Method and system for allowing a client to re-initiate DHCP request after undergoing VLAN change

A layer 2 (L2) bridge or switch in a leaf, the L2 bridge or switch comprising:

• at least one processor;
• a plurality of ports;
• and
• memory comprising executable instructions which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the L2 bridge or switch to:
• after receiving a first message from uplink from a server connected to the leaf or from an intermediate uplink L2 bridge or switch in the leaf, determine whether a client corresponding to the first message is directly or indirectly connected to a port of the plurality of ports, and
• if the client is directly connected, bounce the port to which the client is connected, and send a second message uplink to the server or the intermediate uplink L2 bridge or switch in the leaf,
• if the client is indirectly connected, send the first message downlink on the port to which the client is indirectly connected, to a downlink intermediate L2 bridge or switch in the leaf, or
• if the client is not connected, send a third message uplink to the server or to the uplink intermediate L2 bridge or switch in the leaf;
• and
• after receiving the second or third message from the downlink intermediate L2 bridge or switch in the leaf, forwarding the second or third message uplink to the server or to the uplink intermediate L2 bridge or switch in the leaf.

A server comprising:

• at least one processor;
• and
• a memory comprising executable instructions which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the server to:
• receive a request to move a client from a first virtual local area network (VLAN) to a second VLAN, wherein the client is associated with a media access control (MAC) address and wherein the request comprises the MAC address;
• after receiving the request to move the client, send a first message downlink to at least one of intermediate layer 2 (L2) bridges, switches, and access points (APs) in a leaf directly connected to the server;
• and
• receive, from downlink from any intermediate L2 bridge, switch, or AP in the leaf, a second message indicating that a port to which the client is connected was bounced, or that the MAC address was disassociated and re-associated
• after receiving, allowing the client to initiate a dynamic host configuration protocol (DHCP) request in the second VLAN.