Patent ID: 8867366
Filing Date: 2014-10-21
Classification: H04L

Abstract:
1. A method of operating an Ethernet bridge, comprising: exchanging link state information with peer bridges, wherein the link state information comprises MAC addresses associated with peer bridges; determining shortest paths between bridges based on the exchanged link state information using a shortest path algorithm which is operable, when multiple equal cost shortest paths are available between two bridges, to select one of the equal cost shortest paths between the two bridges consistent with path selections at peer bridges such that connectivity between the two bridges follows the same path in both directions; populating a forwarding information base (FIB) with egress ports and MAC addresses associated with peer bridges using the determined shortest paths; performing a reverse path forwarding check (RPFC) for an incoming packet, the RPFC being considered a failure when the incoming packet arrives on a port which does not match an egress port associated in the FIB with a source MAC address of the incoming packet; and discarding the incoming packet when the RPFC of the incoming packet is considered a failure.