Patent ID: 9178837
Filing Date: 2015-11-03
Classification: H04L

Abstract:
1. A method, comprising: receiving, by a first edge switch-router of a Layer-2 network, a data message for a destination end node from a source end node operating behind the first edge switch-router, wherein the end node is in a first virtual local area network (VLAN); when the destination end node is operating behind a second edge switch-router of the Layer-2 network and the destination end node is in a second VLAN, the first edge switch-router both routing the message from the first VLAN to the second VLAN and switching the message from the source end node to the destination end node, wherein the message is routed and switched without traversing any switch-router that provides a gateway between the Layer-2 network and a Layer-3 network; and when the destination end node is operating behind the second edge switch-router and the destination end node is in the first VLAN, the first edge switch-router switching the message from the source end node to the destination end node, wherein the message is switched without traversing any switch-router that provides a gateway between the Layer-2 network and the Layer-3 network.