Abstract: Packet switch operating methods and packet switches, using primary control circuitry of the packet switch, receive a request to perform a transaction. In response to the receiving the request, the primary control circuitry forwards the request to backup control circuitry of the packet switch. Subsequent to forwarding the request, the primary control circuitry performs the transaction by modifying a plurality of first data objects stored in a memory of the primary control circuitry. The packet switch operating methods and packet switches, using the primary control circuitry, inform the backup control circuitry that the primary control circuitry has performed the transaction and, in response to the informing, the backup control circuitry performs the transaction by modifying a plurality of second data objects stored in a memory of the backup control circuitry. The first data objects correspond to the second data objects.

Abstract: Packet switch operating methods and packet switches receive a plurality of packets using a forwarding plane of the packet switch. Each packet of the plurality conforms to a different one of a plurality of forwarding information formats. The methods and packet switches modify each packet of the plurality to conform to a common forwarding information format instead of a respective one of the plurality of forwarding information formats and forward the modified packets of the plurality to a control plane of the packet switch.

Abstract: Packet switch operating methods and packet switches compare a quantity of virtual interfaces associated with a virtual switch to a threshold. If the quantity of virtual interfaces is not greater than the threshold, and the packet switch is configured to learn forwarding fields of packets forwarded by the virtual switch, the methods and switches configure the packet switch to not learn forwarding fields of packets subsequently forwarded by the virtual switch. Other methods and packet switches compare a quantity of virtual interfaces associated with a virtual switch to a threshold. If the quantity of virtual interfaces associated with the virtual switch is not greater than the threshold and the packet switch is configured to learn forwarding fields of packets forwarded by the virtual switch, the methods and packet switches configure the packet switch to not learn forwarding fields of packets subsequently forwarded by the virtual switch.

Abstract: This document describes tools that forward data packets having tags conforming to different formats. In one embodiment, the tools receive a data packet on each of a plurality of ports, each data packet comprising a tag conforming to a different format. The tools relay the data packets to a port capable of transmitting tags conforming to a plurality of formats. In another embodiment, the tools receive a plurality of data packets on a source port comprising a plurality of logical source ports, each of which is associated with a unique tag. At least one data packet is received on each logical source port. Each data packet includes the tag associated with the logical source port on which the data packet is received. The tools map each data packet to one of a plurality of virtual switches based on the logical source port on which the data packet is received.