Hot-swapping network port functionality
US8929211B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 7, 2009 |
| Grant date | Jan 6, 2015 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 3, 2033 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04L49/30
- WIPO fieldDigital communication
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Methods and apparatus for swapping functionality modes of a network data link are disclosed. An example method includes, in a network device, supporting a plurality of active network data links that includes a given network data link, where the given network data link is operated in accordance with a first mode of functionality. The example method further includes, while the other network data links of the plurality remain active: (i) placing the given network data link in a quiescent state; (ii) allocating, in a data port of the given network data link, cell buffer space in accordance with a second mode of functionality; (iii) programming a memory management unit (MMU) of the network switch device in accordance with the second mode of functionality for the given network data link; (iv) allocating, in an egress port (EP) of the network switch device, cell buffer space in accordance with the second mode of functionality for the given network data link; (v) bringing the given network data link out of the quiescent state; and (vi) operating the given network data link in accordance with the second mode of functionality.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.