Bridge system for selectively routing frame with ordering parameter identifying ordering of identifiers only based upon its source identifier

摘要

An N-way bridging system for local area networks (LANs) through which a source routed frames are transmitted, is based on hardware filtering in bridge ports responsive to the input LAN and bridge identified in the source routed frame, independent of the output LAN identified in the source routed frame. This filtering forwards the frame to the bridge host processor if a match on the input LAN and bridge number is detected. The host then reads the output LAN parameter from the frame and determines the appropriate routing. This technique preserves the hardware filtering of the IBM Source Routing specification for token ring LANs at least in part, and is assisted by the bridge host processor in determining the output port on the bridge.