Patent ID: 7002927
Filing Date: 2006-02-21
Classification: H04L

Abstract:
1. A method for the automatic aggregation of a plurality of virtual paths emanating from a first switch, comprising the steps of: discovering, automatically, portions of the virtual paths that run parallel to one another; constructing a first tunnel along parallel virtual paths between the first switch and a terminating switch; and aggregating the parallel virtual paths into the first tunnel, wherein the step of discovering further comprises, selecting, at the first switch, an initial set of paths emanating from the first switch to a common second switch, issuing an association signal at the first switch to the second switch, including a list of indices of the paths included in the initial set of paths, propagating the association signal at the second switch and each of zero or more successive switches commonly traversed by the set of paths until at least a specified minimum number of paths diverge from the initial set of paths, and identifying a remainder of the set of paths as a candidate set and a final switch reached as the terminating switch for the set of paths.