Patent ID: 6901076
Filing Date: 2005-05-31
Classification: H04L

Abstract:
1. A network device, comprising: bridging logic operative, when enabled, to function as a data link layer bridge by (i) receiving data link layer messages from first and second communications links coupled to the network device, the first and second communications links forming part of a single network-layer network segment, and (ii) forwarding the messages received from either one of the communications links to the other communications link; routing logic operative, when enabled, to function as a network layer router by (i) receiving network layer messages from the first and second communications links, the first and second network links forming respective different network-layer network segments, and (ii) selectively forwarding the network layer messages received from either one of the communications links to the other communications link based on a routing algorithm and respective network layer network addresses in the received network layer messages; and selection logic operative during operation of the network device to (i) enable the bridging logic and disable the routing logic under a first set of operating conditions, wherein a transition from router operation to bridge operation includes merging multiple network-layer segments into a bridged network-layer segment and (ii) enable the routing logic and disable the bridging logic under a second set of operating conditions, wherein a transition from bridge operation to router operation includes dividing a bridged network-layer segment into multiple segments having distinct routing identities.