Patent ID: 7430164

Claim:
A method operable within a network switch for managing alternate paths comprising the steps of: determining that a port of said network switch is unusable; identifying at least one MAC address which relies on said port for forwarding of packets through said network switch to at least one device corresponding to said at least one MAC address; selecting another port of said network switch usable for forwarding packets to said at least one device, wherein selecting the another port comprises: sending a query message out of a potential alternate port of said network switch, wherein the query message requests acknowledgment of usability of said potential alternate port for forwarding packets addressed to said at least one MAC address; receiving an acknowledgement message on said potential alternate port in response to the query message wherein the acknowledgement message indicates that said potential alternate port may be used for forwarding of packets addressed to said at least one MAC address; and assigning said potential alternate port as said another port for forwarding of packets addressed to said at least one MAC address in response to receipt of said acknowledgment message; and redirecting packets addressed to said at least one MAC address through said another port to said at least one device.