Patent ID: 6993023
Filing Date: 2006-01-31
Classification: H04L

Abstract:
1. A method for a multi-protocol edge switch to process received data frames, the edge switch connected to at least two networks that each use distinct data link layer network protocols, the method comprising: receiving multiple data frames transmitted from source nodes on a first of the networks that uses a first data link layer network protocol, each data frame comprising a header and a payload specified in a manner specific to the first data link layer network protocol, each header including an indication of a destination network address corresponding to a node on a second of the networks and each payload including a message specified using an application layer network protocol; and for each of the multiple received data frames, so that each of the received data frames can be processed in multiple ways in parallel based on a single deconstruction of the data frame before transmitting the payload of the data frame to a destination node.