Abstract: A plurality of server computers in a network that includes load balancing processes to enhance performance employs a non-performance related variable, such as power consumption, and modifies the load balancing processes in response to the reading of the non-performance variable. Such variables do not affect the response and performance as perceived by a browsing client but do provide other advantages with in the environment as a whole. The non-performance related variable is employed such that one or more of said server computers are de-activated to reduce power consumption, and the load balancing processes balance load across the remaining active server computers.

Abstract: Bottom mounting rails are used to secure a double wide plug-in module or two full wide plug in-modules into a double wide bay of an electronic device. This allows the size of the electronic device to be minimized. Further, the space adjacent to the sides of plug-in modules is left open facilitating airflow through the electronic device and efficient cooling thereof. The bottom mounting rails allow either a double wide plug-in module or two full wide plug-in modules to be readily installed.

Abstract: F_PORTs of an edge switch are logically trunking with N_PORTs of a node device outside the fabric via a trunked group of communications links. The trunked N_PORTs of the node device and the trunked F_PORTs of the edge switch are configured to send and receive frames of a particular stream across the multiple trunked links for in-order communication with the other device. The node device outside the fabric initially negotiates with the edge switch using a sequence of fabric login requests and fabric login acceptances to establish the trunked connection between the devices (and their respective ports).

Abstract: A device that synchronizes circuits over asynchronous links is disclosed. Some embodiments of the invention include a device that comprises a plurality of circuits. One of the plurality of circuits is designated as a “master” circuit. The master circuit is configured to send a first synchronization signal to one or more of the plurality of circuits, and each circuit that receives the first synchronization signal is configured to responsively send a second synchronization signal to one or more of the plurality of circuits.