Patent ID: 8625421
Filing Date: 2014-01-07
Classification: H04L

Abstract:
1. A method performed by a first network element coupled with a plurality of other network elements for pre-filling a neighbor cache in the first network element with a plurality of reachable neighbor cache entries each entry to associate an internet protocol (IP) address with a link-layer address, the method comprising the steps of: receiving an appropriation message from a second network element of the plurality of other network element that indicates a first target address which the second network element intends to appropriate for its use; broadcasting, in response to the appropriation message, a discovery message to the plurality of other network elements, wherein the discovery message indicates the first target address and is broadcast to request a link-layer address in association with the first target address; receiving a discovery response from the second network element with the first target address and the link-layer address of the second network element; and updating the neighbor cache to include a pre-cached neighbor cache entry associating the link-layer address to the first target address, whereby one or more future neighbor cache misses associated with the first target address is prevented.