Importance

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Abstract

In accordance with a nonlimiting example, a network device transfers communications data along a communications channel within an Internet Protocol (IP) network. A communications module includes a signal input connected to the communications channel of the IP network and receives an Ethernet packet having an Ethernet header and IP data. A processor is coupled to the communications module and processes the Ethernet packet. It removes the Ethernet header and adds Virtual Local Area Network (VLAN) tagging information to a padding section in the packet. In one aspect, the processor includes an encryption module that encrypts the VLAN tagging information along with the IP data. The network device includes a signal output through which the packet is transferred to a destination within the IP network over the communications channel as an IPSec tunnel.

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First Claim