Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed. The method comprises: designating a first plurality of links from a first stack segment to a second stack segment as a first etherchannel link; designating a second plurality of links from the first stack segment to a third stack segment as a second etherchannel link, where the second stack segment and the third stack segment are in communication with a fourth stack segment; designating the first etherchannel link and the second etherchannel link as members of a hierarchical etherchannel link; and sending a packet from the first stack segment to the fourth stack segment using the hierarchical etherchannel link.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed. The method comprises: designating a first plurality of links from a first stack segment to a second stack segment as a first etherchannel link; designating a second plurality of links from the first stack segment to a third stack segment as a second etherchannel link, where the second stack segment and the third stack segment are in communication with a fourth stack segment; designating the first etherchannel link and the second etherchannel link as members of a hierarchical etherchannel link; and sending a packet from the first stack segment to the fourth stack segment using the hierarchical etherchannel link.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed. The method comprises: designating a first plurality of links from a first stack segment to a second stack segment as a first etherchannel link; designating a second plurality of links from the first stack segment to a third stack segment as a second etherchannel link, where the second stack segment and the third stack segment are in communication with a fourth stack segment; designating the first etherchannel link and the second etherchannel link as members of a hierarchical etherchannel link; and sending a packet from the first stack segment to the fourth stack segment using the hierarchical etherchannel link.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed. The method comprises: designating a first plurality of links from a first stack segment to a second stack segment as a first etherchannel link; designating a second plurality of links from the first stack segment to a third stack segment as a second etherchannel link, where the second stack segment and the third stack segment are in communication with a fourth stack segment; designating the first etherchannel link and the second etherchannel link as members of a hierarchical etherchannel link; and sending a packet from the first stack segment to the fourth stack segment using the hierarchical etherchannel link.

Abstract: Methods and systems for configuring a first switch for frontside networking. The method includes: discovering the capabilities of a second switch connected to the first switch, where the capabilities include frontside stacking; changing a port on the first switch connected to the second switch from a standard port to a frontside stacking port; discovering a topology of a network containing the first switch and the second switch; and creating a drop table having entries for at least the first switch and the second switch.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed. Methods and systems include enabling MacSec in a frontside stacking environment. The method includes: creating a prepended frame descriptor to a packet; and placing SecTag control information in the prepended frame descriptor. Further methods and systems include enabling Pause and OAM in a frontside stacking environment. The method includes: identifying a size of a packet; and if the size of a packet is less than or equal to 64 bytes, examining the packet for a Pause or an OAM frame format.

Abstract: Methods and systems for configuring a first switch for frontside networking. The method includes: discovering the capabilities of a second switch connected to the first switch, where the capabilities include frontside stacking; changing a port on the first switch connected to the second switch from a standard port to a frontside stacking port; discovering a topology of a network containing the first switch and the second switch; and creating a drop table having entries for at least the first switch and the second switch.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed. The method comprises: designating a first plurality of links from a first stack segment to a second stack segment as a first etherchannel link; designating a second plurality of links from the first stack segment to a third stack segment as a second etherchannel link, where the second stack segment and the third stack segment are in communication with a fourth stack segment; designating the first etherchannel link and the second etherchannel link as members of a hierarchical etherchannel link; and sending a packet from the first stack segment to the fourth stack segment using the hierarchical etherchannel link.

Abstract: Stackable Layer 2 switches may be upgraded through a stateless upgrade procedure that minimizes software upgrade complexity while leveraging the intrinsic redundancy of the network to minimize traffic disruption. Disclosed methods may be targeted to platforms that lack support for other non-disruptive upgrade technologies, but that can leverage the intrinsic network redundancy to minimize traffic impact during a stack upgrade.

Abstract: Disclosed in an example embodiment herein is a technique for performing discovery and power budgeting for a power sharing group comprising a plurality of power supply modules configured for sharing power. Data is collected to determine members of the power sharing group, input power and load power for members of the power sharing group. A power budget is determined for members of the power sharing group and the power budget is distributed to members of the power sharing group. Load shedding inputs are calculated in the event that load power exceeds the capacity of the power sharing group.

Abstract: In accordance with an example embodiment, there is disclosed herein a technique for the formation of power sharing groups by a power supply module. The power supply module sends a discovery message and eventually receives the discovery message back. The power supply message also receives a discovery message from at least one other power supply module. The power supply module determines whether it is a master of the group, and if the power supply module is the master of the group, the power supply module determines power budgets for the at least one other power supply module. After obtaining a power supply budget, a controllable switching device is closed enabling power to be shared with the at least one other power supply module.