Abstract: An address learning method for a network device having a plurality of connection ports, at least one of which is electrically connected to a terminal device. The method includes a fetching process, a hashed-address generating process, a data registering process and an address registering process. The fetching process fetches an address data string from a first memory unit by a programmable logic device (PLD). The hashed-address generating process generates a hashed-address by the programmable logic device. The data registering process writes the address data string into an address data table. The address registering process writes the hashed-address into a hashed-address table. A network device for performing the address data learning method is also disclosed.

Abstract: An address learning method for a network device having a plurality of connection ports, at least one of which is electrically connected to a terminal device. The method includes a fetching process, a hashed-address generating process, a data registering process and an address registering process. The fetching process fetches an address data string from a first memory unit by a programmable logic device (PLD). The hashed-address generating process generates a hashed-address by the programmable logic device. The data registering process writes the address data string into an address data table. The address registering process writes the hashed-address into a hashed-address table. A network device for performing the address data learning method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for recovering from malfunctions in a primary agent module of a modular network device. The primary agent module is installed in a modular network device having a number of network interface modules housed in a chassis. A backup agent module is installed in the chassis when the modular network device is powered on. The backup agent module determines if the primary agent module has been installed when three dedicated signals of the primary agent module are asserted. The network device then synchronizes all configuration information of the network interface modules from the primary to the backup agent module. The backup agent module detects that the primary agent module has failed if it cannot receive a message sent from the primary agent module within a predetermined time interval. As a result, the modular network device is rebooted and the backup agent module becomes the primary agent module.

Abstract: A method for recovering from malfunctions in a primary agent module of a modular network device. The primary agent module is installed in a modular network device having a number of network interface modules housed in a chassis. A backup agent module is installed in the chassis when the modular network device is powered on. The backup agent module determines if the primary agent module has been installed when three dedicated signals of the primary agent module are asserted. The network device then synchronizes all configuration information of the network interface modules from the primary to the backup agent module. The backup agent module detects that the primary agent module has failed if it cannot receive a message sent from the primary agent module within a predetermined time interval. As a result, the modular network device is rebooted and the backup agent module becomes the primary agent module.