Abstract: A network interface device providing a set of functions in hardware and being operable in first and second modes: in a first mode, the network interface device being configured to operate with a selected configuration of the set of functions; and in a second mode, the network interface device being operable to select a particular configuration of the set of functions in accordance with configuration instructions received at the network interface device; the network interface device being configured to, on receiving a network message having one or more predetermined characteristics and comprising an authentication key and one or more configuration instructions defining a particular configuration of the set of functions: verify the authentication key; and if the authentication key is successfully verified, select the particular configuration of the set of functions defined in the configuration instructions of the network message.

Abstract: A method for transmitting data by means of a data processing system, the system supporting an operating system and at least one application and having access to a memory and a network interface device capable of supporting a communication link over a network with another network interface device, the method comprising the steps of: forming by means of the application data to be transmitted; requesting by means of the application a user-mode operating system functionality of the data processing system to direct the data to be transmitted, the request including an indication of a protocol by which the data is to be transmitted; responsive to that request, the user-mode operating system functionality selecting a protocol processing entity in accordance with the indication of a protocol by which the data is to be transmitted; forming within the context of the application by means of the protocol processing entity the data into packets for transmission in accordance with the protocol by which the data is to be tra