a single switch, wherein the Ethernet fabric switch is distinct from a virtual local area network (VLAN) and can accommodate multiple VLANs, and wherein the switch comprising the receiving interface is a member of the Ethernet fabric switch; and
an interface control module adapted to preclude, in response to detecting the loop, from forwarding frames corresponding to the loop.
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Abstract
One embodiment of the present invention provides a switch. The switch includes a local identifier associated with the switch, a receiving interface, a loop detection mechanism, and an interface control mechanism. The receiving interface identifies a loop-detection frame which includes an identifier associated with originating switch of the frame. The loop detection mechanism detects a loop based on a match of the identifier associated with the originating switch and the local identifier. The interface control mechanism is coupled to the loop detection mechanism and precludes, in response to detecting a loop, the receiving interface from forwarding frames corresponding to the loop.
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Citations
27 Claims
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1. A switch, comprising:
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a receiving interface adapted to identify a loop-detection frame which includes a first identifier identifying an originating switch of the loop-detection frame; a loop-detection module adapted to detect a loop based on a match between the first identifier identifying the originating switch and a fabric identifier identifying an Ethernet fabric switch, wherein the Ethernet fabric switch comprises a number of physical switches and functions as a single switch, wherein the Ethernet fabric switch is distinct from a virtual local area network (VLAN) and can accommodate multiple VLANs, and wherein the switch comprising the receiving interface is a member of the Ethernet fabric switch; and an interface control module adapted to preclude, in response to detecting the loop, from forwarding frames corresponding to the loop. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A computer-executed method, comprising:
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identifying, by a receiving interface, a loop-detection frame which includes a first identifier identifying an originating switch of the loop-detection frame; detecting a loop based on a match between the first identifier identifying the originating switch and a fabric identifying an Ethernet fabric switch, wherein the Ethernet fabric switch comprises a number of physical switches and functions as a single switch, wherein the Ethernet fabric switch is distinct from a virtual local area network (VLAN) and can accommodate multiple VLANs, and wherein a local switch comprising the receiving interface is a member of the Ethernet fabric switch; and precluding, in response to detecting the loop, from forwarding frames corresponding to the loop. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
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19. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing instructions that when executed by a computer cause the computer to perform a method for detecting a loop in a computer network, the method comprising:
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identifying, by a receiving interface, a loop-detection frame which includes a first identifier identifying an originating switch of the loop-detection frame; detecting a loop based on a match between the first identifier identifying the originating switch and a fabric identifier identifying an Ethernet fabric switch, wherein the Ethernet fabric switch comprises a number of physical switches and functions as a single switch, wherein the Ethernet fabric switch is distinct from a virtual local area network (VLAN) and can accommodate multiple VLANs, and wherein a local switch comprising the receiving interface is a member of the Ethernet fabric switch; and precluding, in response to detecting the loop, from forwarding frames corresponding to the loop. - View Dependent Claims (20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27)
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Specification