Switching system for virtual LANs

Abstract

A switch encapsulates incoming information using a header, and removes the header upon egress. The header is used by both distributed ingress nodes and within a distributed core to facilitate switching. The ingress and egress elements preferably support Ethernet or other protocol providing connectionless media with a stateful connection. Preferred switches include management protocols for discovering which elements are connected, for constructing appropriate connection tables, for designating a master element, and for resolving failures and off-line conditions among the switches. Secure data protocol (SDP), port to port (PTP) protocol, and active / active protection service (AAPS) are all preferably implemented. Systems and methods contemplated herein can advantageously use Strict Ring Topology (SRT), and conf configure the topology automatically. Components of a distributed switching fabric can be geographically separated by at least one kilometer, and in some cases by over 150 kilometers.

Description

[0001] This application claims priority to provisional application number 60 / 511,145 filed Oct. 14, 2003; provisional application number 60 / 511,144 filed Oct. 14, 2003; provisional application number 60 / 511,143 filed Oct. 14, 2003; provisional application number 60 / 511,142 filed Oct. 14, 2003; provisional application number 60 / 511,141 filed Oct. 14, 2003; provisional application number 60 / 511,140 filed Oct. 14, 2003; provisional application number 60 / 511,139 filed Oct. 14, 2003; provisional application number 60 / 511,138 filed Oct. 14, 2003; provisional application number 60 / 511,021 filed Oct. 14, 2003; and provisional application number 60 / 563,262 filed Apr. 16, 2004, all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The field of the invention is network switches. BACKGROUND [0003] Modem computer networks typically communicate using discrete packets or frames of data according to predefined protocols. There are multiple such standards,...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

One problem with simple embodiments of the prior art design of FIG. 1 is that failure of any given switch destroys integrity of the entire switching system.

That solution, however, is overly expensive because an entire backup must be deployed for each working system.

The solution is also problematic in that the redundant system must be engaged upon failure of substantially any component within the working system.

But that solution is problematic because all the components are situated locally to one another.

A fire, earthquake or other catastrophe will still terminally disrupt the functionality of the entire system.

Despite numerous potential advantages, Beshai's solution in the '546 patent has significant drawbacks.

A second drawback is that the optical core is contemplated to be entirely passive.

A third, related disadvantage, is that Beshai's concept only supports a single channel from one module to another.

All of those deficiencies reduce functionality.

Thus, even though the '522 application incorporates by reference Beshai's Ser. No. 09 / 244824 application regarding High-Capacity Packet Switch (issued as U.S. Pat. No. 6,721,271 in April 2004), the '522 application still fails to teach, suggest, or motivate one of ordinary skill to provide a fully distributed network (edge and core) that acts as a single switch.

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