Patent ID: 9160668
Filing Date: 2015-10-13
Classification: H04L

Abstract:
1. A networking device system comprising: a switch module having one or more ports with a communications interface of a first type (CI1) and one or more ports with a communications interface of a second type (CI2); a server in communication with the switch module via a first CI2 coupling, the server including a virtual CI1 driver that provides a CI1 interface to applications in the server, the virtual CI1 driver defined to exchange CI1 packets with the switch module via the first CI2 coupling, the virtual CI1 driver further including a first network device operating system (ndOS) program; and a switch controller in communication with the switch module via a second CI2 coupling, the switch controller including a second ndOS program that, when executed by a processor, controls packet switching policy in the switch module, the packet switching policy including a definition for switching incoming packets through the switch module or through the switch controller, wherein the first ndOS program and the second ndOS program, when executed by respective processors, exchange control messages to maintain a network policy for a switch layer fabric.