US 5,327,424 A · Automatically configuring parallel bridge numbers

Abstract

Methods and apparatus for selecting a parallel bridge number for a bridge connecting a first and second LAN in a network comprised of LANs and bridges connected between the LANs. The parallel bridge numbers are used to distinguish two or more bridges which are connected between the same LANs. The designated bridge for the LAN stores a database associating the identifiers of multiple bridges connected between the first and second LANs to the parallel bridge numbers which are assigned to those bridges. To obtain a parallel bridge number, a bridge between the first and second LANs transmits a request message identifying itself and the second LAN to the designated bridge. In response, the designated bridge selects a parallel bridge number which has not been associated with any bridge connected to the second LAN (other than the requesting bridge), and transmits this parallel bridge number to the requesting bridge.

Claims14

Dependent claims

A method of selecting a parallel bridge number for a given bridge connecting a first and second LAN, in a network comprised of LANs and bridges connected between the LANs wherein two or more bridges connected between the same LANs are distinguished by associating said bridges with parallel bridge numbers, comprising

storing a database comprising information that links identifiers of bridges connected to said first LAN to identifiers of other LANs to which said bridges are connected and to parallel bridge numbers assigned to said bridges,
transmitting, from said given bridge to said database, a message identifying said given bridge and said second LAN, and
selecting a parallel bridge number for said given bridge which has not been associated in said database with any bridge connected to said second LAN other than said given bridge.

storing in a supervisory bridge a database comprising information that links identifiers of bridges connected to said first LAN to identifiers of other LANs to which said bridges are connected and to parallel bridge numbers assigned to said bridges,
transmitting, from said given bridge to said supervisory bridge, a message identifying said given bridge, said second LAN and a prior parallel bridge number previously used by said given bridge, and
selecting in said supervisory bridge a parallel bridge number for said given bridge, comprising
determining whether said database links the prior parallel bridge number incorporated in said message to said given bridge and said second LAN, and if so selecting said prior parallel bridge number, otherwise
determining whether said database links the prior parallel bridge number incorporated in said message to a different bridge connecting said first and second LANs, and if not selecting said prior parallel bridge number, otherwise
determining whether a stored parallel bridge number is linked by said database to said given bridge and said second LAN, and if so, selecting said stored parallel bridge number, otherwise
selecting a parallel bridge number which is not linked to any bridge connecting said first and second LANs;
and further comprising
altering said database to associate the selected parallel bridge number with said given bridge and said second LAN,
transmitting from said supervisory bridge to said given bridge said selected parallel bridge number, and
periodically retransmitting, from said given bridge to said supervisory bridge, a refresh message identifying said given bridge, said second LAN, and the parallel bridge number configured for said given LAN.

8 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Automatically configuring parallel bridge numbers

Life of this patent

Automatically configuring parallel bridge numbers

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims14