Importance

Loading Importance Indicators...

Abstract

A method and system for conserving VLAN identifier (VID) space in a metropolitan area network (MAN) that transmits data between a plurality of network sites for a plurality of customers, one or more of the customers using tagging to construct a plurality of VLANs. In the preferred embodiment, a first MAN switch marks each customer's untagged traffic with a VLAN identifier conserving (VIC) tag prior to transmitting the traffic through the MAN. The VIC tag, preferably an 802.1Q tag includes a dedicated Ethertype, i.e., a VLAN protocol identifier (VPID), different than the VPID the 0.times.8110 used with the customers' VLAN tagged traffic or with the metro tag used to tunnel the customers' traffic through the MAN. The VIC obviates the need to assign a VID for each customer's untagged traffic that propagates through the MAN, thereby making a plurality of VID available for customers.

Loading the Abstract Image...

First Claim