Patent ID: 7035939
Filing Date: 2006-04-25
Classification: H04L

Abstract:
1. A load balancing method for a first network and a second network, said second network having a plurality of segments each connecting terminals, for relaying data between the first and second networks, each segment including a plurality of apparatuses each relaying a packet between the first network and the segment, said method comprising the steps of: storing source addresses of the terminals for relaying data in the first network, in a terminal address table provided in each apparatus relaying data between the terminals and the first network, said each apparatus relaying data having said source addresses stored in its associated table; measuring a load of data to be relayed in the first network and exchanging load between a plurality of the apparatus; if the load data to be relayed in the first network via one apparatus is largest or relatively large, selecting another apparatus having a smallest or relatively small load, and deleting a source address selected in accordance with the load to be relayed in the first network for each of source addresses of the terminals, from said terminal address table; notifying the selected other apparatus of the source address of the terminal deleted from the terminal address table of said one apparatus; and storing the deleted source address in the terminal address table of the notified other apparatus.