Patent ID: 8472451
Filing Date: 2013-06-25
Classification: H04L

Abstract:
1. A method for peering two virtual routers in a single network element, the method comprising the steps of: instantiating a first virtual router (“VR”), wherein the first VR includes a first forwarding module and a first routing table; instantiating a second VR, wherein the second VR includes a second forwarding module and a second routing table; associating the first VR with a first logical interface and the second VR with a second logical interface, wherein the first logical interface is coupled internally to the second logical interface; determining a first route indicated by the first routing table, the first route indicating packets routed to the second VR should be forwarded to the second logical interface; receiving a packet at the first forwarding module, the packet comprising information indicating the packet should be routed to the second VR; and forwarding the packet from the first forwarding module to the second VR internally with the first logical interface and second logical interface without processing through a physical interface.