Abstract: The network switch architecture permits modifications to the network topology in real time without the need for manual intervention. In this architecture, a switching core is capable of switching data paths directly from the ingress or egress of the switching core to alternate destination ports in real time, either under software or hardware control.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a system for communicating traffic within a network. The system includes a plurality of switches for receiving/transmitting traffic within the network, a programmable physical layer pathway for providing one or more pathways between the plurality of switches and a controller for controlling the plurality of switches and the programmable physical layer pathway for optimizing a flow of traffic within the network., wherein the controller defines the pathway based on a destination of traffic received by the plurality of switches.

Abstract: One exemplary embodiment is directed to an inter-networking device that performs at least one inter-networking function using physical layer information about the network of which the device is a part. Another exemplary embodiment is directed to capturing physical layer information about physical communication media that is attached to an inter-networking device. Another exemplary embodiment is directed to a technique for generating a spanning tree and/or forwarding database information for a plurality of switches in a network at a central location. The spanning tree and/or forwarding database information is generated at the central location using information including physical layer information about devices and physical communication media in the network. Another exemplary embodiment is directed to an ETHERNET physical layer device having integrated support for capturing physical layer information about the physical communication media connected to the ETHERNET physical layer device.

Abstract: One exemplary embodiment is directed to a network management system that uses physical layer information in performing a network management function. Another exemplary embodiment is directed to a method of tracking channel compliance using physical layer information.

Abstract: One exemplary embodiment is directed to an inter-networking device that performs at least one inter-networking function using physical layer information about the network of which the device is a part. Another exemplary embodiment is directed to capturing physical layer information about physical communication media that is attached to an inter-networking device. Another exemplary embodiment is directed to a technique for generating a spanning tree and/or forwarding database information for a plurality of switches in a network at a central location. The spanning tree and/or forwarding database information is generated at the central location using information including physical layer information about devices and physical communication media in the network. Another exemplary embodiment is directed to an ETHERNET physical layer device having integrated support for capturing physical layer information about the physical communication media connected to the ETHERNET physical layer device.

Abstract: One exemplary embodiment is directed to an inter-networking device that performs at least one inter-networking function using physical layer information about the network of which the device is a part. Another exemplary embodiment is directed to capturing physical layer information about physical communication media that is attached to an inter-networking device. Another exemplary embodiment is directed to a technique for generating a spanning tree and/or forwarding database information for a plurality of switches in a network at a central location. The spanning tree and/or forwarding database information is generated at the central location using information including physical layer information about devices and physical communication media in the network. Another exemplary embodiment is directed to an ETHERNET physical layer device having integrated support for capturing physical layer information about the physical communication media connected to the ETHERNET physical layer device.

Abstract: An exemplary system includes a plurality of connector assemblies. Each of the connector assemblies includes a plurality of ports. Each of the connector assemblies is configured to read information stored on or in physical communication media that is connected to the ports of the respective connector assembly. An aggregation point is communicatively coupled to the plurality of connector assemblies. The aggregation point is configured to automatically discover the connector assemblies and cause each of the connector assemblies to send to the aggregation point at least some of the information read from the physical communication media that is connected to its ports. The aggregation point is configured to store at least some of the information sent by the connector assemblies to the aggregation point. The aggregation point can also be configured to provide at least some of the information it stores to at least one other device via the network.

Abstract: One exemplary embodiment is directed to a network management system that uses physical layer information in performing a network management function. Another exemplary embodiment is directed to a method of tracking channel compliance using physical layer information.

Abstract: One exemplary embodiment is directed to an end node that includes functionality to read information stored on or in a segment of physical communication media that is attached to the end node and to communicate the read information over a network (for example, to an aggregation point). Another exemplary embodiment is directed a wall outlet that includes functionality to read information stored on or in a segment of physical communication media connected to it and communicate at least a portion of the information read from the segment of physical communication media to an aggregation point. Another exemplary embodiment is directed a wall outlet that includes a switch and functionality to read information stored on or in a segment of physical communication media connected to it and to communicate at least a portion of the information read from the segment of physical communication media to an aggregation point.

Abstract: A system for simultaneously transporting internet protocol voice traffic and power to an internet protocol telephony transport using the existing twisted pair infrastructure of a traditional phone system. The system includes a twisted pair broadband switch. The twisted pair broadband switch connects on one end to an internet protocol telephone voice switch using Ethernet wiring and connects on another end to a media converter using a twisted pair wiring on the existing twisted pair infrastructure. The media converter condition the voice traffic between a twisted pair interface and an Ethernet interface to allow connection to an internet protocol telephone. Power is simultaneously transported with the voice traffic over the same twisted pair wiring of the existing twisted pair infrastructure.