Patent ID: 6625124
Filing Date: 2003-09-23
Classification: H04L

Abstract:
A routing switch for use in a communications network, said network comprising routing switches interconnected by communication links, said routing switch comprising:one or more transceivers for being connected to associated links to one or more other routing switches in neighboring nodes; a switch fabric for routing information to and from said one or more transceivers; and one or more processors, said one or more processors for controlling said routing switch to: monitor messages from other nodes identifying network topology; detect a change in said message from a previous message so as to identify a change in said topology; associate an N-bit second address with respective nodes in said network after said change in said topology, said respective nodes also having a unique M-bit first address, N being significantly less than M; and transmit within said network data to said respective nodes using said second address instead of said first address, so as to reduce overhead in said network by transmitting fewer address bits.