Abstract: A system, device, and method for supporting virtual private networks in a label switched communication network utilizes an extended Next Hop Resolution Protocol in order to establish a label switched path for a particular virtual private network. Specifically, label information and a corresponding virtual private network identifier are carried in certain Next Hop Resolution Protocol messages. A label request and a corresponding virtual private network identifier is carried in Next Hop Resolution Protocol Resolution Request messages that are forwarded hop-by-hop by a number of devices along a forward path. Label mapping information and a corresponding virtual private network identifier are carried in Next Hop Resolution Protocol reply messages that are forwarded hop-by-hop by the devices in the forward path.

Abstract: A system, device, and method for supporting virtual private networks in a label switched communication network utilizes an extended Next Hop Resolution Protocol in order to establish a label switched path for a particular virtual private network. Specifically, label information and a corresponding virtual private network identifier are carried in certain Next Hop Resolution Protocol messages. A label request and a corresponding virtual private network identifier is carried in Next Hop Resolution Protocol Resolution Request messages that are forwarded hop-by-hop by a number of devices along a forward path. Label mapping information and a corresponding virtual private network identifier are carried in Next Hop Resolution Protocol reply messages that are forwarded hop-by-hop by the devices in the forward path.

Abstract: A system, device, and method for supporting virtual private networks in a label switched communication network utilizes an extended Next Hop Resolution Protocol in order to establish a label switched path for a particular virtual private network. Specifically, label information and a corresponding virtual private network identifier are carried in certain Next Hop Resolution Protocol messages. A label request and a corresponding virtual private network identifier is carried in Next Hop Resolution Protocol Resolution Request messages that are forwarded hop-by-hop by a number of devices along a forward path. Label mapping information and a corresponding virtual private network identifier are carried in Next Hop Resolution Protocol reply messages that are forwarded hop-by-hop by the devices in the forward path.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring the performance of a dedicated communications medium in a switched data networking environment wherein a probe having a bypass circuit allows promiscuous monitoring of all traffic between a switch and a network device, such as a file server, in either direction, and in full duplex mode. Additionally, the bypass circuit eliminates the requirement for a separate repeater between the switch and the network device.