Patent ID: 6735718
Filing Date: 2004-05-11
Classification: H04L

Abstract:
A network switch for providing a redundant network connection, said network switch comprising:a first communication port, a second communication port and a third communication port, said first communication port being connected to said switch, said switch selectively operating in one of a first state in which said first communication port is connected to said second communication port, and a second state in which said first communication port is connected to said third communication port, said second communication port being connected to a first signal converter, and said third communication port being connected to a second signal converter, and at least one of a first alarm monitor adapted to monitor a first alarm associated with said first signal converter, and a first power monitor adapted to monitor the power drawn by said first signal converter, said switch being adapted to temporarily disconnect power from said first signal converter and enter said second state if said first alarm monitor detects a first alarm or said first power monitor detects a drop in power drawn by said first signal converter.