Abstract: A method for reporting operational information in a network is described herein. The network may include a network device and a network management server. The network device may detect an event triggering reporting of a modification to a configuration of the network device. A report message initiated by the network device may be provided. The report message may identify the modification to the configuration. The modification to the configuration may be committed after providing the report message. In another embodiment, the network device detects an event indicating a performance condition in the network device. A report message initiated by the network device is generated. The report message may include a state of the network device at the time of the event.

Abstract: A method for reporting operational information in a network is described herein. The network may include a network device and a network management server. The network device may detect an event triggering reporting of a modification to a configuration of the network device. A report message initiated by the network device may be provided. The report message may identify the modification to the configuration. The modification to the configuration may be committed after providing the report message. In another embodiment, the network device detects an event indicating a performance condition in the network device. A report message initiated by the network device is generated. The report message may include a state of the network device at the time of the event.

Abstract: One embodiment disclosed relates to a method of processing a data packet. The data packet is received at a network device. A determination is made as to whether a multiple-key decision cache is hit by the data packet. At least one cached action is applied if the decision cache is hit. The data packet is processed using software routines if the decision cache is missed. Another embodiment disclosed relates to a network apparatus. The network apparatus includes a plurality of ports configured to receive data packets, and software routines are configured to process the data packets. Logic in the apparatus is configured to determine whether a multiple-key decision cache is hit by a data packet, to apply at least one cached action if the decision cache is hit, and to process the data packet using the software routines if the decision cache is missed.

Abstract: A method of manipulating a configuration file for a network switch is described. The method comprises generating a difference list based on a comparison of an existing configuration file and a new configuration file for a network switch. The method further comprises executing commands from the generated difference list to configure the network switch and generating a revised configuration file based on the new configuration file and the existing configuration file.

Abstract: One embodiment disclosed relates to a method of processing a data packet. The data packet is received at a network device. A determination is made as to whether a multiple-key decision cache is hit by the data packet. At least one cached action is applied if the decision cache is hit. The data packet is processed using software routines if the decision cache is missed. Another embodiment disclosed relates to a network apparatus. The network apparatus includes a plurality of ports configured to receive data packets, and software routines are configured to process the data packets. Logic in the apparatus is configured to determine whether a multiple-key decision cache is hit by a data packet, to apply at least one cached action if the decision cache is hit, and to process the data packet using the software routines if the decision cache is missed.