Abstract: A system for providing a substantially balanced distribution of traffic over an aggregation of output lines carrying digital information makes use of m random or pseudo-random bits substantially greater in number than the number of bits (n) used for selection of individual lines. The m bits address a table populated with n-bit entries whose bit combinations correspond with the respective output lines, with the relative numbers of the bit combinations being such as to provide substantially equal loads on the individual lines.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a first port of a device provides connectivity to a customer network and a second port of the device provides connectivity to a provider network. Frame mapping logic associated with the first port processes a network message received at the first port and accesses a Virtual Local Area Network (VLAN) mapping data structure that maps customer VLAN designations used in the customer network to provider VLAN designations used in the provider network. Frame mapping logic uses the VLAN mapping data structure to associate the received network message with a particular provider VLAN designation based upon the received network message's particular customer VLAN designation. The received network message is then passed toward the second port.

Abstract: A system maps network messages between a customer Virtual Local Area Network (VLAN) domain and a provider VLAN domain. Specifically, one or more ports of an intermediate network device includes frame mapping logic and may further include a plurality of highly flexible, programmable mapping tables. In accordance with the invention, a received frame associated with a customer VLAN is mapped to a provider VLAN that is selected as a function of the frame's customer VLAN and the particular port on which the frame is received. The frame may also be mapped to a provider CoS value that is selected as a function of the frame's customer CoS value, customer VLAN and the port on which the frame is received. The provider VLAN designation and provider CoS value may be appended to the frame. Forwarding decisions within the provider domain are based, at least in part, on the frame's provider VLAN designation and provider CoS value.

Abstract: A system for providing a substantially balanced distribution of traffic over an aggregation of output lines carrying digital information makes use of m random or pseudo-random bits substantially greater in number than the number of bits (n) used for selection of individual lines. The m bits address a table populated with n-bit entries whose bit combinations correspond with the respective output lines, with the relative numbers of the bit combinations being such as to provide substantially equal loads on the individual lines.

Abstract: A system maps network messages between a customer Virtual Local Area Network (VLAN) domain and a provider VLAN domain. Specifically, one or more ports of an intermediate network device includes frame mapping logic and may further include a plurality of highly flexible, programmable mapping tables. In accordance with the invention, a received frame associated with a customer VLAN is mapped to a provider VLAN that is selected as a function of the frame's customer VLAN and the particular port on which the frame is received. The frame may also be mapped to a provider CoS value that is selected as a function of the frame's customer CoS value, customer VLAN and the port on which the frame is received. The provider VLAN designation and provider CoS value may be appended to the frame. Forwarding decisions within the provider domain are based, at least in part, on the frame's provider VLAN designation and provider CoS value.