US 2016/0080196 A1 · PACKET SWITCH MODULES FOR COMPUTER NETWORKS WITH EFFICIENT MANAGEMENT OF DATABASES USED IN FORWARDING OF NETWORK TRAFFIC

Abstract

In a packet switch with databases (250, 404) used for packet forwarding, the database pieces are identified by version identifiers (410V) which are used by the packet switch's modules (LCx, RPM0, RPM1) in exchanging information on the databases and requesting updates to the databases. For example, if a primary management module fails and the management is transferred to a secondary management module, the secondary management module requests forwarding modules (e.g. line cards) to identify the database pieces stored on the forwarding modules, and to update the databases as needed. Use of version identifiers reduces the amount of data that has to be transferred in connection with such requests.

Claims20

Dependent claims

A method for operating a packet switch comprising a plurality of modules which comprise a first module and a second module, wherein the packet switch forwards packets in a network according to one or more databases stored on the packet switch, the one or more databases comprising a first database stored on the second module, the first database comprising a set of one or more first pieces stored on the second module, each first piece being identified by an identifier;

the method comprising performing operations by the second module, the operations comprising:
communicating with the first module, said communicating comprising receiving a request from the first module, the request requesting the second module to perform at least one of:
(a) inform the first module of information stored in the one or more first pieces stored on the second module,
(b) change the set of one or more first pieces stored on the second module;
wherein in said communicating, at least one first piece is specified by the respective identifier.

2 more elements

An apparatus operable to perform as a second module in a method for operating a packet switch comprising a plurality of modules which comprise a first module and the second module, wherein the packet switch is operable to forward packets in a network according to one or more databases stored on the packet switch, the one or more databases comprising a first database stored on the second module, the first database comprising a set of one or more first pieces stored on the second module, each first piece being identified by an identifier;

the method comprising performing operations by the second module, the operations comprising:
communicating with the first module, said communicating comprising receiving a request from the first module, the request requesting the second module to perform at least one of:
(a) inform the first module of information stored in the one or more first pieces stored on the second module,
(b) change the set of one or more first pieces stored on the second module;
wherein in said communicating, at least one first piece is specified by the respective identifier.

2 more elements

A computer readable medium comprising computer program code operable to cause an apparatus to perform as a second module in a method for operating a packet switch comprising a plurality of modules which comprise a first module and the second module, wherein the packet switch is operable to forward packets in a network according to one or more databases stored on the packet switch, the one or more databases comprising a first database stored on the second module, the first database comprising a set of one or more first pieces stored on the second module, each first piece being identified by an identifier;

the method comprising performing operations by the second module, the operations comprising:
communicating with the first module, said communicating comprising receiving a request from the first module, the request requesting the second module to perform at least one of:
(a) inform the first module of information stored in the one or more first pieces stored on the second module,
(b) change the set of one or more first pieces stored on the second module;
wherein in said communicating, at least one first piece is specified by the respective identifier.

2 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Packet switch modules for computer networks with efficient management of databases used in forwarding of network traffic

Life of this patent

Packet switch modules for computer networks with efficient management of databases used in forwarding of network traffic

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims20