Patent ID: 6310874
Filing Date: 2001-10-30
Classification: H04L

Abstract:
A method for updating an address table in a network switch having an address resolution processor operative to facilitate an address learning operation by transmitting new address information to segments of a distributed address table and at least one input/output circuit that includes at least one port, comprising the steps of:receiving a multicast data unit associated with a first multicast flow in one of said at least one output port of said input/output circuit;searching in the address table for an entry that is pertinent to the multicast data unit;determining whether an address learning operation is pending for the first flow at the address resolution processor; andif a pertinent entry is not located in said searching step and an address learning operation is not pending for the first flow at the address resolution processor, enqueueing at least a portion of the data unit with the address resolution processor to initiate an address learning operation.