Patent ID: 6310882
Filing Date: 2001-10-30
Classification: H04L

Abstract:
A network media module of a computer network concentrator, the module comprising:a port means for connection to a link and for both receiving and transmitting data packets from and to the link, said port means also having a concentrator side input for receiving data packets to be transmitted onto the link, said port means also having a concentrator side output for delivering data packets received from the link;a first forwarding and translating engine (FTE) means having an input and an output, said input of said first FTE means being connected to said concentrator side output of said port means, said first FTE means receiving a data packet from said port means, analyzing the data packet, determining if the data packet should be forwarded, ignoring the data packet if the data packet is not to be forwarded, and sending the data packet out said output of said first FTE means if the data packet is to be forwarded, said first FTE means including an address forwarding data base means for indicating which data packets are to be forwarded;backplane connection means for connecting to a backplane of the network concentrator and for both receiving and transmitting data packets from and to the backplane, said backplane connection means also having a port side input connected to said output of said first FTE means and for receiving data packets to be transmitted onto the backplane, said backplane connection means also having a port side output means for delivering data packets received from the backplane;a second forwarding and translating engine (FTE) means having an input and an output, said input of said second FTE means being connected to said port side output of said backplane connection means, said second FTE means receiving a data packet from said backplane connection means, analyzing the data packet, determining if the data packet should be forwarded, ignoring the data packet if the data packet is not to be forwarded, and sending the data packet out said output of said second FTE means if the data packet is to be forwarded, said output of said second FTE means being connected to said concentrator side input of said port means, said second FTE means including an address forwarding data base means for indicating which data packets are to be forwarded.