Patent ID: 7512078
Filing Date: 2009-03-31
Classification: H04L

Abstract:
1. A method of enabling a user to use a bridge in either a VLAN aware mode or a VLAN unaware mode, said method being performed in a layer- 2 bridge containing a plurality of ports connecting to different portions of a layer- 2 network, said method comprising: receiving a configuration data indicating said bridge is to operate in said VLAN aware mode; receiving a packet in a priority tagged format containing an associated VLAN identifier on a first port contained in said plurality of ports; setting said VLAN identifier associated with said packet to equal an identifier associated with an incoming port on which said packet is received; searching an address table having at least a field to store data representing said VLAN identifier using a destination address and said VLAN identifier to determine a destination port; and sending said packet on said destination port.