Abstract: Embodiments described herein improve availability of a power plane in a network device by using a PoE manager that is separate from an operating system in the network device. For example, when the operating system (or a PoE application executing in the operating system) becomes unavailable, either because of failure or system upgrade, the PoE manager continues managing a power plane in the network device such that connected PDs continue to receive DC power. Stated differently, by using a PoE manager that is separate from the operating system, there is no fate sharing between the PoE manager and the operating system. If the operating system is unavailable, the PoE manager continues to provide the same power allotment to the PDs. As such, updates and failures which previously made the power plane unavailable no longer affect the power supplied to the PDs.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein include a Power over Ethernet (PoE) enabled device that uses 2-event classification when allocating power to coupled powered devices (PDs). If the 2-event classification is successful, power sourcing equipment (PSE) on the PoE device allocates a maximum power allotment to the PD. Once powered on, the PD may determine it does not require the maximum power allotment and negotiate a reduction in the power allotted to the PD.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein include a Power over Ethernet (PoE) enabled device that uses 2-event classification when allocating power to coupled powered devices (PDs). If the 2-event classification is successful, power sourcing equipment (PSE) on the PoE device allocates a maximum power allotment to the PD. Once powered on, the PD may determine it does not require the maximum power allotment and negotiate a reduction in the power allotted to the PD.

Abstract: Embodiments generally provide techniques for waking up a plurality of network devices from a power saving mode via layer 1 (L1) signaling. Embodiments include entering a power saving mode at a first network device, wherein logic for processing layer 2 and higher data is inactive during the power saving mode and receiving, while the first network device is in the power saving mode, a L1 bit stream from a second network device connected to the first network device. Additionally, embodiments include, upon determining that a predefined code is present within the received L1 bit stream, exiting the power saving mode at the first network device and transmitting a second L1 bit stream containing the predefined code to a third network device.

Abstract: In an example embodiment, there is disclosed an apparatus comprising a plurality of ports and routing logic coupled with the plurality of ports. The routing logic obtains data representative of a first port configuration for the plurality of ports, the first port configuration comprises data representative of a status for individual ports selected from the plurality of ports, the status indicating whether an individual port selected from the plurality of ports is an open port, an alternate port, or a failed port. The routing logic forwards data in accordance with the first port configuration. The routing logic also obtains data representative of an alternate port configuration for the plurality of ports, the alternate port configuration is to be employed upon determining a predefined link has failed. The alternate configuration comprising a new status for individual ports selected from the plurality of ports.

Abstract: A connectivity device, such as a switch may consume lesser power by transitioning into stand-by mode in response to a command from an upstream connectivity device, such as another switch. In the stand-by mode the switch may power down circuitry of the switch that handles incoming messages. The switch may be powered up from the stand-by mode by using a PHY or Layer-1 components of the switch.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein improve availability of a power plane in a network device by using a PoE manager that is separate from an operating system in the network device. For example, when the operating system (or a PoE application executing in the operating system) becomes unavailable, either because of failure or system upgrade, the PoE manager continues managing a power plane in the network device such that connected PDs continue to receive DC power. Stated differently, by using a PoE manager that is separate from the operating system, there is no fate sharing between the PoE manager and the operating system. If the operating system is unavailable, the PoE manager continues to provide the same power allotment to the PDs. As such, updates and failures which previously made the power plane unavailable no longer affect the power supplied to the PDs.

Abstract: In an example embodiment, there is disclosed an apparatus comprising a plurality of ports and routing logic coupled with the plurality of ports. The routing logic obtains data representative of a first port configuration for the plurality of ports, the first port configuration comprises data representative of a status for individual ports selected from the plurality of ports, the status indicating whether an individual port selected from the plurality of ports is an open port, an alternate port, or a failed port. The routing logic forwards data in accordance with the first port configuration. The routing logic also obtains data representative of an alternate port configuration for the plurality of ports, the alternate port configuration is to be employed upon determining a predefined link has failed. The alternate configuration comprising a new status for individual ports selected from the plurality of ports.

Abstract: In accordance with an example embodiment, there is disclosed herein, an apparatus having first and second interfaces for communicating on a ring network. Upon receipt of a first signal on the first interface indicating a break in the ring, the apparatus stops forwarding packets onto the ring. Upon receipt of a second signal on the second port indicating a break in the ring, the apparatus forwards all packets destined for the ring network onto the ring network via both the first and second interfaces.

Abstract: In an example embodiment, there is disclosed an apparatus comprising a plurality of ports and routing logic coupled with the plurality of ports. The routing logic obtains data representative of a first port configuration for the plurality of ports, the first port configuration comprises data representative of a status for individual ports selected from the plurality of ports, the status indicating whether an individual port selected from the plurality of ports is an open port, an alternate port, or a failed port. The routing logic forwards data in accordance with the first port configuration. The routing logic also obtains data representative of an alternate port configuration for the plurality of ports, the alternate port configuration is to be employed upon determining a predefined link has failed. The alternate configuration comprising a new status for individual ports selected from the plurality of ports.

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.

Abstract: In an example embodiment, there is disclosed an apparatus comprising a plurality of ports and routing logic coupled with the plurality of ports. The routing logic obtains data representative of a first port configuration for the plurality of ports, the first port configuration comprises data representative of a status for individual ports selected from the plurality of ports, the status indicating whether an individual port selected from the plurality of ports is an open port, an alternate port, or a failed port. The routing logic forwards data in accordance with the first port configuration. The routing logic also obtains data representative of an alternate port configuration for the plurality of ports, the alternate port configuration is to be employed upon determining a predefined link has failed. The alternate configuration comprising a new status for individual ports selected from the plurality of ports.

Abstract: In accordance with an example embodiment, there is disclosed herein, an apparatus having first and second interfaces for communicating on a ring network. Upon receipt of a first signal on the first interface indicating a break in the ring, the apparatus stops forwarding packets onto the ring. Upon receipt of a second signal on the second port indicating a break in the ring, the apparatus forwards all packets destined for the ring network onto the ring network via both the first and second interfaces.

Abstract: In an example embodiment, a technique for network based power management for power consuming devices associated with a network. A power control strategy is communicated to network elements coupled to the network. The power control strategy is enforced by the network elements and the network elements report power consumption. Each network element enforces the power strategy relative to the set of power consuming devices operatively associated with the network element. Groups of subtended network elements can manage the power policy in a cluster power management mode or in a collaborative cluster management mode.

Abstract: A PVLAN having a primary and secondary VLAN's where the primary and secondary VLAN's have ports and the users connected to those ports. The MAC addresses of those users are learned in the primary or the secondary VLAN's and together with the port designation are stored preferably in tables associated with the VLAN's and the associated VLAN's. Processes are provided that replicate the tables in the other VLAN's so that the information necessary to transfer packets between source and destination ports is available to the associated VLAN's.

Abstract: In an example embodiment, a technique for network based power management for power consuming devices associated with a network. A power control strategy is communicated to network elements coupled to the network. The power control strategy is enforced by the network elements and the network elements report power consumption. Each network element enforces the power strategy relative to the set of power consuming devices operatively associated with the network element. Groups of subtended network elements can manage the power policy in a cluster power management mode or in a collaborative cluster management mode.