Name services for virtual cluster switching
AssigneeBrocade Communications Systems, Inc.
InventorsSuresh Vobbilisetty, Phanidhar Koganti, Jesse B. Willeke
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Abstract
One embodiment of the present invention provides a switch that facilitates name services in a virtual cluster switch. The switch includes a name service database indicating at least one media access control (MAC) address learned at a second switch. The switch also includes a control mechanism. During operation, the control mechanism distributes information on a locally learned MAC address to the second switch. In addition, the control mechanism receives information on a MAC address learned at the second switch.
Claims22
A switch, comprising:
- a name service database indicating at least one media access control (MAC) address learned at a second switch;
- and
- a control mechanism configured to:
- distribute information on a locally learned MAC address to the second switch;
- and
- receive information on a MAC address learned at the second switch.
A switching system, comprising:
- a plurality of member;
- and
- a name service database stored on a first member switch, wherein the name service database indicates at least one MAC address learned at a second member switch;
- a control mechanism residing in the first member switch and configured to:
- distribute information on a MAC address locally learned on the first member switch to the second member switch;
- and
- receive information on a MAC address learned at the second switch.
A method, comprising:
- maintaining at a first switch a name service database which indicates at least MAC address learned at a second switch;
- distribute information on a locally learned MAC address to the second switch;
- and
- receive information on a MAC address learned at the second switch.
A switch means, comprising:
- a name service database means for indicating at least one media access control (MAC) address learned at a second switch;
- and
- a control means for:
- distributing information on a locally learned MAC address to the second switch;
- and
- receiving information on a MAC address learned at the second switch.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.