Patent ID: 6141344
Filing Date: 2000-10-31
Classification: H04L

Abstract:
Apparatus for updating a distributed address cache in a switch that transmits a data unit from a first device to a second device in a communications network, comprising:a first input/output circuit including at least one port operable to receive the data unit, a first cache segment of the distributed address cache operable to store address information, and a first update processor for updating said first address cache segment;a second input/output circuit having at least one port, a second cache segment of the distributed address cache operable to store address information, and a second update processor for updating said second address cache segment; anda pathway through which data can be transmitted from said first input/output circuit to said second input/output circuit,said first update processor circuit being operative to transmit an update message to said second update processor via said pathway prior to updating said first address cache segment, said update message being indicative of changes to be made in the distributed address cache.