Patent ID: 8144630
Filing Date: 2012-03-27
Classification: H04L

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for routing packets in a data network, said apparatus being configured to operate in a first state or a second state, said apparatus comprising: a plurality of network I/O ports, wherein each of said plurality of network Input/Output (I/O) ports i) is associated with a first communications interface and ii) is configured to be communicatively connected to said data network; a local control I/O port, wherein said local control I/O port is associated with a second communication interface that is different from the first communication interface associated with each of said plurality of network I/O ports; and a controller configured to: in response to i) said apparatus operating in said first state, and ii) said apparatus receiving control input data from at least one of said plurality of network I/O ports, in response to i) said apparatus operating in said first state, and ii) said apparatus receiving said control input data from said local I/O port, in response to i) said apparatus operating in said second state, and ii) said apparatus receiving said control input data from said local control I/O port,