Patent ID: 6456597
Filing Date: 2002-09-24
Classification: H04L

Abstract:
A method operable within a network switch for discovering a path to a device owning an unknown destination MAC address comprising the steps of:receiving a packet on a first port of said network switch wherein said packet has a destination MAC address unknown to said network switch and wherein said network switch is a member of a load balance domain comprising at least one other network switch; sending a query message on a port of said network switch requesting information regarding said path wherein said query message is of a first type when said first port is within said load balancing domain and wherein said query message is of a second type when said first port is not within said load balancing domain; receiving a reply message on a port of said network switch in response to sending of said query message wherein said reply message provides addressing information regarding said unknown destination MAC address; updating addressing tables in said network switch in response to receipt of said reply message to indicate said path provided by said addressing information; and forwarding said packet to said device via said path.