Abstract: A network device for implementing mirroring on packets. The network device includes a plurality of ports, each of which is at least one of an ingress port, an egress port and a mirror-to port. The network device also includes processing means for supporting a plurality of mirroring types. Each of the ingress port, egress port and mirror-to port includes at least one register for supporting the plurality of mirroring types. To support mirroring at each of the ingress port, egress port and mirror-to port predefined bits in the at least one register are set. When an incoming packet is received, the predefined bits are examined to determine which of the plurality of mirroring types to apply to the packet.

Abstract: A network device for implementing VLAN translation on a packet. The network device includes a user network interface port for receiving and transmitting packets to customers of a network. The network device also includes a network to network interface port for communicating with a second network device in the network. A packet received at the user network interface port is classified, translated based on a predefined provider field associated with the packet, and encapsulated with a tag that is removed when the packet is transmitted from the user network interface port to a customer.

Abstract: A network device that processes packets and includes at least one legacy component for performing basic processing on packets in the network device. The network device further includes at least one advanced component for performing advanced processing, which can not be performed by the legacy component, on packets in the network device. When an incoming packet to the legacy component requires advanced processing, the legacy component performs the basic processing and transmits the packet to a loop-back port on advanced component. Upon receiving the packet, basic processing is disabled on the advanced component and advanced processing is performed on the packet.

Abstract: A network device for implementing mirroring on packets. The network device includes a plurality of ports, each of which is at least one of an ingress port, an egress port and a mirror-to port. The network device also includes processing means for supporting a plurality of mirroring types. Each of the ingress port, egress port and mirror-to port includes at least one register for supporting the plurality of mirroring types. To support mirroring at each of the ingress port, egress port and mirror-to port predefined bits in the at least one register are set. When an incoming packet is received, the predefined bits are examined to determine which of the plurality of mirroring types to apply to the packet.