Abstract: The present invention relates to methods, devices and systems for associating consumable data with an assay consumable used in a biological assay. Provided are assay systems and associated consumables, wherein the assay system adjusts one or more steps of an assay protocol based on consumable data specific for that consumable. Various types of consumable data are described, as well as methods of using such data in the conduct of an assay by an assay system. The present invention also relates to consumables (e.g., kits and reagent containers), software, data deployable bundles, computer-readable media, loading carts, instruments, systems, and methods, for performing automated biological assays.

Abstract: A technique transfers data between geographically dispersed entities belonging to a virtual-local-area network (VLAN). According to the technique, geographically dispersed entities communicate via software-defined virtual ports that “appear” as physical ports to the entities. Each virtual port, in turn, is associated with one or more connections wherein each connection may be associated with one or more VLANs. Data generated on a particular VLAN that is destined for a remote entity is forwarded to a virtual port which, in turn, transfers the data to the remote entity over the connection associated with the VLAN. Moreover, state is maintained at each virtual port for each connection, thereby enabling the virtual ports to support various protocols that operate with physical ports.

Abstract: A technique that may be used to limit the amount of flooding that occurs for a particular virtual local area network (VLAN) in a data network. Limits are established for VLANs processed by an intermediate node. Each limit indicates a number of forwarding database entries that may be associated with a particular VLAN. If the number of entries in the forwarding database reaches the limit established for a particular VLAN, an action is taken which may include limiting the amount of flooding that occurs for that VLAN.