Multi-service network switch with multiple virtual routers

摘要

A physical network switch partitioned into a plurality of virtual routers (VRs) where each VR has allocated to it a set of resources and routing tables. The system resources are not tied to a particular network interface, allowing them to be flexibly partitioned among the various VRs. Each VR may also be partitioned into multiple virtual private networks (VPNs) for controlling access to certain portions of the VR. Access is controlled by filtering software that filters traffic directed to the VR based on criteria such as source and/or destination addresses.