Abstract: A method of transmitting an upstream communication packet from a distributed trunk (DT) switch is described. The method comprises receiving a packet from a device connected to a DT port of the DT switch; and transmitting the received packet via a non-DT port of the DT switch if the DT switch is the owner of the device and transmitting the received packet via a DT interconnect (DTI) port of the DT switch if the DT switch is not the owner of the device.

Abstract: A method includes determining that a source MAC address is associated with a particular port that is a member of a secure group (34, 36) of ports (1-14) of a network edge device (20, 50). A move of the source MAC address to any port of the network edge device (20, 50) that is a member of the secure group of ports is allowed. Moves of the MAC address to any port of the network edge device (20, 50) that is outside the secure group of ports are disallowed. An apparatus and at least one computer-readable medium for implementing the method also are described.

Abstract: A source MAC address is associated with a particular port that is a member of a secure group of ports of a network edge device. A move of the source MAC address to any port of the network edge device that is a member of the secure group of ports is allowed. Moves of the MAC address to any port of the network edge device that is outside the secure group of ports are disallowed.

Abstract: A method of transmitting an upstream communication packet from a distributed trunk (DT) switch is described. The method comprises receiving a packet from a device connected to a DT port of the DT switch; and transmitting the received packet via a non-DT port of the DT switch if the DT switch is the owner of the device and transmitting the received packet via a DT interconnect (DTI) port of the DT switch if the DT switch is not the owner of the device.

Abstract: A method of transmitting an upstream communication packet from a distributed trunk (DT) switch is described. The method comprises receiving a packet from a device connected to a DT port of the DT switch; and transmitting the received packet via a non-DT port of the DT switch if the DT switch is the owner of the device and transmitting the received packet via a DT interconnect (DTI) port of the DT switch if the DT switch is not the owner of the device.

Abstract: A method includes determining that a source MAC address is associated with a particular port that is a member of a secure group (34, 36) of ports (1-14) of a network edge device (20, 50). A move of the source MAC address to any port of the network edge device (20, 50) that is a member of the secure group of ports is allowed. Moves of the MAC address to any port of the network edge device (20, 50) that is outside the secure group of ports are disavowed. An apparatus and at least one computer-readable medium for implementing the method also are described.

Abstract: A local area network system includes switching circuitry and in-band data ports under control of the switching circuitry. Device management circuitry is configured to manage the local area network device and system power is configured to provide power to the switching circuitry and the device management circuitry. An out-of-band data port is coupled to the device management circuitry. The out-of-band data port is supplied with a Power-over-Ethernet supply.

Abstract: Network devices, systems, and methods are described for visually identifying physically linked network devices. One network device includes a memory in connected to a processor. A network chip on the device is connected to the processor and the memory. The network chip includes logic and a number of ports. A first location indicator is associated with the network device. A physical link is established between one of the number of ports on the network device and a port on a different network device. Computer executable instructions are stored in the memory and executable by the processor to send a locate signal to visually identify the different network device.

Abstract: A method of transmitting an upstream communication packet from a distributed trunk (DT) switch is described. The method comprises receiving a packet from a device connected to a DT port of the DT switch; and transmitting the received packet via a non-DT port of the DT switch if the DT switch is the owner of the device and transmitting the received packet via a DT interconnect (DTI) port of the DT switch if the DT switch is not the owner of the device.

Abstract: Network devices, systems, and methods are described for visually identifying physically linked network devices. One network device includes a memory in connected to a processor. A network chip on the device is connected to the processor and the memory. The network chip includes logic and a number of ports. A first location indicator is associated with the network device. A physical link is established between one of the number of ports on the network device and a port on a different network device. Computer executable instructions are stored in the memory and executable by the processor to send a locate signal to visually identify the different network device.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices are provided for load sharing among network devices. One embodiment includes a network device having router functionality, including a processor, memory in communication with the processor, and executable instructions stored in memory and executable on the processor to provide router functionality redundancy for another network device having router functionality, and provide a load sharing functionality between the network devices when both devices are operational.

Abstract: In one embodiment a method for capturing network packets includes transmitting packets from and receiving packets with a network switch, and copying transmitted and received packets to a packet repository within memory of the network switch such that the packets are stored on the switch and available for later retrieval.