Patent ID: 7339900
Filing Date: 2008-03-04
Classification: H04L

Abstract:
1. A method that prevents loops from occurring when spanning tree configuration messages are lost while executing a spanning tree protocol across bridges in a network, comprising: executing the spanning tree protocol on a bridge, wherein the spanning tree protocol configures each port coupled to the bridge into either a forwarding state, in which messages are forwarded to and from the port, or a backup state, in which messages are not forwarded to or from the port; monitoring ports coupled to the bridge to determine when messages are lost by the ports due to temporary network conditions; and if one or more messages are lost on a port, refraining from forwarding messages to or from the port until no messages are lost by the port for an amount of time; wherein refraining from forwarding messages to or from the port until no messages are lost for the amount of time prevents the spanning tree protocol from creating loops due to messages lost during the temporary network conditions.