Methods and systems for aggregating ethernet communications

摘要

Methods and systems provide for the aggregation of Ethernet communications. An Ethernet switch communicates with a network device such as a router or a computer over an Ethernet connection and also communicates with two communications devices such as DSL and/or cable modems over Ethernet connections. Thus, the upload and download speeds available for transporting communications to and from the network device result from the upload and download speeds of the two communications devices in aggregate, as opposed to the upload and download speeds of a single communications device. The two communications devices may communicate with two more communications devices such as those of a service provider network that also have Ethernet connections aggregated at an Ethernet switch to provide access to an Ethernet network for a subscriber. Additionally, the Ethernet switching and communications devices may be incorporated into a single Ethernet aggregation device.