Data Communication System and Method

Simple SummaryContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

This invention describes a data communication system that uses multiple switching units organized into groups and interconnected via communication links, forming a network with at least one loop. It logically separates the network into at least two virtual sub-networks (typically implemented as VLANs in Ethernet), each forming a spanning tree topology. Incoming data packets are automatically assigned to a specific virtual sub-network based on the port they enter, allowing transparent load balancing, redundancy, and efficient communication without requiring changes to external devices or networks.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• High-performance network switches for data centers and enterprise networks
• Interconnection systems for large computer clusters or supercomputing environments
• Backbone infrastructure for metropolitan area networks (MANs) or carrier Ethernet networks
• Data routing within scalable server farms or cloud computing infrastructure
• Network backbone for distributed storage systems
• Simplified and high-availability communication fabric for grid computing

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Enables efficient use of redundant network paths, increasing overall bandwidth and resilience
• Provides automatic load distribution across multiple virtual sub-networks for balanced performance
• Allows seamless fault tolerance—failures can be rerouted automatically via spanning trees without outside intervention
• Operates transparently with existing attached equipment—no hardware or software changes needed externally
• Improves ease of deployment and scalability in a variety of Ethernet-based environments
• Reduces risk of congestion or overload on individual links by intelligent assignment of traffic paths
• Compatible with standard Ethernet and VLAN technologies, making integration straightforward

Technical Classifications (CPCs)

Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

A data communication system having a plurality of input/output ports, a first group and a second group of switching units. Each switching unit has a plurality of input/output interfaces, whereby at least one of the plurality of input/output interfaces of each switching unit of the first group forms an input/output port of the communications system, and at least one other input/output interface of each of the switching units of the first group is connected via a communication link with an input/output interface of one of the switching units of the second group, so that a network is formed having at least one loop. The network is logically divided in at least two virtual sub-networks, each forming a spanning tree. Each switching unit of the first group is configured to assign an incoming data packet arriving at a particular input/output port to a predetermined one of the at least two virtual sub-networks. An advantage of the present invention is the ability to transparently employ the taught data communication device in different computing environments, without the requirement to alter any external equipment.