Ethernet switch with configurable alarms

An Ethernet switch comprising:

• a plurality of ports operable to receive and transmit Ethernet traffic;
• system monitoring software embodied in a computer-readable medium and operable, when executed, to generate a signal indicating a particular one of a plurality of fault conditions has occurred, wherein the system monitoring software is further operable to:
• receive an indication from a user of a plurality of fault conditions for which generation of an alarm is desired;
• and
• monitor the Ethernet switch for the plurality of fault conditions;
• and
• at least two relays selectively responsive to the generated signal and operable to turn on a respective alarm indicating a fault condition has occurred;
• wherein the system monitoring software is further operable, when executed, to receive an indication from the user of:
• for a first one or more ports of the plurality of ports, only a first one or more fault conditions of the plurality of fault conditions for which generation of an alarm is desired;
• and
• for a second one or more ports of the plurality of ports, only a second one or more fault conditions of the plurality of fault conditions for which generation of an alarm is desired, the first one or more fault conditions being different from the second one or more fault conditions.

A method for generating alarms in an Ethernet switch comprising:

• receiving an indication from a user of a plurality of fault conditions for which generation of an alarm is desired;
• automatically monitoring the Ethernet switch for the plurality of fault conditions;
• generating a signal indicating a particular one of the plurality of fault conditions has occurred;
• providing the generated signal to a relay that is operable to turn on a respective alarm indicating the particular fault condition has occurred;
• and
• receiving an indication from the user of:
• for a first one or more ports of the plurality of ports, only a first one or more fault conditions of the plurality of fault conditions for which generation of an alarm is desired;
• and
• for a second one or more ports of the plurality of ports, only a second one or more fault conditions of the plurality of fault conditions for which generation of an alarm is desired, the first one or more fault conditions being different from the second one or more fault conditions.

An Ethernet switch comprising:

• means for receiving an indication from a user of a plurality of fault conditions for which generation of alarm is desired;
• means for automatically monitoring the Ethernet switch for the plurality of fault conditions;
• means for generating a signal indicating a particular one of the plurality of fault conditions has occurred;
• relay means for turning on a respective alarm indicating the particular fault condition has occurred;
• and
• means for receiving an indication from the user of:
• for a first one or more ports of the plurality of ports, only a first one or more fault conditions of the plurality of fault conditions for which generation of an alarm is desired;
• and
• for a second one or more ports of the plurality of ports, only a second one or more fault conditions of the plurality of fault conditions for which generation of an alarm is desired, the first one or more fault conditions being different from the second one or more fault conditions.