Patent ID: 8144583
Filing Date: 2012-03-27
Classification: H04L

Abstract:
1. A method comprising: receiving, at a network switch, a first signal from a first network element and a second signal from a second network element, wherein the first network element is an upstream device and the second network element is a device whose processor needs overload protection, wherein the first network element is connected to a first data port that is full-duplex capable at the network switch, and wherein the second network element is connected to a second data port at the network switch; determining, at the network switch, that (i) the first network element is full-duplex capable and (ii) the first network element and the second network element are each capable of communicating at least at a first data rate and a second data rate, wherein the first data rate is less than the second data rate; establishing, at the network switch, a link in a receive direction at the first data rate from the first network element to the network switch, wherein the link in the receive direction is established to transmit data from the first network element to the second network element, wherein the establishment of the link in the receive direction is based on the determination that the first network element is full-duplex capable; after the link is established at the first data rate, receiving a third signal at the network switch from a third network element, wherein the third network element is a device whose processor does not need overload protection, wherein the third network element is connected to a third data port at the network switch; determining, at the network switch, that the third network element is capable of communicating at least at the first data rate and the second data rate; and reestablishing, at the network switch, the link in the receive direction at the second data rate between the first network element and the network switch, wherein the second data rate is selected over the first data rate based on the third network element being connected to the network switch, and wherein the link in the receive direction is reestablished to send data from the first network element to the third network element when the third network element is connected.