Patents by Inventor Norman W. Finn
Norman W. Finn has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 10812367Abstract: In one embodiment, an exploratory linktrace is initiated from an initiating network device with an exploratory linktrace message (ELM) having a target address. Each network device receiving the ELM may then propagate the ELM on a plurality of its ports to a plurality of downstream network devices based on the target address. In addition, each receiving network device returns an exploratory linktrace reply (ELR) for each of the plurality of ports, where each ELR is returned according to one or more mechanisms to mitigate stormed replies to the initiating network device.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2018Date of Patent: October 20, 2020Assignee: CISCO TECHNOLOGY, INC.Inventors: Norman W. Finn, Samer Salam, John Monaghan, Iain McDade, David Alexander Ball, Simon Chatterjee
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Patent number: 10616091Abstract: In one embodiment, an exploratory linktrace is initiated from an initiating network device with an exploratory linktrace message (ELM) having a target address. Each network device receiving the ELM may then propagate the ELM on a plurality of its ports to a plurality of downstream network devices based on the target address. In addition, each receiving network device returns an exploratory linktrace reply (ELR) for each of the plurality of ports, where each ELR is returned according to one or more mechanisms to mitigate stormed replies to the initiating network device.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2018Date of Patent: April 7, 2020Assignee: CISCO TECHNOLOGY, INC.Inventors: Norman W. Finn, Samer Salam, John Monaghan, Iain McDade, David Alexander Ball, Simon Chatterjee
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Patent number: 10536296Abstract: A method and system for multi-bridge LAN aggregation is disclosed. The method includes aggregating a plurality of LANs coupling a host to a first and a second intermediate network device. The system includes an intermediate network device. The intermediate network device includes a multi-bridge engine. The multi-bridge engine includes a tunnel engine coupled to a bridge interconnect port and a first physical port.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2011Date of Patent: January 14, 2020Assignee: Cisco Technology, Inc.Inventor: Norman W. Finn
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Patent number: 10530607Abstract: A method and system for multi-bridge LAN aggregation is disclosed. The method includes aggregating a plurality of LANs coupling a host to a first and a second intermediate network device. The system includes an intermediate network device. The intermediate network device includes a multi-bridge engine. The multi-bridge engine includes a tunnel engine coupled to a bridge interconnect port and a first physical port.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2015Date of Patent: January 7, 2020Assignee: Cisco Technology, Inc.Inventor: Norman W. Finn
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Patent number: 10212074Abstract: In one embodiment, a multiple spanning tree (MST) region is defined in a network, where the MST region includes a plurality of network nodes interconnected by links. A MST cluster is defined within the MST region, where the MST cluster includes a plurality of network nodes selected from the plurality of network nodes of the MST region. A network node of the MST cluster generates one or more MST bridge protocol data units (BPDUs) that present the MST cluster as a single logical entity to network nodes of the MST region that are not included in the MST cluster, yet enables per-multiple spanning tree instance (per-MSTI) load balancing of traffic across inter-cluster links that connect network nodes included in the MST cluster and network nodes of the MST region that are not included in the MST cluster.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2017Date of Patent: February 19, 2019Assignee: Cisco Technology, Inc.Inventors: Chia Tsai, Norman W. Finn, Yibin Yang, Debashis Patnala Rao
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Publication number: 20190028380Abstract: In one embodiment, an exploratory linktrace is initiated from an initiating network device with an exploratory linktrace message (ELM) having a target address. Each network device receiving the ELM may then propagate the ELM on a plurality of its ports to a plurality of downstream network devices based on the target address. In addition, each receiving network device returns an exploratory linktrace reply (ELR) for each of the plurality of ports, where each ELR is returned according to one or more mechanisms to mitigate stormed replies to the initiating network device.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 10, 2018Publication date: January 24, 2019Inventors: Norman W. Finn, Samer Salam, John Monaghan, Iain McDade, David Alexander Ball, Simon Chatterjee
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Publication number: 20190028379Abstract: In one embodiment, an exploratory linktrace is initiated from an initiating network device with an exploratory linktrace message (ELM) having a target address. Each network device receiving the ELM may then propagate the ELM on a plurality of its ports to a plurality of downstream network devices based on the target address. In addition, each receiving network device returns an exploratory linktrace reply (ELR) for each of the plurality of ports, where each ELR is returned according to one or more mechanisms to mitigate stormed replies to the initiating network device.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 10, 2018Publication date: January 24, 2019Inventors: Norman W. Finn, Samer Salam, John Monaghan, Iain McDade, David Alexander Ball, Simon Chatterjee
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Patent number: 10084684Abstract: In one embodiment, an exploratory linktrace is initiated from an initiating network device with an exploratory linktrace message (ELM) having a target address. Each network device receiving the ELM may then propagate the ELM on a plurality of its ports to a plurality of downstream network devices based on the target address. In addition, each receiving network device returns an exploratory linktrace reply (ELR) for each of the plurality of ports, where each ELR is returned according to one or more mechanisms to mitigate stormed replies to the initiating network device.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2017Date of Patent: September 25, 2018Assignee: CISCO TECHNOLOGY, INC.Inventors: Norman W. Finn, Samer Salam, John Monaghan, Iain McDade, David Alexander Ball, Simon Chatterjee
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Patent number: 10079748Abstract: In one embodiment, a physical (PHY) layer (lower protocol stack layer) of a device may add a timestamp to a received frame, and pass the frame and timestamp up the protocol stack toward a synchronization (sync) recognition layer (upper protocol stack layer). The sync recognition layer determines whether the frame relates to synchronization, and if so, places the timestamp into a data structure along with a frame association for recovery by followup processing. Conversely, in another embodiment, the sync recognition layer may add to a frame for transmission a frame ID having an indication of whether to timestamp the frame and may pass the frame and frame ID down the protocol stack toward the PHY layer. The PHY layer determines whether the frame ID indicates that the frame is to be timestamped, and if so, places a timestamp corresponding to frame transmission into a data structure with the frame ID.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2015Date of Patent: September 18, 2018Assignee: CISCO TECHNOLOGY, INC.Inventor: Norman W. Finn
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Patent number: 9967371Abstract: A method of operation for a provider edge device of a core network includes receiving a customer frame from an access network; the customer frame having a first Virtual Local Area Network (VLAN) tag of a first predetermined bit length. The first VLAN tag including a service instance identifier. The service instance identifier of the first VLAN tag is then mapped into a second VLAN tag of a second predetermined bit length greater than the first predetermined bit length. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 CFR 1.72(b).Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 2014Date of Patent: May 8, 2018Assignee: Cisco Technology, Inc.Inventors: Ali Sajassi, Norman W. Finn
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Publication number: 20170331730Abstract: In one embodiment, a multiple spanning tree (MST) region is defined in a network, where the MST region includes a plurality of network nodes interconnected by links. A MST cluster is defined within the MST region, where the MST cluster includes a plurality of network nodes selected from the plurality of network nodes of the MST region. A network node of the MST cluster generates one or more MST bridge protocol data units (BPDUs) that present the MST cluster as a single logical entity to network nodes of the MST region that are not included in the MST cluster, yet enables per-multiple spanning tree instance (per-MSTI) load balancing of traffic across inter-cluster links that connect network nodes included in the MST cluster and network nodes of the MST region that are not included in the MST cluster.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 28, 2017Publication date: November 16, 2017Inventors: Chia Tsai, Norman W. Finn, Yibin Yang, Debashis Patnala Rao
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Publication number: 20170317917Abstract: In one embodiment, an exploratory linktrace is initiated from an initiating network device with an exploratory linktrace message (ELM) having a target address. Each network device receiving the ELM may then propagate the ELM on a plurality of its ports to a plurality of downstream network devices based on the target address. In addition, each receiving network device returns an exploratory linktrace reply (ELR) for each of the plurality of ports, where each ELR is returned according to one or more mechanisms to mitigate stormed replies to the initiating network device.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 19, 2017Publication date: November 2, 2017Inventors: Norman W. Finn, Samer Salam, John Monaghan, Iain McDade, David Alexander Ball, Simon Chatterjee
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Patent number: 9742655Abstract: In one embodiment, an exploratory linktrace is initiated from an initiating network device with an exploratory linktrace message (ELM) having a target address. Each network device receiving the ELM may then propagate the ELM on a plurality of its ports to a plurality of downstream network devices based on the target address. In addition, each receiving network device returns an exploratory linktrace reply (ELR) for each of the plurality of ports, where each ELR is returned according to one or more mechanisms to mitigate stormed replies to the initiating network device.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2014Date of Patent: August 22, 2017Inventors: Norman W. Finn, Samer Salam, John Monaghan, Iain McDade, David Alexander Ball, Simon Chatterjee
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Patent number: 9736065Abstract: In one embodiment, a multiple spanning tree (MST) region is defined in a network, where the MST region includes a plurality of network nodes interconnected by links. A MST cluster is defined within the MST region, where the MST cluster includes a plurality of network nodes selected from the plurality of network nodes of the MST region. A network node of the MST cluster generates one or more MST bridge protocol data units (BPDUs) that present the MST cluster as a single logical entity to network nodes of the MST region that are not included in the MST cluster, yet enables per-multiple spanning tree instance (per-MSTI) load balancing of traffic across inter-cluster links that connect network nodes included in the MST cluster and network nodes of the MST region that are not included in the MST cluster.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2011Date of Patent: August 15, 2017Assignee: CISCO TECHNOLOGY, INC.Inventors: Chia Tsai, Norman W. Finn, Yibin Yang, Debashis Patnala Rao
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Patent number: 9503361Abstract: Delivering every packet of a stream simultaneously along two different paths gives a high assurance that the destination will receive at least one of them, even if a single failure occurs. The present idea uses the topology protocols to know when to regenerate a dual stream after one failure occurs, so that the dual delivery, and thus assurance against further failures, is maintained.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2014Date of Patent: November 22, 2016Assignee: Cisco Technology, Inc.Inventor: Norman W. Finn
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Patent number: 9461979Abstract: A method and apparatus for including network security information in a frame is disclosed. Network security information is included in a secure portion of overhead of a frame. The network security information is configured to facilitate network security. A network device configured to process a frame is also disclosed. The frame includes frame security information and network security information. The frame security information is configured to facilitate securing a portion of overhead of the frame, and the network security information is located in the secure portion of the overhead of the frame and is configured to facilitate network security.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2013Date of Patent: October 4, 2016Assignee: Cisco Technology, Inc.Inventors: Norman W. Finn, Michael R. Smith
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Patent number: 9445418Abstract: In one embodiment, a transmitting node may be configured to transmit a wireless advertisement frame over a computer network, wherein the frame includes a source address of a reachable node being advertised, a destination address to which the reachable node is to be advertised, a transmitter address of the transmitting node, and a receiver address of a wireless access point to which the wireless advertisement frame is to be received. Also, the wireless access point may be configured to receive the wireless advertisement frame from the network, and in response, transmit a reflected wireless advertisement frame having the source address of the reachable node, the destination address to which the reachable node is to be advertised, a transmitter address of the access point, and a receiver address that indicates the reflected frame is to be accepted by any appropriate receiver excluding the transmitting node.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2015Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Assignee: CISCO TECHNOLOGY, INC.Inventors: Norman W. Finn, Robert O'Hara, Rohit Suri, Joshua Broch
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Patent number: 9350628Abstract: In one embodiment, a particular maintenance end-point (MEP) transmits, during a joining phase, one or more join announcement messages (JAMs) to other MEPs in a network. The one or more JAMs request addition of the particular MEP without generation of a first alarm. The particular MEP transmits, during an operational phase, continuity check messages (CCMs) to the other MEPs in the network. Alarm generation is active during the operational phase. The particular MEP transmits, during a leaving phase, one or more leave announcement messages (LAMs) to the other MEPs in the network. The one or more LAMs request removal of the particular MEP without generation of a second alarm.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2013Date of Patent: May 24, 2016Assignee: CISCO TECHNOLOGY, INC.Inventors: Samer Salam, Norman W. Finn
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Publication number: 20160007349Abstract: In one embodiment, a transmitting node may be configured to transmit a wireless advertisement frame over a computer network, wherein the frame includes a source address of a reachable node being advertised, a destination address to which the reachable node is to be advertised, a transmitter address of the transmitting node, and a receiver address of a wireless access point to which the wireless advertisement frame is to be received. Also, the wireless access point may be configured to receive the wireless advertisement frame from the network, and in response, transmit a reflected wireless advertisement frame having the source address of the reachable node, the destination address to which the reachable node is to be advertised, a transmitter address of the access point, and a receiver address that indicates the reflected frame is to be accepted by any appropriate receiver excluding the transmitting node.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 15, 2015Publication date: January 7, 2016Inventors: Norman W. Finn, Robert O'Hara, Rohit Suri, Joshua Broch
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Publication number: 20150365319Abstract: Delivering every packet of a stream simultaneously along two different paths gives a high assurance that the destination will receive at least one of them, even if a single failure occurs. The present idea uses the topology protocols to know when to regenerate a dual stream after one failure occurs, so that the dual delivery, and thus assurance against further failures, is maintained.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 13, 2014Publication date: December 17, 2015Inventor: Norman W. Finn