Abstract: A method for communication via a ring network that includes a plurality of nodes. The method includes receiving at a first node in the ring network a data packet transmitted over a virtual private LAN service (VPLS), the data packet including an identification of the VPLS. The first node reads the identification from the data packet. Responsively to reading the identification, the first node forwards the data packet to at least one second node in the ring network that is associated with the VPLS.

Abstract: A method for budgeted learning of link information in a network includes providing a database to contain the link information, for use by an entity connected to the network in transferring traffic over the network, and setting a maximum rate for addition of entries to the database. New entries to be added to the database are determined responsive to the traffic on the network during a learning period. The new entries are added to the database only if the addition of the entries during the learning period has not exceeded the maximum rate.

Abstract: A method for communication includes configuring a network node having at least first and second line cards, the line cards having respective ports, to operate as a distributed media access control (MAC) bridge in a Layer 2 network. Each of the line cards has a respective forwarding database (FDB). Upon receiving a data packet on a port of the network node from a MAC source address, the data packet is conveyed to at least the first line card for transmission to the MAC destination address. The MAC source address of the data packet is checked against the records in the FDB of the first line card. If the FDB does not contain a record of an association of the MAC source address with the port on which the data packet was received, the record is added to the FDB of the first line card, which sends a message to at least the second line card informing the second line card of the association.

Abstract: A method for communication includes coupling a network node to one or more interface modules using a first group of first physical links arranged in parallel. Each of the one or more interface modules is coupled to a communication network using a second group of second physical links arranged in parallel. A data frame having frame attributes sent between the communication network and the network node is received. A first physical link out of the first group and a second physical link out of the second group are selected in a single computation based on at least one of the frame attributes. The data frame is sent over the selected first and second physical links. This method allows two or more link aggregation groups to be concatenated, using a single processing stage to determine port assignment for each frame in each of the link aggregation groups.

Abstract: A method for communication includes configuring a network node having at least first and second line cards, the line cards having respective ports, to operate as a distributed media access control (MAC) bridge in a Layer 2 network. Each of the line cards has a respective forwarding database (FDB). Upon receiving a data packet on a port of the network node from a MAC source address, the data packet is conveyed to at least the first line card for transmission to the MAC destination address. The MAC source address of the data packet is checked against the records in the FDB of the first line card. If the FDB does not contain a record of an association of the MAC source address with the port on which the data packet was received, the record is added to the FDB of the first line card, which sends a message to at least the second line card informing the second line card of the association.

Abstract: A method for communication includes coupling a network node to one or more interface modules using a first group of first physical links arranged in parallel. Each of the one or more interface modules is coupled to a communication network using a second group of second physical links arranged in parallel. A data frame having frame attributes sent between the communication network and the network node is received. A first physical link out of the first group and a second physical link out of the second group are selected in a single computation based on at least one of the frame attributes. The data frame is sent over the selected first and second physical links.

Abstract: A method for budgeted learning of link information in a network includes providing a database to contain the link information, for use by an entity connected to the network in transferring traffic over the network, and setting a maximum rate for addition of entries to the database. New entries to be added to the database are determined responsive to the traffic on the network during a learning period. The new entries are added to the database only if the addition of the entries during the learning period has not exceeded the maximum rate.

Abstract: A method for budgeted learning of link information in a network includes providing a database to contain the link information, for use by an entity connected to the network in transferring traffic over the network, and setting a maximum rate for addition of entries to the database. New entries to be added to the database are determined responsive to the traffic on the network during a learning period. The new entries are added to the database only if the addition of the entries during the learning period has not exceeded the maximum rate.

Abstract: A method for communication via a ring network that includes a plurality of nodes. The method includes receiving at a first node in the ring network a data packet transmitted over a virtual private LAN service (VPLS), the data packet including an identification of the VPLS. The first node reads the identification from the data packet. Responsively to reading the identification, the first node forwards the data packet to at least one second node in the ring network that is associated with the VPLS.

Abstract: A method for budgeted learning of link information in a network includes providing a database to contain the link information, for use by an entity connected to the network in transferring traffic over the network, and setting a maximum rate for addition of entries to the database. New entries to be added to the database are determined responsive to the traffic on the network during a learning period. The new entries are added to the database only if the addition of the entries during the learning period has not exceeded the maximum rate.