Patent ID: 8031592
Filing Date: 2011-10-04
Classification: H04L

Abstract:
1. A network having redundancy properties, wherein the network complies with an Ethernet specification, comprising: at least two network segments which have a plurality of Ethernet switches, wherein the at least two network segments are connected to each other via a redundant connection comprising at least two coupling channels, wherein a programming device to store a logical name for the redundant connection in the first and the third Ethernet switch during the configuration of the network, wherein the first or third port are specified as a coupling port, wherein the first and the third Ethernet switches identify, during a network startup phase, the respective other third or first Ethernet switch belonging to the same redundant connection by distributing special messages in which the switches enter the logical name of the redundant connection, and wherein the first and third Ethernet switch determines based upon a defining criterion which coupling channel is active during an error-free operation and which is deactivated.