Patent ID: 7668080
Filing Date: 2010-02-23
Classification: H04J,H04L

Abstract:
1. A distributed processor packet router, comprising: a plurality of primary line cards each comprising a plurality of communication ports connected to lines external to the packet router, and each comprising a processor executing software managing operation of the primary line card, including the plurality of communication ports; a backup line card comprising a backup communication port connected to a line external to the packet router, a communication link to each of the primary line cards, a processor executing software managing operation of the backup line card, including the backup communication port, and a digital memory; and a control card having a digital communication link to each of the primary and the backup line cards; wherein the control card communicates state and configuration data regarding the plurality of communication ports to the digital memory at the backup line card, the data including priority ranking for individual ones of the communication ports, and in the event of failure of one of the plurality of communication ports, the processor at the primary line card supporting that communication port instructs the processor at the backup line card to operate the backup communication port using the state and configuration data that is stored in the digital memory for the failed communication port, the processor at the backup line card follows the instruction if the backup port is at that time not in use, and if the backup port is in use, follows the instruction only if the priority of the newly failed communication port is higher ranking than the port for which backup is at that time being performed.