Patent ID: 6570875
Filing Date: 2003-05-27
Classification: H04L

Abstract:
A method for forwarding data packets in a switch having a plurality of ports, said ports being adapted to transmit and receive data packets from hosts coupled thereto, said method comprising:receiving a first data packet at a first port; firstly extracting flow identification information from said first data packet, said flow identification information indicating that said first data packet belongs to a first flow between certain of said hosts; corresponding said flow identification information with stored configuration information; creating flow processing information based on said corresponding stored configuration information, said flow processing information comprising at least one of a filter, a mirror, and a priority, said flow processing information further indicating at least a second port, wherein all data packets belonging to said first flow are forwarded between said first and second ports, said first and second ports being associated with said certain hosts; storing a first record in a flow table containing said flow processing information; receiving a second data packet at one of said first and second ports; secondly extracting said flow identification information from said second data packet; locating said stored first record in said flow table based on said extracted flow identification information; and preparing to forward said second data packet to the other of said first and second ports based on said flow processing information contained in said stored first record, wherein said steps of firstly and secondly extracting said flow identification information each includes: determining a protocol associated with said first flow; if said protocol is IP or IPX, extracting Layer 3 header information as said flow identification information; and if said protocol is not IP or IPX, extracting Layer 2 header information as said flow identification information.