Patent ID: 8571408
Filing Date: 2013-10-29
Classification: H04L

Abstract:
1. A method of forwarding a data frame, the method comprising: using a Fiber Channel Forwarder to program a bridge element of a plurality of bridge elements of a distributed virtual bridge to recognize address data corresponding to the Fiber Channel Forwarder, wherein the bridge element is configured to encapsulate and de-encapsulate data frame data, wherein the bridge element is coupled to an integrated switch router and a local rack interconnect network, wherein the integrated switch router facilitates routing and packet delivery to and from the local rack interconnect network, and wherein the local rack interconnect network includes point-to-point connections between the plurality of bridge elements; evaluating header data of a Fiber Channel over Ethernet data frame at the bridge element to determine whether the header data is addressed to the Fiber Channel Forwarder, wherein evaluating the header data of the Fiber Channel over Ethernet data frame includes evaluating whether the header data of the Fiber Channel over Ethernet data frame includes the address data corresponding to the Fiber Channel Forwarder from the programming by the Fiber Channel Forwarder; in response to determining that the header data is addressed to the Fiber Channel Forwarder, modifying the header data of the Fiber Channel over Ethernet data frame at the bridge element to give an appearance that the Fiber Channel Forwarder is sending the Fiber Channel over Ethernet data frame to a target computing node; and forwarding the Fiber Channel over Ethernet data frame from the bridge element to the target computing node without forwarding the Fiber Channel over Ethernet data frame to the Fiber Channel Forwarder.