Abstract: An apparatus and method for event-based data capture from network flows are provided. At a network device, a network flow is received that comprises a plurality of packets each comprising control information and data. The network flow is monitored for the occurrence of at least one predetermined triggering event. In response to detecting the triggering event, at least a portion of one or more of the packets received after the triggering event is captured, and the captured portion is exported to an analysis server. The network device may comprise any device configured to forward flows of packets such as, for example, switches, routers, firewalls, etc.

Abstract: A Multicast Listener Discovery (MLD) protocol query and/or report snooping process is modified to appropriately map secondary PVLAN identifiers to corresponding primary PVLAN identifiers, thereby accommodating other system elements that are otherwise unaware of primary/secondary PVLAN distinctions. Special cases are also accommodated where reverse path forwarding (RPF) checks in support of multicast operation might otherwise fail due to primary/secondary PVLAN distinctions. Additional steps are taken to ensure that PVLAN information properly accounts for changes in configuration and/or location of various network hosts.

Abstract: Techniques are provided for receiving one or more packets at a network device in a network. The one or more packets are part of normal network communication traffic. Device specific information associated with the one or more packets is generated that is unique to or available at the network device. One or more duplicate packets corresponding to the one or more packets are generated. The device specific information is encapsulated within the one or more duplicate packets for transmission over the network. The one or more duplicate packets are received at a network analyzer in the network. The device specific information associated with the one or more packets that is unique to the network device is extracted from the one or more duplicate packets and analyzed to determine network metrics for the one or more packets.

Abstract: A Multicast Listener Discovery (MLD) protocol query and/or report snooping process is modified to appropriately map secondary PVLAN identifiers to corresponding primary PVLAN identifiers, thereby accommodating other system elements that are otherwise unaware of primary/secondary PVLAN distinctions. Special cases are also accommodated where reverse path forwarding (RPF) checks in support of multicast operation might otherwise fail due to primary/secondary PVLAN distinctions. Additional steps are taken to ensure that PVLAN information properly accounts for changes in configuration and/or location of various network hosts.

Abstract: A method for inspecting packets is disclosed. The method includes processing a packet by determining if the packet is an inter-layer binding protocol packet and inspecting the packet, if the packet is an inter-layer binding protocol packet. The inter-layer binding protocol packet indicating a binding between a first network layer address and a second network layer address.

Abstract: A method of operating a network is disclosed. The method includes identifying a packet as being subject to a policy and forwarding said packet based on said policy, if said packet is subject to said policy.

Abstract: A method and system for processing a packet is disclosed. The method includes identifying the packet as a generic bridge packet tunneling (GBPT) packet, and performing GBPT processing on the packet at a network node, if the packet is a GBPT packet.

Abstract: Users are allowed to specify per-interface rate limits for inter-layer binding protocol traffic. If the user-specified rate limit is exceeded on a given interface, inter-layer binding protocol messages received via that interface are caused to be dropped (e.g., by selectively dropping ILBP messages, or by simply shutting down the interface). If the rate is not exceeded, inter-layer binding protocol messages received via that interface can be validated (e.g., by comparing an inter-layer binding included in the body of an inter-layer binding protocol message to protocol status information obtained by snooping protocol messages). If the inter-layer binding does not match the protocol status information, the inter-layer binding protocol message is dropped. If a match is found, the inter-layer binding protocol message is allowed to be forwarded normally. Such systems and methods may be used to inhibit various undesirable network behavior, such as man-in-the-middle attacks.

Abstract: A system and method are provided to prevent the formation of loops in a network. The network device includes a plurality of ports for receiving and forwarding network messages and a spanning tree protocol engine. The spanning tree protocol engine, in one embodiment, implements the Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol (RSTP) to transitions the ports among a plurality port states, including a discarding state, a learning state and a forwarding state. The network device further includes a loop guard engine that is in a communicating relationship with the spanning tree protocol engine and the ports. The loop guard engine monitors the receipt of bridge protocol data units (BPDUs) by the ports. If a given port stops receiving BPDUs, the loop guard engine prevents the spanning tree protocol engine from transitioning the given port to the forwarding state. Instead, the loop guard engine causes the port to transition to loop inconsistent state.

Abstract: A method for inspecting packets is disclosed. The method includes processing a packet by determining if the packet is an inter-layer binding protocol packet and inspecting the packet, if the packet is an inter-layer binding protocol packet. The inter-layer binding protocol packet indicating a binding between a first network layer address and a second network layer address.

Abstract: A method for inspecting packets is disclosed. The method includes processing a packet by determining if the packet is an inter-layer binding protocol packet and inspecting the packet, if the packet is an inter-layer binding protocol packet. The inter-layer binding protocol packet indicating a binding between a first network layer address and a second network layer address.

Abstract: A system and method prevents the formation of loops that are not detected by the Spanning Tree Protocol (STP). An intermediate network device preferably includes a plurality of ports for receiving and forwarding network messages and a STP engine in communicating relationship with the ports. The STP engine transitions the ports among a plurality of spanning tree port states, including a discarding state, a learning state and a forwarding state. The device further includes a loop guard engine that is in communicating relationship with the STP engine and the ports. The loop guard engine monitors the receipt of configuration bridge protocol data unit (BPDU) messages by the ports. If a given port stops receiving BPDU messages, the loop guard engine prevents the STP engine from transitioning the given port to the forwarding state. Instead, the loop guard engine preferably causes the port to transition to a new state in which networks messages are explicitly blocked from being forwarded or received.

Abstract: A method for inspecting packets is disclosed. The method includes processing a packet by determining if the packet is an inter-layer binding protocol packet and inspecting the packet, if the packet is an inter-layer binding protocol packet. The inter-layer binding protocol packet indicating a binding between a first network layer address and a second network layer address.