US5751967A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method and apparatus for automatically configuring a network device to support a virtual network
Assignee: Dominari Holdings Inc
•
Filing: 1996-07-15
•
Granted: 1998-05-12
•
Expires: 2016-07-15
Abstract
Abstract A networking system and automatic method in a networking system comprising at least one switching device and a plurality of at least one end-station interconnected with the at least one switching device, wherein the at least one switching device and at least one end-station are interconnected in a topology. A configuration device is included which has a configuration modification detection circuit for detecting the modification of the topology. A configuration policy maintenance circuit is provided for storing policies related to reconfiguring the at least one switching device upon the modification of the topology. A policy evaluation circuit is provided for determining which at least one end-station and ports should be grouped together upon the detection of the modification of the topology in a first manner. A reconfiguration circuit is provided for reconfiguring the at least one switching device in the first network to enable at least one end-station and ports to be grouped together in the first manner. Virtual local area networks may be created/extended/deleted during the reconfiguration to provide networking services to the at least one end-station.
Inventors
- 👤 Ilan Raab
- 👤 Ravi Manghirmalani
- 👤 Ofer Doitel
- 👤 Lynne Marie Izbicki
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-26 18:20
CPC Classifications
H; H04; H04L; H04L41/00; H04L41/12; H04L41/08; H04L41/0894; H04L41/0895
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 67
Claim 1
Independent Claim
169 words
A physical networking system including a plurality of end-stations said physical networking system comprising: a. at least one switching device adapted to support a virtual network; b. at least one end-station interconnected with said at least one switching device, wherein said at least one switching device and said end-station are interconnected in a first topology; and c. a configuration device, said configuration device including: i. a configuration modification detection circuit to detect the modification of said first topology; ii. a configuration policy maintenance circuit to store a policy defining said virtual network as including a logical sub-group of said plurality of end stations according to a predetermined logical criteria iii. a policy evaluation circuit to determine a manner in which to reconfigure said at least one switching device to implement said virtual network upon said detection of said modification of said first topology, said manner being determined in accordance with said policy; and iv. a reconfiguration circuit automatically to reconfigure said at least one switching device in said manner.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
169 words
A physical networking system including a plurality of end-stations said physical networking system comprising: a. at least one switching device adapted to support a virtual network; b. at least one end-station interconnected with said at least one switching device, wherein said at least one switching device and said end-station are interconnected in a first topology; and c. a configuration device, said configuration device including: i. a configuration modification detection circuit to detect the modification of said first topology; ii. a configuration policy maintenance circuit to store a policy defining said virtual network as including a logical sub-group of said plurality of end stations according to a predetermined logical criteria iii. a policy evaluation circuit to determine a manner in which to reconfigure said at least one switching device to implement said virtual network upon said detection of said modification of said first topology, said manner being determined in accordance with said policy; and iv. a reconfiguration circuit automatically to reconfigure said at least one switching device in said manner.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
29 words
The networking system of claim 1 wherein said reconfiguration includes coupling said at least one end-station in said networking system to form said virtual network according to said policy.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
29 words
The networking system of claim 1 wherein said reconfiguring includes determining an efficient manner in which to reconfigure said at least one switching device to form said virtual network.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
31 words
The networking system of claim 1 wherein said reconfiguring further includes reconfiguring said at least one switching device to remove said virtual network when said virtual network is no longer required.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
45 words
The networking system of claim 1 wherein said reconfiguring further includes reconfiguring said at least one switching device to interconnect said at least one end-station and said at least one switching device so as to include said at least one end-station to said virtual network.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
33 words
The networking system of claim 1 wherein said configuration modification detection circuit comprises a polling circuit to poll at least one automatic topology determination circuit to detect said modification of said first topology.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
36 words
The networking system of claim 1 wherein said configuration modification detection circuit comprises a trap reception circuit to receive traps generated by at least one automatic topology determination circuit upon said modification of said first topology.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
32 words
The networking system of claim 1 wherein said configuration modification detection circuit comprises a polling circuit to poll said at least one switching device to detect said modification of said first topology.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
35 words
The networking system of claim 1 wherein said configuration modification detection circuit comprises a trap reception circuit to receive traps generated by said at least one switching device upon said modification of said first topology.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
27 words
The networking system of claim 1 wherein said policy includes a member policy table identifying said at least one end-station as forming part of said virtual network.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
33 words
The networking system of claim 1 wherein said policy includes an override policy table specifying that said at least one switching device should not be reconfigured upon said modification of said first topology.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
45 words
The networking system of claim 1 wherein said policy includes an automatic policy table specifying automatic configuration of said at least one switching device to implement said virtual network, wherein said virtual network is characterized by a predetermined attribute of said at least one end-station.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
20 words
The networking system of claim 1 wherein said policy identifies hardware addresses to be coupled to form said virtual network.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
23 words
The networking system of claim 1 wherein said policy identifies ports on said at least one switching device which form said virtual network.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
23 words
The networking system of claim 1 wherein said policy identifies asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) addresses to be coupled to form said virtual network.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
21 words
The networking system of claim 1 wherein said policy identifies network layer addresses to be coupled to form said virtual network.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
16 words
The networking system of claim 16 wherein said network layer addresses include internet protocol (IP) addresses.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
23 words
The networking system of claim 1 wherein said policy specifies multiple instances of specified attributes to be coupled to form said virtual network.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
174 words
An automatic method in a configuration device in a physical networking system having at least one switching device adapted to implement a virtual network within said physical networking system, and at least one end-station interconnected with said at least one switching device, wherein said at least one switching device and said at least one end-station are interconnected in a first topology, and said virtual network comprises a logical grouping of end-stations within said physical networking system, said automatic method comprising the steps of: a. storing a policy defining said virtual network upon modification of said first topology, according to a predetermined logical criteria, as including said logical grouping of end-stations within said physical networking system; b. detecting said modification of said first topology; c. determining a manner in which to reconfigure said at least one switching device to implement said virtual network upon said detection of said modification of said first topology, said manner being determined in accordance with said policy; and d. automatically reconfiguring said at least one switching device in said manner.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
174 words
An automatic method in a configuration device in a physical networking system having at least one switching device adapted to implement a virtual network within said physical networking system, and at least one end-station interconnected with said at least one switching device, wherein said at least one switching device and said at least one end-station are interconnected in a first topology, and said virtual network comprises a logical grouping of end-stations within said physical networking system, said automatic method comprising the steps of: a. storing a policy defining said virtual network upon modification of said first topology, according to a predetermined logical criteria, as including said logical grouping of end-stations within said physical networking system; b. detecting said modification of said first topology; c. determining a manner in which to reconfigure said at least one switching device to implement said virtual network upon said detection of said modification of said first topology, said manner being determined in accordance with said policy; and d. automatically reconfiguring said at least one switching device in said manner.
Claim 22
Independent Claim
150 words
A method for managing a virtual network in a switched, physical networking system comprising at least one end-station, a switching device and a configuration device, wherein said virtual network comprises a logical, sub-grouping of end-stations within said physical network defined according to a predetermined logical criteria, said method of managing said virtual network comprising the following steps: a. said configuration device communicating with said switching device to determine changes of connectivity of at least one end-station and said switching device in said switched networking system; b. said configuration device referencing a policy for management of said virtual network in said switched networking system in order to determine reconfiguration of said switching device for said management of said virtual network; c. said configuration device determining said reconfiguration of said switching device; and d. said configuration device automatically performing said reconfiguration of said switching device for said management of said virtual network.
Claim 23
Independent Claim
150 words
A method for managing a virtual network in a switched, physical networking system comprising at least one end-station, a switching device and a configuration device, wherein said virtual network comprises a logical, sub-grouping of end-stations within said physical network defined according to a predetermined logical criteria, said method of managing said virtual network comprising the following steps: a. said configuration device communicating with said switching device to determine changes of connectivity of at least one end-station and said switching device in said switched networking system; b. said configuration device referencing a policy for management of said virtual network in said switched networking system in order to determine reconfiguration of said switching device for said management of said virtual network; c. said configuration device determining said reconfiguration of said switching device; and d. said configuration device automatically performing said reconfiguration of said switching device for said management of said virtual network.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 20 wherein said managing includes creating said virtual network.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 20 wherein said managing includes deleting said virtual network.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 20 wherein said managing includes maintaining said virtual network.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 20 wherein said managing includes creating, deleting and maintaining said virtual network.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method of claim 20 wherein said managing includes creating, deleting and maintaining said virtual network in order to create an efficient communication path among said virtual network and another virtual network.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
157 words
Network management apparatus for use in a physical networking system, said physical networking system having at least one switching device capable of implementing a virtual network and at least one end-station interconnectable with said switching device, wherein said at least one switching device and said at least one end-station are interconnected in a first topology, and wherein said virtual network comprises a sub-group of end-stations of said physical networking system allocated to a virtual network grouping according to a predetermined logical criteria, said network management apparatus comprising: a. a configuration modification detection circuit to detect the modification of said first topology; b. a policy evaluation circuit to identify said at least one end-station as being allocated to said virtual network grouping utilizing a policy upon said detection of said modification of said first topology; and c. a reconfiguration circuit automatically to reconfigure said switching device to implement said virtual network grouping of said at least one end-station.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
157 words
Network management apparatus for use in a physical networking system, said physical networking system having at least one switching device capable of implementing a virtual network and at least one end-station interconnectable with said switching device, wherein said at least one switching device and said at least one end-station are interconnected in a first topology, and wherein said virtual network comprises a sub-group of end-stations of said physical networking system allocated to a virtual network grouping according to a predetermined logical criteria, said network management apparatus comprising: a. a configuration modification detection circuit to detect the modification of said first topology; b. a policy evaluation circuit to identify said at least one end-station as being allocated to said virtual network grouping utilizing a policy upon said detection of said modification of said first topology; and c. a reconfiguration circuit automatically to reconfigure said switching device to implement said virtual network grouping of said at least one end-station.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
28 words
The apparatus of claim 26 further comprising a configuration policy maintenance circuit to store said policy for determining said virtual network grouping of said at least one end-station.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
36 words
The apparatus of claim 26 wherein said configuration modification detection circuit comprises a polling circuit to poll at least one automatic topology determination circuit in said networking system to detect said modification of said first topology.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
38 words
The apparatus of claim 26 wherein said configuration modification detection circuit comprises a trap reception to receive traps generated by at least one automatic topology determination circuit in said networking system upon said modification of said first topology.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
35 words
The apparatus of claim 26 wherein said configuration modification detection circuit comprises a polling circuit to poll said at least one switching device in said networking system to detect said modification of said first topology.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
35 words
The apparatus of claim 26 wherein said configuration modification detection circuit comprises a trap reception circuit to receive traps generated by said switching device in said networking system upon said modification of said first topology.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus of claim 31 wherein said configuration modification detection circuit generates a list of end-stations requiring evaluation.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
28 words
The apparatus of claim 32 wherein said policy evaluation circuit matches said list of end-stations requiring evaluation with said policy in order to determine said virtual network grouping.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
31 words
The apparatus of claim 33 wherein said reconfiguration circuit determines said reconfiguring of said at least one switching device according to said virtual network grouping of said at least one end-station.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
26 words
The apparatus of claim 26 wherein said policy includes a member policy table identifying said at least one end-station as forming part of said virtual network.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
32 words
The apparatus of claim 26 wherein said policy includes an override policy table specifying that said at least one switching device should not be reconfigured upon said modification of said first topology.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
31 words
The apparatus of claim 26 wherein said policy includes an automatic policy table specifying automatic creation of said virtual network based on a predetermined attribute of said at least one end-station.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus of claim 26 wherein said policy identifies hardware addresses to be coupled to form said virtual network.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
22 words
The apparatus of claim 26 wherein said policy identifies ports on said at least one switching device which form said virtual network.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
22 words
The apparatus of claim 26 wherein said policy identifies asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) addresses to be coupled to form said virtual network.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
20 words
The apparatus of claim 26 wherein said policy identifies network layer addresses to be coupled to form said virtual network.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 41 wherein said network layer addresses include internet protocol (IP) addresses.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
25 words
The apparatus of claim 26 wherein said policy includes a specification of multiple instances of specified attributes to be coupled to form said virtual network.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
196 words
Network management apparatus in a networking system including a plurality of end-stations, said networking system having at least one switching device capable of supporting a virtual network and at least one end-station interconnected with said at least one switching device, wherein said at least one switching device and said at least one end-station are interconnected in a first topology, and wherein said virtual network comprises a logical sub-grouping of end stations defined according to a predetermined logical criteria, said network management apparatus comprising: a. a configuration policy maintenance circuit for storing a policy defining said virtual network and allocating said at least one end-station to said virtual network according to said predetermined logical criteria; b. a configuration modification detection circuit for detecting modification of said first topology; c. a policy evaluation circuit for determining said allocation of said at least one end-station to said virtual network, by referencing said policy stored in said configuration policy maintenance circuit, upon said detection of said modification of said first topology; and d. a reconfiguration circuit for automatically reconfiguring said at least one switching device upon said detection of said modification of said first topology to implement said virtual network.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
196 words
Network management apparatus in a networking system including a plurality of end-stations, said networking system having at least one switching device capable of supporting a virtual network and at least one end-station interconnected with said at least one switching device, wherein said at least one switching device and said at least one end-station are interconnected in a first topology, and wherein said virtual network comprises a logical sub-grouping of end stations defined according to a predetermined logical criteria, said network management apparatus comprising: a. a configuration policy maintenance circuit for storing a policy defining said virtual network and allocating said at least one end-station to said virtual network according to said predetermined logical criteria; b. a configuration modification detection circuit for detecting modification of said first topology; c. a policy evaluation circuit for determining said allocation of said at least one end-station to said virtual network, by referencing said policy stored in said configuration policy maintenance circuit, upon said detection of said modification of said first topology; and d. a reconfiguration circuit for automatically reconfiguring said at least one switching device upon said detection of said modification of said first topology to implement said virtual network.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
155 words
An automatic method for configuration of a networking system having at least one switching device capable of supporting a virtual network and at least one end-station interconnectable with said at least one switching device, wherein said at least one switching device and at least one end-station are interconnected in a first topology, and wherein said virtual network comprises a plurality of end-stations allocated to a logical grouping defined according to a predetermined logical criteria, said method comprising the following steps: storing a policy defining said logical grouping of said end-stations according to said predetermined logical criteria; detecting modification of said first topology; upon detection of said modification, determining said logical grouping of said at least one end-station to form said virtual network according to said policy; and upon said detection of said modification, automatically reconfiguring said at least one switching device in said network to support said logical grouping of said at least one end-station.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
155 words
An automatic method for configuration of a networking system having at least one switching device capable of supporting a virtual network and at least one end-station interconnectable with said at least one switching device, wherein said at least one switching device and at least one end-station are interconnected in a first topology, and wherein said virtual network comprises a plurality of end-stations allocated to a logical grouping defined according to a predetermined logical criteria, said method comprising the following steps: storing a policy defining said logical grouping of said end-stations according to said predetermined logical criteria; detecting modification of said first topology; upon detection of said modification, determining said logical grouping of said at least one end-station to form said virtual network according to said policy; and upon said detection of said modification, automatically reconfiguring said at least one switching device in said network to support said logical grouping of said at least one end-station.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method of claim 45 wherein said configuration modification detection comprises polling at least one topology determination circuit in said network to determine said modification of said first topology.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method of claim 45 wherein said configuration modification detection comprises receiving traps generated by said at least one topology determination circuit in said network upon said modification of said first topology.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method of claim 45 wherein said configuration modification detection comprises polling said at least one switching device in said network to determine said modification of said first topology.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
31 words
The method of claim 45 wherein said configuration modification detection comprises receiving traps generated by said at least one switching device in said network upon said modification of said first topology.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 49 wherein said configuration modification detection generates a list of end-stations requiring evaluation.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 50 wherein said policy evaluation matches said list of end-stations requiring evaluation with said policy in order to determine said logical grouping.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method of claim 51 wherein said reconfiguration circuit determines said reconfiguring of said at least one switching device according to said logical grouping of said at least one end-station.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 45 wherein said policy includes a member policy table identifying said at least one end-station as forming part of said virtual network.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method of claim 45 wherein said policy includes an override policy table specifying that said at least one switching device should not be reconfigured upon said modification of said first topology.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
31 words
The method of claim 45 wherein said policy includes an automatic policy table specifying automatic creation of said virtual network based on a predetermined attribute of said at least one end-station.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 45 wherein said policy identifies hardware addresses to be coupled to form said virtual network.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 45 wherein said policy identifies ports on said at least one switching device which form said virtual network.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 45 wherein said policy identifies asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) addresses to be coupled to form said virtual network.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 45 wherein said policy identifies network layer addresses to be coupled to form said virtual network.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 59 wherein said network layer addresses include internet protocol (IP) addresses.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
31 words
The method of claim 45 wherein said policy includes a specification of multiple instances of specified attributes of said at least one end station be coupled to form said virtual network.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2001-05-11 | 2001-11-10 | 2002-05-12 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2005-05-11 | 2005-11-10 | 2006-05-12 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2009-05-11 | 2009-11-10 | 2010-05-12 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |