Patent ID: 6172981
Filing Date: 2001-01-09
Classification: H04L,H04Q

Abstract:
A data communication system having a plurality of interconnected, logically distinct networks for distributing the network routing functions to individual end stations on each network, comprising:at least one switch for providing a data link layer switching function between said logically distinct networks;a source end station on a first logical network;a destination end station on a second logical network, said destination end station having a network layer address and a data link layer address;a route server connected to said first and second logical networks for providing to said source end station, an address mapping from the network layer address to the data link layer address of the destination end station;route switching programming code in said source end station for requesting from said route server the data link layer address of said destination end station corresponding to said network layer address, and inserting said data link layer address in each data frame to be transmitted to said destination end station; andan address table at said source end station for storing a mapping of said destination end station network layer address to said data link layer address.