Patent ID: 7266201

Claim:
A method for implementing a new authentication configuration or key in a network device having an old authentication configuration or key, comprising: receiving a timer value; receiving the new authentication configuration or key; setting a timer equal to said timer value; starting to count down said timer a first time; after receiving said new authentication configuration or key, sending outgoing packets using said old authentication configuration or key and concurrently using both said old authentication configuration or key and said new authentication configuration or key to authenticate incoming packets while said timer is counting down said first time; resetting said timer to said timer value when said timer expires said first time; starting to count down said timer a second time; sending outgoing packets using said new authentication configuration or key and authenticating incoming packets using both said old authentication configuration or key and said new authentication configuration or key while said timer is counting down said second time; and sending outgoing packets using said new authentication configuration or key and authenticating incoming packets using said new authentication configuration or key after said timer expires said second time.