TPR and FDDI: SNAP Processing

For media types DL_TPR and DL_FDDI, GLDv2 implements minimal SNAP (Sub-Net Access Protocol) processing. This processing is for any stream that is bound to a SAP value that is greater than 255. SAP values in the range [0-255] are LLC SAP values. Such values are carried naturally by the media packet format. SAP values that are greater than 255 require a SNAP header, subordinate to the LLC header, to carry the 16-bit Ethernet V2-style SAP value.

SNAP headers are carried under LLC headers with destination SAP 0xAA. Outbound packets with SAP values that are greater than 255 require an LLC+SNAP header take the following form:

AA AA 03 00 00 00 XX XX

XX XX represents the 16-bit SAP, corresponding to the Ethernet V2 style type. This header is unique in supporting non-zero organizational unique identifier fields. LLC control fields other than 03 are considered to be LLC packets with SAP 0xAA. Clients that want to use SNAP formats other than this format must use LLC and bind to SAP 0xAA.

Incoming packets are checked for conformance with the above format. Packets that conform are matched to any streams that have been bound to the packet's 16-bit SNAP type. In addition, these packets are considered to match the LLC SNAP SAP 0xAA.

Packets received for any LLC SAP are passed up all streams that are bound to an LLC SAP, as described for media type DL_ETHER.