Abstract: Techniques are described that allow a network device, such as a router, to dynamically build VLAN interfaces based on subscriber information strings included within packets. In particular, the network device comprises an interface controller and a forwarding controller, where the forwarding controller receives the packet over an Ethernet port and forwards the received packet to the interface controller. The packet includes both Ethernet tagging information and a subscriber information string. The interface controller comprises an Ethernet module that dynamically builds a primary virtual local area network (VLAN) sub-interface (PVS) based on the Ethernet tagging information. The Ethernet module also dynamically builds a subscriber VLAN sub-interface (SVS) based on the subscriber information string. The SVS allows the network device to distinguish between subscribers residing on the same VLAN, and, therefore, to provide subscriber specific services.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and article of manufacture for filtering a data packet. The data packet is classified a filter type according to a classification criteria. A size value of the data packet is added to a data count for the filter type. The filter type is compared to a committed information rate (CIR). The data packet is filtered if the data count exceeds the CIR or a burst rate. A status the data packet may optionally be altered if the data count exceeds the CIR. A priority of the data packet may optionally be reclassified if the data count exceeds the CIR.