Patent ID: 6816467
Filing Date: 2004-11-09
Classification: H04L,Y02D

Abstract:
In a network having a least a first network device and a second network device, the first network device including at least a first post and a second port, the first port and the second port being combined to form one logical channel or trunk between the first network device and the second network device, a method comprising:selecting the first port or the second port for participation in the loop-free topology discovery protocol; executing the loop-free topology discovery protocol for the selected port; if the loop-free topology discovery protocol indicates the selected port is to be unblocked, setting a state associated with the first port and the second port to a â€œlearnâ€  state, in which learning is permitted and forwarding remains inhibited, for a predetermined amount of time; and after the predetermined amount of time, setting the state associated with the first port and the second port to a â€œnon-blockâ€  state, in which both learning and forwarding are permitted.