A large flat IP network is created in a switched layer-2 network by adjusting the subnet masks of hosts such that these hosts can communicate directly with other hosts without the use of an intermediate router. The layer-2 switches are configured with user-selected IP subnets and monitor and analyze...http://www.google.com.au/patents/US6262988?utm_source=gb-gplus-sharePatent US6262988 - Method and system for subnetting in a switched IP network
