Patent ID: 8804707
Filing Date: 2014-08-12
Classification: H04L

Abstract:
1. A method for implementing a network unit in a switching fabric, said switching fabric comprising a plurality of network units, wherein each of the network units has ports for the reception and forwarding of data packets and at least one fabric port for connection to a partner fabric port on another one of said network units by at least one link, said method comprising: sending and receiving via said at least one fabric port protocol packets that contain information on path costs between said network unit to other ones of the plurality of network units in the switching fabric to which the network unit has a direct physical connection, wherein traffic through said at least one fabric port, other than traffic to be communicated to a fabric port on another network unit in the switching fabric, is blocked; determining, by a processor, on the basis of said information, routes for data packets within said switching fabric to other network units of the switching fabric; and blocking traffic through said at least one fabric port, other than traffic containing the protocol packets to the partner fabric port.