Methods, systems, and computer program products for rate-based distribution of layer 2 packets for in-line processing at a layer 2 packet forwarding device at a transmission rate less than a received transmission rate

摘要

The subject matter described herein includes methods, systems, and computer program products for rate-based distribution of layer 2 packets for in-line processing at a layer 2 packet forwarding device. According to one aspect, the subject matter described herein includes a method for distributing layer 2 packets for in-line processing at a transmission rate less than a received transmission rate. The method includes receiving an input stream of layer 2 packets at an input port of a layer 2 packet forwarding device. The input port has a first transmission capacity. The input stream of layer 2 packets is divided into at least two substreams of layer 2 packets of different transmission rates. The first substream of layer 2 packets is layer 2 redirected to a first set of output ports of a slower transmission capacity than the input port. The second substream of layer 2 packets is flooded to a second set of output ports, with a transmission capacity equal to the first set of output ports. The transmission rates of the first and second substreams of layer 2 packets are selected to optimize the load sharing among the first and second sets of output ports.