Abstract: Transferring data via a switch fabric comprises: for each unit of data to be transferred, selecting one of a plurality of links from a fabric access node to the switch fabric to transfer the unit of data, and in the event that one or more of the plurality of links become unavailable, such that one or more remaining links remain available for transferring data, transferring a subsequently received unit of data via one of the remaining links.

Abstract: Data mirroring in a service such as a virtual private LAN service is disclosed. Data packets, segments, frames, or other forms of encapsulation may be mirrored off of a core network (e.g., IP, TCP) to one or more mirroring destinations without using a parallel network. Encapsulation techniques are provided that enable packets to be mirrored and transmitted across services such as VPLS, MPLS, and others to a mirror destination. Once received at the mirror destination, mirrored packets may be used for troubleshooting in a more efficient and less resource and time-consuming manner.

Abstract: A technique is disclosed for generating a plurality of output frames based on a single input frame. An input interface is configured to receive at least a portion of the input frame. An output controller is configured to receive, for each of the plurality of output frames, a new header, and combine each new header with at least a portion of the input frame. An output frame may be generated for which no corresponding input frame exists. An input interface is configured to receive an indication that the output frame should be generated. An output controller is configured to receive a generated header and combine the generated header with a dummy payload to form the output frame.

Abstract: A header value or label, referred to herein as a source station identification (SSID), is added to an encapsulated packet header, such as by adding the SSID as a label to the bottom of a stack of MPLS labels. The SSID comprises a unique identifier that identifies the PE that originated the packet. In some embodiments, the IP address of the originating PE may be used as the SSID for that PE. The PE receiving this packet can then associate the source Ethernet MAC address of received TLS traffic, e.g., with the originating PE. Given the SSID of the originating PE, the receiving PE is able to determine which LSP to use to send Ethernet traffic to the station with the learned MAC address.

Abstract: Bounding cell reorder depth is disclosed. It is determined whether a reorder buffer exceeds a depth limit. If the reorder buffer exceeds the depth limit, backpressure is sent with respect to a source associated with the reorder buffer by including in a cell being sent into a switch fabric with which the reorder buffer is associated source based backpressure information stored in a location in the cell that is normally used by the switch fabric to send information to ports associated with the switch fabric and normally is not used by the ports when sending cells into the switch fabric.