Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for simulating a direct failure between a network device and an end device. In some implementations, the network device is a gateway of a first network and the end device is a host or a storage device on the first network. In some implementations, the network device includes a linked interface, the administrative and/or operational state of which is determined by the operational state of one or more tracked interfaces. The tracked interfaces may be in the same network device or other network devices, and may be physical or virtual. In some such implementations, when a tracked interface fails, the linked interface will bring down a link between the network device and the end device, thereby causing a switchover to a redundant path. Other implementations involve direct notification of the network device that the link has failed or is about to fail.

Abstract: The invention uses a layer 2 switch (L2 switch), or bridge, to separate user's message traffic by use of Virtual Local Area Networks (VLANs) defined within the switch. Three new types of ports are defined, “promiscuous” ports “isolated” ports, and “community” ports. Three types of VLANs internal to the switch are defined, “primary” VLANs, “isolated” VLANs and “community” VLANs. The promiscuous ports are connected to layer 3 or layer 4 devices. Isolated ports and community ports are connected to individual user's servers, etc., and maintain traffic for each user separate from other users. The primary VLAN connects to all promiscuous ports, to all isolated ports, and to all community ports. The primary VLAN is a one way connection from promiscuous ports to isolated or community ports. An isolated VLAN connects to all promiscuous ports and to all isolated ports. The isolated VLAN is a one way connection from an isolated port to the promiscuous ports.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for simulating a direct failure between a network device and an end device. In some implementations, the network device is a gateway of a first network and the end device is a host or a storage device on the first network. In some implementations, the network device includes a linked interface, the administrative and/or operational state of which is determined by the operational state of one or more tracked interfaces. The tracked interfaces may be in the same network device or other network devices, and may be physical or virtual. In some such implementations, when a tracked interface fails, the linked interface will bring down a link between the network device and the end device, thereby causing a switchover to a redundant path. Other implementations involve direct notification of the network device that the link has failed or is about to fail.

Abstract: The invention uses a layer 2 switch (L2 switch), or bridge, to separate user's message traffic by use of Virtual Local Area Networks (VLANs) defined within the switch. Three new types of ports are defined, “promiscuous” ports “isolated” ports, and “community” ports. Three types of VLANs internal to the switch are defined, “primary” VLANs, “isolated” VLANs and “community” VLANs. The promiscuous ports are connected to layer 3 or layer 4 devices. Isolated ports and community ports are connected to individual user's servers, etc., and maintain traffic for each user separate from other users. The primary VLAN connects to all promiscuous ports, to all isolated ports, and to all community ports. The primary VLAN is a one way connection from promiscuous ports to isolated or community ports. An isolated VLAN connects to all promiscuous ports and to all isolated ports.