Patent ID: 7814228
Filing Date: 2010-10-12
Classification: H04L

Abstract:
1. In a network with a virtual address resolution facility and a supported virtual network, said virtual address resolution facility used to resolve a virtual IP address into a real IP address, a method for sending messages between virtual IP addresses, comprising the steps of: registering a virtual address destination with said virtual address resolution facility, said registration indicating a real IP address, a port number, a transport protocol designation, and an Application layer protocol designation; resolving said virtual address destination using said virtual address resolution facility into a real IP address destination; determining a transport protocol to encapsulate a message based upon a transport protocol designation in said virtual address destination registration and to add a transport protocol header to said message; formatting said message to be compatible with said Application layer protocol designation in said virtual address destination registration; resolving said real IP address destination to determine a media access control (MAC) address destination; and sending said formatted message, augmented by said determined MAC address destination, said real IP address destination and said transport protocol header, from a virtual IP address to the real IP address destination indicated in said virtual address destination registration.