Patent ID: 7457882
Filing Date: 2008-11-25
Classification: H04L

Abstract:
1. A first network device adapted for modifying a Stream Control Transmission Protocol (SCTP) association between the first network device and a second network device, the SCTP association including a first set of IP addresses associated with the first network device and a second set of IP addresses associated with the second network device, comprising: a processor; and a memory, at least one of the processor and the memory being adapted for: establishing the SCTP association between the first network device and the second network device; sending an SCTP configuration message from the first network device to the second network device, the configuration message indicating a modification to be made to the SCTP association, thereby enabling the SCTP association to be modified without disconnecting an existing session, wherein the SCTP configuration message includes one or more SCTP packets; and receiving an SCTP acknowledgement message from the second network device acknowledging receipt of the SCTP configuration message, wherein the SCTP acknowledgement message comprises an SCTP packet including a chunk having a chunk type indicating that the chunk includes an SCTP acknowledgement message.