Patent ID: 6807182
Filing Date: 2004-10-19
Classification: H04L,Y02D

Abstract:
A method of operating a plurality of multi-port network devices of which at least one supports a protocol engine which generates and responds to addressed data packets, said network devices being connected in a logical stack by means of a cascade connection, the method comprising:(a) constituting a trunk connection including a multiplicity of physical ports distributed among said one device and a least a second of said devices; (b) defining in said one device a logical trunk port for the forwarding and reception of packets for said protocol engine; (c) receiving packets intended for said protocol engine at said physical ports; (d) directing a packet intended for said protocol engine and received at a physical trunk port of said second device to said one device by way of said cascade connection; (e) providing said packet with an indication that said packet was received by way of said trunk connection; and (f) interpreting said indication to signify that said packet has been received at said logical trunk port.