Abstract: A high-availability network device database synchronization technique for devices configured with multiple network controllers is disclosed. An HA database that contains information regarding a network state may not properly synchronize upon failure of a network component. For example, an HA switch typically has only two controllers, an active and a standby. If there is a loss of the active controller that causes a failover, changes in the network state may occur rapidly while the system is trying to recover (e.g., process the failover action). In part, because of the impact of the failover (e.g., failed communication paths) and rapidity of changes to network state while processing the failover, database changes may not be properly synchronized across all available database instances. Disclosed techniques provide reconciliation of database values using a mark and sweep technique on the “upside” of the failover and alter the “source of truth” for data value discrepancies.

Abstract: A network switch may include a database, a network analysis data producer having a first application program interface, a network analysis data consumer having a second application program interface and a shared memory accessible by the first application program interface and the second application program interface. The network analysis data producer is to store network analysis data on a region of the shared memory and store an index to the region in the database for retrieval by the network analysis data consumer.

Abstract: A network switch may include a database, a network analysis data producer having a first application program interface, a network analysis data consumer having a second application program interface and a shared memory accessible by the first application program interface and the second application program interface. The network analysis data producer is to store network analysis data on a region of the shared memory and store an index to the region in the database for retrieval by the network analysis data consumer.

Abstract: A high-availability network device database synchronization technique for devices configured with multiple network controllers is disclosed. An HA database that contains information regarding a network state may not properly synchronize upon failure of a network component. For example, an HA switch typically has only two controllers, an active and a standby. If there is a loss of the active controller that causes a failover, changes in the network state may occur rapidly while the system is trying to recover (e.g., process the failover action). In part, because of the impact of the failover (e.g., failed communication paths) and rapidity of changes to network state while processing the failover, database changes may not be properly synchronized across all available database instances. Disclosed techniques provide reconciliation of database values using a mark and sweep technique on the “upside” of the failover and alter the “source of truth” for data value discrepancies.

Abstract: One embodiment relates to a method of automated multiple-instance spanning tree reconfiguration. Query packets are sent to switches within an multiple-instance spanning tree (MST) region, and response packets are received from the switches with traffic utilization data for ports of the switches. An MST reconfiguration is determined. The MST reconfiguration is propagated to the switches within the MST region. Other embodiments and features are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system for generating a transferable license key and method thereof are described. The system comprises a license key generator for generating a transferable license key responsive to receipt of a license key request. The license key request comprises a hardware identifier and the transferable license key comprises an uninstall key. The system further comprises a storage device arranged to store the hardware identifier and the uninstall key. The method comprises storing a generated hardware identifier in a first device and transmitting a license key request to a second device, wherein the license key request comprises the hardware identifier. A feature of the first device is activated based on a license key received from the second device. The license key received at the first device is stored and the license key comprises a license identifier and an uninstall verification portion from the second device.

Abstract: One embodiment disclosed relates to a method of connection-rate filtering. A rate of traffic through a port of a network device is measured. The measured traffic rate is compared with a pre-set threshold rate. Packets are sampled from the port over a period of time if the pre-set threshold rate is exceeded by the measured traffic rate, and the sampled packets are analyzed. Other embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: One embodiment relates to a method of connection-rate filtering by a network device. Address resolution protocol (ARP) request packets received from a sub-network are monitored, and a copy of the received ARP request packets are sent to an agent program. The agent program determines a rate of ARP request packets sent by a host in the sub-network. Other embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: One embodiment relates to a method of automated multiple-instance spanning tree reconfiguration. Query packets are sent to switches within an multiple-instance spanning tree (MST) region, and response packets are received from the switches with traffic utilization data for ports of the switches. An MST reconfiguration is determined. The MST reconfiguration is propagated to the switches within the MST region. Other embodiments and features are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system for generating a transferable license key and method thereof are described. The system comprises a license key generator for generating a transferable license key responsive to receipt of a license key request. The license key request comprises a hardware identifier and the transferable license key comprises an uninstall key. The system further comprises a storage device arranged to store the hardware identifier and the uninstall key. The method comprises storing a generated hardware identifier in a first device and transmitting a license key request to a second device, wherein the license key request comprises the hardware identifier. A feature of the first device is activated based on a license key received from the second device. The license key received at the first device is stored and the license key comprises a license identifier and an uninstall verification portion from the second device.

Abstract: One embodiment relates to a method of connection-rate filtering by a network device. Address resolution protocol (ARP) request packets received from a sub-network are monitored, and a copy of the received ARP request packets are sent to an agent program. The agent program determines a rate of ARP request packets sent by a host in the sub-network. Other embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: One embodiment disclosed relates to a method of connection-rate filtering. A rate of traffic through a port of a network device is measured. The measured traffic rate is compared with a pre-set threshold rate. Packets are sampled from the port over a period of time if the pre-set threshold rate is exceeded by the measured traffic rate, and the sampled packets are analyzed. Other embodiments are also disclosed.