Patent ID: 8693485

Claim:
A network switch comprising: a first port coupled to a host system; a second port; and a first profile including: a first key that is associated with a first virtual machine on the host system; and first configuration information that configures the first port for the first virtual machine; wherein the network switch is coupled to a stackable switch element; wherein the network switch is operable to: receive a first communication on the second port, the first communication including the first key; in response to receiving the first communication, change the first configuration information to configure the second port for the first virtual machine; receive a second communication on the first port, the second communication including a second key that is associated with a second virtual machine on the host system; in response to receiving the second communication, send the second key to the stackable switch element; and in response to sending the second key, receive a second profile from the stackable switch element, the second profile including: the second key; and second configuration information that configures the stackable switch element for data routing of second virtual machine through the stackable switch element, and in response to receiving the second profile, modify network switch configuration of first port to enable data routing and network operations for second virtual machine.