Patent ID: 7586912
Filing Date: 2009-09-08
Classification: H04L

Abstract:
1. In a data communications device, a method for exchanging Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) relay agent information with a DHCP server, the method comprising: receiving a DHCP message en route from a DHCP client to the DHCP server, the DHCP message including (i) a non-option portion having a client identifier identifying the DHCP client and (ii) an option portion having first relay agent information added to the DHCP message by a first relay agent; modifying the option portion of the DHCP message to simultaneously include both the first relay agent information added by the first relay agent and second relay agent information from a second relay agent; and sending the DHCP message with the modified option portion to the DHCP server; wherein, prior to modifying the option portion, the DHCP message includes an initial Relay Agent Information Option containing the first relay agent information added by the first relay agent; wherein modifying the option portion of the DHCP message to simultaneously include both the first relay agent information and the second relay agent information from the second relay agent includes providing a new Relay Agent Information Option in place of the initial Relay Agent Information Option of the DHCP message, the new Relay Agent Information Option excluding the non-option portion of the DHCP message; and wherein providing the new Relay Agent Information Option in place of the initial Relay Agent Information Option of the DHCP message includes: