Method and apparatus for automatic device segmentation and port-to-segment distribution

Abstract

Automatic device segmentation and port-to-segment distribution is provided in an electronic network. During a power-on sequence, the hardware and software of a network device determines if there is sufficient reason to segment a hub. Once a determination is made that there is a need for segmentation, the hub's ports are automatically divided into different segments in accordance with a predetermined port assignment scheme, such as by a predetermined port assignment (port 1 segment 1, port 2 segment 2, . . . ); assigning ports to different segments by cycling through the number of segments available as the ports become active; randomly assigning ports to the available segments; and using a negotiating mechanism to determine which ports go on which segments, where this latter approach may be based on such factors as the MAC address, the IP address, a virtual LAN identifier, any packet sent on the network, the existence of a manually operable switch, a cable determined by unique cable groups, or external wires or signals.

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