Patent ID: 7957325
Filing Date: 2011-06-07
Classification: H04L

Abstract:
1. A Layer 2 device configured for providing at least one of bridging and switching functionality in a local area network, comprising: computer-readable instructions contained in a memory and processed by a processor coupled to the memory for providing GVRP functionality; computer-readable instructions contained in the memory and processed by the processor for limiting the total number of dynamic VLANs that said GVRP functionality creates on a Layer 2 device of a local area network and on all ports of a data plane card of the Layer 2 device from all subscribers; and wherein said limiting the total number of dynamic VLANs includes: determining that a dynamic VLAN advertised on a GVRP PDU frame requires creation of a new dynamic VLAN; determining whether a total prescribed maximum number of dynamic VLANs permitted on the Layer 2 device from all subscribers will be exceeded by creation of the new dynamic VLAN by checking a database of a GVRP control plane within the Layer 2 device wherein the total prescribed maximum number of dynamic VLANs permitted on the Layer 2 device from all subscribers is established by one of a default setting and a user selected setting and precluding creation of the new dynamic VLAN at the Layer 2 device if creation of the new dynamic VLAN would cause the total prescribed maximum number of dynamic VLANs permitted on the Layer 2 device from all subscribers to be exceeded; and determining whether a total prescribed maximum number of dynamic VLANs permitted on all ports of any data plane card of the Layer 2 Device from all subscribers will be exceeded by creation of the new dynamic VLAN by checking the database of the GVRP control plane within the Layer 2 device wherein the total prescribed maximum number of dynamic VLANs permitted on all ports of any data plane card of the Layer 2 device from all subscribers is established by one of a default setting and a user selected setting and precluding creation of the new dynamic VLAN at the Layer 2 device if creation of the new dynamic VLAN would cause the total prescribed maximum number of dynamic VLANs permitted on all ports of any data plane card of the Layer 2 device from all subscribers to be exceeded.