System and method for controlling boot-up process in a communications network switch

A system for controlling an Ethernet node's boot-up process, comprising:

• means for effectuating a link down condition on at least a portion of link ports of said Ethernet node, said means operating responsive to detecting a system reset condition with respect to said Ethernet node;
• and
• means for effectuating a link up condition on said link ports of said Ethernet node in response to receiving an indication that configuration of system software associated with said Ethernet node has been completed, said configuration taking place responsive to said system reset condition;
• wherein said link down condition is effectuated by maintaining an appropriate logic level on a TX DISABLE pin associated with a physical layer (PHY) device that is responsible for interfacing with said at least a portion of said link ports.

A network node operable in an Ethernet environment, comprising:

• a plurality of link ports, wherein at least one link port is operable for coupling with a remote device via an Ethernet link;
• a first structure for driving a first logic level on said at least one link port responsive to detecting a system reset condition with respect to said network node, whereupon said remote device is operable to discontinue network traffic on said Ethernet link;
• and
• a second structure for driving a second logic level on said at least one link port responsive to receiving an indication that configuration of system software associated with said network node has been completed, said configuration having taken place responsive to said system reset condition, whereupon said remote device is operable to resume network traffic on said Ethernet link;
• wherein said first logic level is driven by said first structure on a TX DISABLE pin associated with a physical layer (PHY) device that is responsible for interfacing with said at least one link port.