Patent ID: 6735201
Filing Date: 2004-05-11
Classification: H04L

Abstract:
A network multicasting method for use with at least one switch, said method comprising:initializing said switch to process multicast messages in accordance with a first mode of operation of said switch associated with a first multicast protocol; receiving at said switch at least one multicast message that is in accordance with a second multicast protocol different from said first protocol; in response to receipt at said switch of said at least one multicast message, processing other multicast messages received by said switch in accordance with a second mode of operation of said switch that is different from said first mode of operation; and if after starting to process said other multicast messages according to said second mode of operation a predetermined time period elapses wherein said switch does not receive an additional multicast message that is in accordance with said second protocol, resuming processing of received multicast messages by said switch in accordance with said first mode of operation.