US 6,639,901 B1 · Apparatus for and method for supporting 802.1Q VLAN tagging with independent VLAN learning in LAN emulation networks

Abstract

An apparatus for and a method of extending the ATM Forum LAN Emulation standard to support 802.1Q VLAN tagging with Independent VLAN Learning. A standard LEC entity is modified to perform the VLAN tagging method that supports Independent VLAN Learning. Since the LES may also respond to LE_ARP messages, it is optionally modified to perform the VLAN tagging method of the invention so as to provide support for 802.1Q Independent VLAN Learning. Support for 802.1Q Independent VLAN Learning is provided by adding a VLAN-ID TLV to LAN Emulation control messages such as LE_ARP and LE_REGISTER messages. The TLV added comprises the VLAN Tag Header information that is normally carried by the Ethernet frame in 802.1Q networks.

Claims18

Dependent claims

In a LAN Emulation over Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) network including at least one Emulation LAN (ELAN), one LAN Emulation Client (LEC) and one 802.1Q compliant bridge, a method of supporting 802.1Q Virtual LAN (VLAN) tagging with Independent VLAN Learning, said method comprising the steps of:

creating an individual LE_ARP cache table instance for each filtering database maintained by said bridge, wherein each LAN Emulation Address Resolution Protocol (LE_ARP) cache table instance created is associated with an individual filtering database and a set of VLANs;
associating a Port VLAN Identifier (PVID) with said LEC;
including said LEC in tagged and untagged sets of VLANs;
and
including a VLAN-ID Type, Length, Value (TLV) in all control messages sent by said LEC.

2 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Apparatus for and method for supporting 802.1Q VLAN tagging with independent VLAN learning in LAN emulation networks

Life of this patent

Apparatus for and method for supporting 802.1Q VLAN tagging with independent VLAN learning in LAN emulation networks

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims18