Patent attributes
A network interface apparatus includes a host interface for connection to a host processor and a network interface, which includes multiple distinct physical ports. Processing circuitry associates each of a plurality of virtual entities running on the host processor with a respective one of the physical ports, so that while both of the first and second physical ports are operational, the processing circuitry transmits data packets on behalf of first and second virtual entities, using assigned upper-layer addresses, through associated first and second physical ports. In response to an indication that the first physical port has ceased to operate, the processing circuitry transmits the data packets on behalf of the first virtual entity through the second physical port without changing the upper-layer addresses.
