초록 ▼

A system in which a single VLAN architecture spans multiple VLAN transport protocols and technologies, including a method and system in which multiple different VLANs may be combined in a single enterprise network. Each LAN-switch in the system identifies each frame with an identifier, and associate

A system in which a single VLAN architecture spans multiple VLAN transport protocols and technologies, including a method and system in which multiple different VLANs may be combined in a single enterprise network. Each LAN-switch in the system identifies each frame with an identifier, and associates that identifier with particular VLAN identifiers for each type of VLAN technology. When a frame is bridged or routed from a first type of VLAN to a second type of VLAN, the first VLAN encapsulation is removed and the second VLAN encapsulation is added, with appropriate change in the VLAN identifier for the frame or packet. The identifier may also be implicit for the frame, such as when a particular set of sender's MAC addresses are identified with a particular VLAN. Individual VLANs, of whatever architecture, may be added, configured or reconfigured, modified, or deleted, using control tools associated with the multiple VLAN architecture system. Individual ports may be associated with particular VLANS, or may be designated "dynamic" so that frames or packets associated with those ports are associated with particular VLANs in response to source or destination addresses or other information.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. A multiple VLAN architecture system, in which multiple different VLANs are capable of operating within a single network, comprisingat least one network communication medium;a LAN-switch coupled to said at least one network communication medium and disposed to receive an

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. A multiple VLAN architecture system, in which multiple different VLANs are capable of operating within a single network, comprisingat least one network communication medium;a LAN-switch coupled to said at least one network communication medium and disposed to receive and route packets, each said packet having a VLAN identifier, and comprising means for routing from a first VLAN to a second VLAN, said means for routing comprising means for removing a first VLAN encapsulation and means for adding a second VLAN encapsulation, said means for adding said second VLAN encapsulation replacing said first VLAN encapsulation with said second VLAN encapsulation, said means for removing and said means for adding located at said LAN-switch; andmeans for identifying said VLAN identifier and means for determining a new VLAN identifier for said second VLAN responsive thereto.