Logical Port Mapping in Partitioned Network Switches

The patent divides a large Layer 2 fabric into multiple virtual fabrics (VFs), each operating as an independent logical network. This segmentation allows the physical network to support multiple isolated logical networks, providing scalability while maintaining manageable network sizes within each virtual fabric. Administrators can manage each VF independently rather than managing one large complex fabric.

The patent introduces a new dimensional layer of virtualization above the physical switch infrastructure. By creating virtual fabrics that overlay the physical network, it adds a logical dimension that separates management concerns from physical topology, enabling scalable network growth without proportionally increasing management complexity.

The patent enables physical ports to serve multiple logical switches simultaneously through port channel aggregation. A single physical port can be a member of multiple port channels, each associated with different logical switches, allowing the same physical resource to provide isolated traffic paths for multiple logical networks while maintaining flexibility in port assignment.

The patent introduces port channels as an intermediary layer between physical ports and logical switches. This intermediary abstraction allows physical ports to be shared across multiple logical switches while maintaining traffic isolation, as the port channel mechanism manages the mapping and forwarding rules to ensure proper isolation and security.