Use of enhanced ethernet link—loop packets to automate configuration of intelligent linecards attached to a router

Abstract

A technique for configuring address information automatically for intelligent port cards such as in a cell multiplexer, router, or other internetwork device. A maintenance or control processor is included in the device together with a number of, for example, line and trunk units. The line and trunk units are loaded, monitored, and controlled by the controller via a backplane network. The backplane network must be assigned a subnet address which does not conflict with the management network interface also on the controller. In order to accomplish this, a LINK_LOOP broadcast packet is periodically sent over the backplane network containing the IP subnet address of the current master system controller. Line and trunk cards in a configuration state therefore wait to hear such a datagram configure their own IP addresses and to acquire the system controller IP address based on the message contents and then are able to initiate IOS IPC protocol over the backplane network as required. The invention eliminates the need for customers to configure the system controller's backplane management internet IP address, providing increased reliability and ease of use, as well as automatic rendevous with current controller in charge in a failure event.