Patent ID: 6330615
Filing Date: 2001-12-11
Classification: H04L

Abstract:
A method of network communications implemented within a host-network interface for use in a mainframe class data processing system having multiple partitions and a port to a network, said method comprising:receiving an internet protocol (IP) datagram from one partition of said multiple partitions, said IP datagram to be routed to a client coupled to said network;constructing a first address resolution protocol (ARP) request in a first frame format from said IP datagram and a second ARP request in a second frame format from said IP datagram;sending both said first ARP request and said second ARP request across said network to said client;receiving a response from said client in reply to one of said first ARP request and said second ARP request, said response indicating that said client communicates in either said first frame format or said second frame format;storing at the host-network interface an indication that said client communicates in said first frame format or said second frame format; andsubsequently using the indication stored at the host-network interface that the client communicates in said first frame format or said second frame format to format and send future IP datagrams from the at least one partition to that client.