Patent ID: 7411972
Filing Date: 2008-08-12
Classification: H04L

Abstract:
1. A method for link layer device polling of a plurality of ports of one or more physical layer devices connectable to the link layer device in a communication system, the method comprising the steps of: designating at least one of the plurality of ports as a port for which status information is to be requested by the link layer device on a more frequent basis than such information is to be requested for one or more other ports of the plurality of ports; and polling the plurality of ports in accordance with a non-linear polling sequence such that the at least one designated port is polled more frequently than the one or more other ports; wherein the non-linear polling sequence continues for a period of time during which the at least one designated port remains so designated; and wherein said sequence includes multiple polling instances at least two of which involve polling of a given such designated port.