Multiple virtual channels for use in network devices
DC CAFCFirst Claim
1. A method for establishing a virtual channel between network devices comprising:
- sending a virtual channel request message from a local network device to a remote network device;
receiving a virtual channel acknowledgement message and a remote capability list;
sending a virtual channel resume message and a local capability list; and
enabling the virtual channel,wherein sending a virtual channel request message comprises sending an Ethernet pause frame when the remote network device is not virtual channel capable.
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Abstract
A method for establishing a virtual channel between network devices is disclosed. In the case of a local network device establishing a virtual channel with a remote network device, a virtual channel request message is sent from the local network device to the remote network device. A virtual channel acknowledgement message and a remote capability list are received and a virtual channel resume message and a local capability list are sent. The virtual channel is then enabled. In the case of a remote network device establishing a virtual channel with a local network device, a virtual channel request message is received from a local network device by a remote network device. A virtual channel acknowledgement message and a remote capability list are sent and a virtual channel resume message and a local capability list are received. The virtual channel is then enabled.
45 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A method for establishing a virtual channel between network devices comprising:
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sending a virtual channel request message from a local network device to a remote network device; receiving a virtual channel acknowledgement message and a remote capability list; sending a virtual channel resume message and a local capability list; and enabling the virtual channel, wherein sending a virtual channel request message comprises sending an Ethernet pause frame when the remote network device is not virtual channel capable. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5)
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6. A method for establishing a virtual channel between network devices comprising:
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receiving a virtual channel request message from a local network device by a remote network device; sending a virtual channel acknowledgement message and a remote capability list; receiving a virtual channel resume message and a local capability list; and enabling the virtual channel, wherein receiving a virtual channel request message comprises receiving an Ethernet pause frame when the remote network device is not virtual channel capable. - View Dependent Claims (7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A virtual channel capable network device comprising:
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means for sending or receiving a virtual channel request message from or to a second network device; means for sending or receiving a virtual channel acknowledgement message and a first capability list; means for sending or receiving a virtual channel resume message and a second capability list; and means for enabling the virtual channel; wherein said first capability list is a capability list for the virtual channel capable network device when the virtual channel acknowledgement message is sent by the virtual channel capable network device and said first capability list is a capability list for the second network device when the virtual channel acknowledgement message is received by the virtual channel capable network device, means for sending or receiving a virtual channel request message comprises means for sending or receiving an Ethernet pause frame when the second network device is not virtual channel capable. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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18. A virtual channel capable network device comprising:
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a data port interface, supporting a plurality of data ports transmitting and receiving data; wherein said data port interface is configured to establish a virtual channel between said virtual channel capable network device and other virtual channel capable network devices through the transmission and receipt of virtual channel messages and configured to exchange virtual channel data to allow for functions of at least one of the virtual channel capable network device and other virtual channel capable network devices to be controlled, and wherein the data port interface is configured to receive a remote capability list and to send a local capability list to the other virtual channel capable network devices, said data port interface is configured to exchange virtual channel data to control the selective flow of the transmitted and received data in at least one of the virtual channel capable network device and other virtual channel capable network devices.
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19. A virtual channel capable network device comprising:
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a data port interface, supporting a plurality of data ports transmitting and receiving data; wherein said data port interface is configured to establish a virtual channel between said virtual channel capable network device and other virtual channel capable network devices through the transmission and receipt of virtual channel messages and configured to exchange virtual channel data to allow for functions of at least one of the virtual channel capable network device and other virtual channel capable network devices to be controlled, and wherein the data port interface is configured to receive a remote capability list and to send a local capability list to the other virtual channel capable network devices, wherein said data port interface is configured to exchange virtual channel data to control the operations, administration and maintenance functions of at least one of the virtual channel capable network device and other virtual channel capable network devices.
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20. A virtual channel capable network device comprising:
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a data port interface, supporting a plurality of data ports transmitting and receiving data; wherein said data port interface is configured to establish a virtual channel between said virtual channel capable network device and other virtual channel capable network devices through the transmission and receipt of virtual channel messages and configured to exchange virtual channel data to allow for functions of at least one of the virtual channel capable network device and other virtual channel capable network devices to be controlled, and wherein the data port interface is configured to receive a remote capability list and to send a local capability list to the other virtual channel capable network devices, wherein said data port interface is configured to exchange virtual channel data to control in-band management functions of at least one of the virtual channel capable network device and other virtual channel capable network devices.
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Specification