System and method for controlling boot-up process in a communications network switch using preconfiguration of port hardware

Abstract

A system and method for controlling an Ethernet node's boot-up process. Port hardware associated with the Ethernet node may be configured to include a TX DISABLED state as a default condition during power up. Upon detecting a system reset condition with respect to the Ethernet node, the TX DISABLED state is triggered at the port hardware. Initialization and configuration of system switch software continues to take place in response to the system reset condition. Responsive to the TX DISABLED state, network traffic on the link ports is curtailed. Upon completion of the system software configuration, a TX ENABLED state is effectuated with respect to the link ports, whereupon network traffic on the link ports may commence.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.