Patent ID: 6643287
Filing Date: 2003-11-04
Classification: H04L

Abstract:
A method for transferring a packet of data on a network, said network including a first subnetwork and a second subnetwork, said packet of data being transferred from a source node on the first subnetwork to a destination node on the first subnetwork, the first subnetwork being connected to the second subnetwork such that the packet of data is transferred across the second subnetwork between the source and destination nodes on the first subnetwork, said packet of data having a first header portion which is associated with the source and destination nodes on the first subnetwork, said method comprising:generating a value derived from the first header portion such that said value is also associated with the source and destination nodes on the first subnetwork; providing the packet of data with a second header portion, the second header portion including the value derived from the first header portion; and using the second header portion, selecting one of a plurality of paths on the second subnetwork for forwarding of the packet.