In computer networks, a number of network stations are typically interconnected via a communications medium. For example, Ethernet 802.3 is a commonly used local area network (LAN) scheme in which multiple stations are connected to a shared or dedicated serial data path. These stations often communicate with a switch or some other network device located between the data path and the stations connected to that path. The switch typically controls the communication of data and includes logic for receiving and forwarding data frames to their appropriate destinations.
Conventional network switches typically include an address table that stores switching information associated with forwarding the received data frames. Such switches often include an aging mechanism that automatically deletes address table entries that correspond to network stations that have not transmitted any data frames during a predetermined period of time. This enables the network switch to have space for new address entries associated with active network stations.
In some situations, an external management entity may interface with the network switch. For example, the external management entity may be involved in programming various functions associated with the network switch. The external management entity may also require information regarding station addresses for security reasons or for other reasons. For example, in a high security switch, the external management entity may be required to approve new entries in the address table. In order to make a new entry in the address table, the external management entity needs to know which locations are available.