Abstract: A system for collaborative deep packet inspection in a network uses a coarse grain mechanism to perform deep packet inspection on sample packets sampled from a plurality of traffic flows received at a network device using a plurality of signatures and develop a profile of the network and a fine grain mechanism to perform real-time inspection of a traffic flow against a small set of the signatures that is updated based on the profile. The fine grain mechanism further enables at least one policy action to be applied to a traffic flow when the traffic flow matches one of the signatures in the set of signatures.

Abstract: A virtual chassis system includes a plurality of network nodes configured with a master virtual chassis address. The network nodes are connected by virtual fabric link (VFLs) that provide a connection for exchange of packets between the network nodes. The packets include source MAC addresses and associated hardware device information, such as source chassis ID, source network interface identifier and source port identifier information. The network nodes use this information to maintain synchronized MAC address tables for forwarding of packets in the virtual chassis system.

Abstract: A network switch is provided that has an enhanced interface wherein an integrated circuit device is provided that facilitates the delivery of enhanced status information from the network switch. This integrated circuit, illustratively, a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or programmable logic device (PLD) such as a complex programmable logic device (CPLD), facilitates the delivery of enhanced status indicator information in conjunction with the resident networking switch semiconductor device (i.e., an Ethernet switch or PHY device). The enhanced status indicator information is conveyed using more LEDs (i.e., more than the resident networking semiconductor device contains by itself), and thus more information can be displayed and conveyed by such LEDs.

Abstract: An approach for saving power in a fiber ports of a network system is provided. An instance of a period of inactivity for a fiber port of the network system is determined. Power delivery to a transmit laser of an SFP (small form-factor pluggable) device of the fiber port is terminated during at least a portion of the period of inactivity. Power delivery to the SFP device is maintained while power delivery to the transmit laser is terminated.

Abstract: The preferred methodology for manufacture of a PCIe card of the preferred embodiment involves placing a switch such as a switching ASIC on a PCIe card and operatively connecting the switching ASIC to the PCIe card. The preferred methodology also includes operatively connecting a power management module to the PCIe card and including CXP connectors on the PCIe card. The PCIe card of the preferred embodiment includes a power management module (i.e. a power converter) and a switching ASIC. The PCIe card of the preferred embodiment further includes three CXP connectors. In one embodiment, the supporting CPU for switch control and management is placed on the PCIe card.

Abstract: A virtual chassis system includes a plurality of network nodes configured with a master virtual chassis address. The network nodes are connected by virtual fabric link (VFLs) that provide a connection for exchange of packets between the network nodes. The packets include source MAC addresses and associated hardware device information, such as source chassis ID, source network interface identifier and source port identifier information. The network nodes use this information to maintain synchronized MAC address tables for forwarding of packets in the virtual chassis system.

Abstract: An approach for saving power in a fiber ports of a network system is provided. An instance of a period of inactivity for a fiber port of the network system is determined. Power delivery to a transmit laser of an SFP (small form-factor pluggable) device of the fiber port is terminated during at least a portion of the period of inactivity. Power delivery to the SFP device is maintained while power delivery to the transmit laser is terminated.

Abstract: A computer system has a chassis, a plurality of interconnected panels mounted on the chassis in a manner defining an interior space at least partially encompassed by the panels, a circuit assembly, an electrically-powered fan within the interior space, and an energy conversion device mounted within the interior space. One or more of the panels has an airflow opening therein. The circuit assembly is mounted on the chassis within the interior space and includes a heat generating system component. The heat generating system component includes a surface from which energy in the infrared (IR) electromagnetic spectrum is emitted during operation thereof. The energy conversion device is configured for converting the emitted infrared energy to electrical energy and is electrically connected to the electrically-powered fan for providing the electrical energy thereto.

Abstract: The preferred methodology for manufacture of a PCIe card of the preferred embodiment involves placing a switch such as a switching ASIC on a PCIe card and operatively connecting the switching ASIC to the PCIe card. The preferred methodology also includes operatively connecting a power management module to the PCIe card and including CXP connectors on the PCIe card. The PCIe card of the preferred embodiment includes a power management module (i.e. a power converter) and a switching ASIC. The PCIe card of the preferred embodiment further includes three CXP connectors. In one embodiment, the supporting CPU for switch control and management is placed on the PCIe card.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for enhancing the security of a data communications network. When a packet or other data unit enters the network, an associated geolocation is ascertain and a value representing that geolocation, that is, geolocation information, is inserted into the packet. When a packet is about to leave the network, the previously inserted geolocation information is analyzed, and in most cases, removed, and a decision is made according the analysis as to whether to forward the packet or discard it due to a suspect character. In some cases, suspect packets are instead flagged and forwarded, sometimes in connection with sending a warning to the intended recipient.

Abstract: A computer system has a chassis, a plurality of interconnected panels mounted on the chassis in a manner defining an interior space at least partially encompassed by the panels, a circuit assembly, an electrically-powered fan within the interior space, and an energy conversion device mounted within the interior space. One or more of the panels has an airflow opening therein. The circuit assembly is mounted on the chassis within the interior space and includes a heat generating system component. The heat generating system component includes a surface from which energy in the infrared (IR) electromagnetic spectrum is emitted during operation thereof. The energy conversion device is configured for converting the emitted infrared energy to electrical energy and is electrically connected to the electrically-powered fan for providing the electrical energy thereto.