Patent attributes
A data packet is received at a network switch. The packet has a destination address that is reached via a Link Aggregation group on a virtual local area network (VLAN). A forwarding database lookup is performed to determine a Link Aggregation port reference number for the data packet on the VLAN. A Link Aggregation port table is then searched to determine the primary Link Aggregation port and a backup Link Aggregation port for forwarding the packet. A port array for ports in the Link Aggregation group is searched to determine if the primary Link Aggregation port is valid. If the primary port is valid, then the packet is forwarded on the primary Link Aggregation port. If the primary port is not valid, then the packet is forwarded on the backup Link Aggregation port.
