Patent ID: 7460542
Filing Date: 2008-12-02
Classification: H04L

Abstract:
1. A virtual local area network (VLAN) tagging method in a data communications switching device, the method comprising the steps of: receiving a protocol data unit (PDU) on a port with the port operable in at least 1 of at least 3 VLAN tagging modes; determining the VLAN tagging mode associated with the port; and if the determination is made that the port is operating in a first of the at least 3 VLAN tagging modes, then determining a default VLAN identifier associated with the port; if the determination is made that the port is operating in a second of the at least 3 VLAN tagging modes, then: if the determination is made that the port is operating in a third of the at least 3 VLAN tagging modes, then determining a protocol-dependent VLAN identifier associated with the protocol type of the received PDU.