Broadcom Corporation

Kiran Dasoju

Jeff Dull

Methods and apparatus for swapping functionality modes of a network data link are disclosed. An example method includes, in a network device, supporting a plurality of active network data links that includes a given network data link, where the given network data link is operated in accordance with a first mode of functionality. The example method further includes, while the other network data links of the plurality remain active: (i) placing the given network data link in a quiescent state; (ii) allocating, in a data port of the given network data link, cell buffer space in accordance with a second mode of functionality; (iii) programming a memory management unit (MMU) of the network switch device in accordance with the second mode of functionality for the given network data link; (iv) allocating, in an egress port (EP) of the network switch device, cell buffer space in accordance with the second mode of functionality for the given network data link; (v) bringing the given network data link out of the quiescent state; and (vi) operating the given network data link in accordance with the second mode of functionality.

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Milpitas, CA, United States of America

Kiran Dasoju