Patent ID: 7703132
Filing Date: 2010-04-20
Classification: H04L,Y10S

Abstract:
1. A method for extending VLAN bridging semantics, comprising the steps of: providing an untagged frame and a tagged frame in accordance with an IEEE 802.1 Q VLAN bridge model that implements a media access control (MAC) security wherein the untagged frame and the tagged frame are sent between end stations wherein an end station has a processor and a memory; providing a cryptographically encapsulated frame, which encapsulated frame is a tagged frame, having a VLAN tag that is different from all tags used within unencrypted tagged frames belonging to said VLAN; providing a trunk port divided into inbound and outbound trunk ports; providing one of said untagged, tagged, and encapsulated frame type for each segment representing a bridged, cryptographic VLAN wherein each segment implements the MAC security; and transferring traffic between an cryptographically unencapsulated segment (tagged or untagged) and an cryptographically encapsulated segment of a same VLAN wherein the traffic is transferred between end stations.