US 2007/0211640 A1 · Switch testing in a communications network

Abstract

A method, system or switch device, the switch device having both switch and test capabilities. A method includes running in a test or switch mode or both; and, performing the testing operation or the switching operations, or both. Another method includes setting up the test functionality in the switch device, the test functionality including one or both of transmitting test data and receiving test data. Other steps may include initiating the transmission of test data; and checking the test data. A switch device may include an ASIC disposed within the switch device, the ASIC including one or both of an egress test block and an ingress test block; whereby the egress test block and the ingress test block are respectively adapted to transmit and receive a test packet; whereby the ASIC and one or both of the egress and ingress test blocks provide for alternatively operating in the conventional switch mode and in test mode.

Claims20

Dependent claims

A switch device which is adapted to be operable as a switch, as well as being adapted to provide a switch testing capability;

the switch device comprising:
a housing containing:
an ASIC disposed within the switch device, the ASIC including switching componentry and associated therewith, one or both of an egress test block and an ingress test block;
whereby the switching componentry is disposed to receive or transmit a packet, and the egress test block and an ingress test block are respectively adapted to transmit and receive a test packet;
an ingress port communicating with the ASIC and being connectable to one or more external computer network devices, the ingress port being a substantially standard switch port;
an egress port communicating with the ASIC and being connectable to one or more external computer network devices, the egress port being a substantially standard switch port;
and,
whereby the ASIC and one or both of an egress test block and an ingress test block are adapted to provide for alternatively operating in conventional switch mode and test mode.

5 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Switch testing in a communications network

Life of this patent

Switch testing in a communications network

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims20