Abstract: The invention includes a method and apparatus for forwarding a packet from a first node toward a second node using a link aggregation group that includes as plurality of links connecting the first node and the second node. In one embodiment, a method includes selecting one of a plurality of ports of the link aggregation group using a weighting of the ports according to a respective plurality of port speeds of the ports of the link aggregation group and propagating the packet from the first node toward the second node via the selected one of the ports of the link aggregation group. In one embodiment, the port is selected using a port selection table weighted according to the ports speeds of the ports of the link aggregation group. In one embodiment, for each port of the link aggregation group, the number of table entries of the port selection table is substantially proportional to the port speed of that port of the link aggregation group.

Abstract: A virtual chassis system includes a plurality of network nodes configured with a master virtual chassis address. The network nodes are connected by virtual fabric link (VFLs) that provide a connection for exchange of data packets between the network nodes. The data packets include source MAC addresses and associated hardware device information, such as source chassis ID, source network interface identifier and source port identifier information. The network nodes use this information to maintain synchronized MAC address tables for forwarding of data packets in the virtual chassis system. One or more control protocols in the network node are used for topology discovery, master network node election, generation of routing tables, health monitoring and other functions.

Abstract: A virtual chassis system includes a plurality of network nodes configured with a master virtual chassis address. The network nodes are connected by virtual fabric link (VFLs) that provide a connection for exchange of packets between the network nodes. The packets include source MAC addresses and associated hardware device information, such as source chassis ID, source network interface identifier and source port identifier information. The network nodes use this information to maintain synchronized MAC address tables for forwarding of packets in the virtual chassis system.

Abstract: Aggregation switches connected to an edge node by a multi-chassis link aggregation group, wherein the aggregation switches are connected by a virtual fiber link that provides a connection for exchange of information between the Aggregation Switches regarding MAC addressing to synchronize MAC address tables. A transport control protocol defines a VLAN and multicast group of ports on the Aggregation Switch to receive management or control packets.

Abstract: Aggregation switches are connected to an edge node by a multi-chassis link aggregation group and a virtual fiber link provides a connection for exchange of information between the aggregation switches regarding MAC addressing to synchronize MAC address tables across the aggregation switches. When failure of the virtual fiber link is detected, the multi-chassis link aggregation group is reconfigured into two or more link aggregates with each link aggregate connecting the edge node to one of the aggregation switches. A spanning tree protocol is initiated over the link aggregates to prevent loops in the network. MAC address tables are flushed and relearned with the two or more link aggregates.

Abstract: Aggregation Switches connected to an edge node by a multi-chassis link aggregation group, wherein the Aggregation Switches are connected by a virtual fabric link that provides a connection for exchange of information between the Aggregation Switches regarding MAC addressing to synchronize MAC address tables.

Abstract: A virtual chassis system includes a plurality of network nodes configured with a master virtual chassis address. The network nodes are connected by virtual fabric link (VFLs) that provide a connection for exchange of packets between the network nodes. The packets include source MAC addresses and associated hardware device information, such as source chassis ID, source network interface identifier and source port identifier information. The network nodes use this information to maintain synchronized MAC address tables for forwarding of packets in the virtual chassis system.

Abstract: A virtual chassis system includes a plurality of network nodes configured with a master virtual chassis address. The network nodes are connected by virtual fabric link (VFLs) that provide a connection for exchange of data packets between the network nodes. The data packets include source MAC addresses and associated hardware device information, such as source chassis ID, source network interface identifier and source port identifier information. The network nodes use this information to maintain synchronized MAC address tables for forwarding of data packets in the virtual chassis system. One or more control protocols in the network node are used for topology discovery, master network node election, generation of routing tables, health monitoring and other functions.

Abstract: Aggregation switches are connected to an edge node by a multi-chassis link aggregation group and a virtual fiber link provides a connection for exchange of information between the aggregation switches regarding MAC addressing to synchronize MAC address tables across the aggregation switches. When failure of the virtual fiber link is detected, the multi-chassis link aggregation group is reconfigured into two or more link aggregates with each link aggregate connecting the edge node to one of the aggregation switches. A spanning tree protocol is initiated over the link aggregates to prevent loops in the network. MAC address tables are flushed and relearned with the two or more link aggregates.

Abstract: Aggregation switches connected to an edge node by a multi-chassis link aggregation group, wherein the aggregation switches are connected by a virtual fiber link that provides a connection for exchange of information between the Aggregation Switches regarding MAC addressing to synchronize MAC address tables. A transport control protocol defines a VLAN and multicast group of ports on the Aggregation Switch to receive management or control packets.

Abstract: Aggregation Switches connected to an edge node by a multi-chassis link aggregation group, wherein the Aggregation Switches are connected by a virtual fabric link that provides a connection for exchange of information between the Aggregation Switches regarding MAC addressing to synchronize MAC address tables.

Abstract: A switch discovers active neighboring peer devices of a switch. Such discovery includes facilitating communication of Link Aggregation Control Protocol Data Units (LACPDUs) for identifying a unique peer identifier assigned to each one of the neighboring peer devices. In response to discovering the active neighboring peer devices, the switch automatically assigning a link aggregation key to each one of a plurality of physical links over which the switch and one of the active neighboring peer devices communicate respective ones of the LACPDUs. Thereafter, the switch facilitates logically aggregation all of the physical links dependent upon the link aggregation key.

Abstract: The invention includes a method and apparatus for forwarding a packet from a first node toward a second node using a link aggregation group that includes as plurality of links connecting the first node and the second node. In one embodiment, a method includes selecting one of a plurality of ports of the link aggregation group using a weighting of the ports according to a respective plurality of port speeds of the ports of the link aggregation group and propagating the packet from the first node toward the second node via the selected one of the ports of the link aggregation group. In one embodiment, the port is selected using a port selection table weighted according to the ports speeds of the ports of the link aggregation group. In one embodiment, for each port of the link aggregation group, the number of table entries of the port selection table is substantially proportional to the port speed of that port of the link aggregation group.

Abstract: A switch discovers active neighboring peer devices of a switch. Such discovery includes facilitating communication of Link Aggregation Control Protocol Data Units (LACPDUs) for identifying a unique peer identifier assigned to each one of the neighboring peer devices. In response to discovering the active neighboring peer devices, the switch automatically assigning a link aggregation key to each one of a plurality of physical links over which the switch and one of the active neighboring peer devices communicate respective ones of the LACPDUs. Thereafter, the switch facilitates logically aggregation all of the physical links dependent upon the link aggregation key.