Patent attributes
A network switch assembly includes a first control entity, a second control entity, and at least one line blade. The first control entity is selectively configurable between an active state and a standby state. The second control entity is selectively configurable between a standby state and an active state. The at least one line blade communicates with at least one of the first control entity and the second control entity and has at least one port configurable to enable switching of information. One of the control entities is configured as an active control entity and another of the control entities is configured as a standby control entity. The active control entity is configured to transfer state information for the active control entity that is forwarded to the standby control entity. A method is also provided for rendering control.