Abstract: Systems and methods that network interface in a multiple network environment are provided. In one embodiment, the system includes, for example, a network connector, a processor, a peripheral component interface (PCI) bridge and a unified driver. The processor may be coupled to the network connector and to the PCI bridge. The processor may be adapted, for example, to process a plurality of different types of network traffic. The unified driver may be coupled to the PCI bridge and may be adapted to provide drivers associated with the plurality of different types of network traffic.

Abstract: In general, the invention relates to a method for writing data to server submission queues in a storage controller. The method includes receiving an I/O request, where the I/O request includes a command, where the I/O request is associated with a vSQ, and where the vSQ appears to the client as a set of memory locations in memory operatively connected to a storage controller. The method further includes obtaining a vSQ ID associated with the vSQ, identifying a sSQ based on the vSQ and a vSQ-to-sSQ mapping, generating a submission queue entry comprising the command and the vSQ ID, and sending the submission queue entry to the storage controller, where the sSQ is located in the memory and where the storage controller is configured to place the submission queue entry in the sSQ.

Abstract: A data transfer controlling apparatus includes a first controlling unit that performs a broadcast transfer to a plurality of nodes connected to a first route switching device, and requests a second node representing nodes connected to a second route switching device that is connected to the first route switching device to perform a broadcast transfer when the first controlling unit receives a request of the broadcast transfer from a first node connected to the first route switching device, and a second controlling unit that performs the broadcast transfer to all of nodes connected to the first route switching device when the second controlling unit receives a request of a broadcast transfer from the second node.

Abstract: In a motor vehicle air conditioning installation comprising a central control unit (12), a computer network (14) connected to the central control unit (12) and a plurality of peripherals (101, 102, 103, . . . , 10n) connected to nodes (N1, N2, N3, . . . , Nn) of the computer network, the peripherals are connected in series via a common conductor (18). The installation comprises means (120) for inputting at the level of each peripheral an electric signature on a common conductor, means (130) for detecting an electric signal depending upon the electric signatures of the peripherals situated upstream on the common conductor (18), means for generating a data item representing the relative position of the peripheral on the basis of the electric signal detected, and means for identifying the node of the network to which it is connected on the basis of the relative position data item generated.

Abstract: System and method for zero client communications. A zero client device includes a housing, and in the housing, a transcoding processing unit (transcoder) and a communications processing unit coupled to the transcoder. The transcoder is configured to receive input data from human interface device(s), encode the input data, and provide the encoded input data to the communications processing unit for transmission over a network to a server. The communications processing unit is configured to receive the encoded input data from the transcoder, transmit the encoded input data over the network to the server, receive output data from the server, and send the output data to the transcoder. The transcoder is further configured to receive the output data from the communications processing unit, decode the output data, and send the decoded output data to at least one of the human interface devices.

Abstract: A star network (1) having a star coupler (14) and at least a first and second network branch (112, 122), wherein each network branch (112, 122) comprises at least one network node (110, 120) and a bus driver (11, 12) connected between the star coupler (14) and the at least one network node (110, 120). A first bus driver (11) of the first network branch (112) is adapted to detect a symbol pattern comprising at least two predetermined equal control symbols, which are transmitted from the first network node (110) to the second network node (120), wherein a control symbol is part of a control pattern. The control pattern is used to force at least the second network node (120) to switch into a predetermined state. The first bus driver (11) is disabling the first network branch (112) from the star network (1) based on whether the transmitted symbol pattern is detected. By using the protection mechanism a reliable detection of babbling idiots is provided.

Abstract: A method of evaluating the performance of a mobile telephone network having at least a first and a second simulation of a first and a second network configuration, respectively, which are statistically independent of each other. Each simulation includes the following steps: specifying a total number of users to be simulated; determining a sequence of activation of user blocks included in this total number of users to be simulated and indicating a traffic distribution; activating said user blocks in succession until the total number of users to be simulated is reached; and processing at least one radio resource management event relating to the traffic distribution associated with each currently activated user block. The simulations are repeated until a predetermined accuracy threshold is reached for each simulated network value.

Abstract: A target time stamp on a target time-base is obtained from a originating time stamp on an originating time-base of an audio video transport system by first taking samples simultaneously from transport streams having the originating time-base and target timebase, respectively. A current sample and an immediately preceding sample for the originating time-base and target time-base are stored, respectively. A first difference is determined between the current sample and an immediately preceding sample for the originating time-base and a second difference is determined between the current sample and an immediately preceding sample for the target time-base, respectively.

Abstract: A communication system for propagating time division multiplexing (TDM) fault notifications has a first interworking function (IWF) of a packet network and a second IWF of the packet network. The second IWF detects a TDM fault of a TDM network and transmits continuity check messages (CCMs) to the first IWF. Further, the second IWF controls the CCMs in response to a detection of the TDM fault such that a TDM fault notification is propagated from the second IWF to the first IWF based on the CCMs, and the first IWF propagates the TDM fault notification to a second TDM node via a TDM signal.

Abstract: Systems and methods for facilitating communication with Foundation Fieldbus linking devices are described. A first Foundation Fieldbus linking device associated with a first Ethernet network and a second Foundation Fieldbus linking device associated with a second Ethernet network may be identified by a gateway device that includes one or more computers. At least one virtual address representative of the first linking device and the second linking device may be determined by the gateway device. Communications between the first and second linking devices and an external system may be facilitated by the gateway device, and the at least one virtual address may be utilized to represent the linking devices to the external system.

Abstract: A method and system provision a first virtual connection between a first device and a second device; and provision a second virtual connection between the first device and a third device. A first bridge function is configured to control switching associated with the first virtual connection. A second bridge function is configured to control switching associated with the second virtual connection. A parent bridge function is configured to control switching on the first bridge function and the second bridge function, wherein the first virtual connection comprises an active connection and the second virtual connection comprises a standby connection, and wherein the parent bridge function switches traffic to the second bridge device upon determining that the first virtual connection has failed.

Abstract: A method of determining proximity between a root node and a leaf node in a network is presented. The method comprises computing a link proximity value between any two mutually connected nodes in the network. At an initial node, a proximity computation request message is sent containing a proximity counter to an intermediate node to which the initial node is connected. At an intermediate node, being connected to a first node and to a second node, upon receipt of the proximity computation request message containing a proximity counter from the first node, the computed link is added to a proximity value and passed on the proximity computation request message to the second node. At a final node, upon receipt of the proximity computation request message, the proximity between the root node and the leaf node is determined as the value indicated by the proximity counter.

Abstract: A field instrument management apparatus, which manages a field instrument by communicating with the field instrument via a field bus, transfers a request for an instrument address to the field instrument, and provides the instrument address to an outside when the instrument address is acquired from the field instrument.

Abstract: For operation of a data bus to which multiple bus participants each with a respective serial number are connected, a new bus participant is connected. A request bus message is generated by the new bus participant containing a preliminary participant identification number. The request bus message is arbitrated in the data bus by means of the identification number. A final participant identification number is assigned for the new bus participant having fewer digits than the serial number of the new participant. The final participant identification number is used for further bus messages by the new bus participant. During an initialization bus messages are used with an identifier in which a complete serial number is entered as the identifier. After the initialization a different type of bus message is used that has a shorter identifier.

Abstract: Thin-client terminal systems allow computer systems to be shared by multiple computer users. With modern technology, the cost of implementing a thin-client terminal system can be very low. To expand the market for thin-client terminal systems, a serial bus interface is used to couple a thin-client terminal system to a computer system.

Abstract: A distributed computing bus that provides both data transport and ambient computing power is provided. Contemplated buses comprise a network fabric of interconnected networking infrastructure nodes capable of being programmed before or after installation in the field. A fabric manager organizes the fabric into a bus topology communicatively coupling computing elements that exchange payload data using a bus protocol. Nodes within the bus topology operate on the payload data as the data passes through the node on route to its destination.

Abstract: In a token bus system a node with the token can transmit on the bus a packet that contains two destination addresses. One address specifies the node that should receive the data component (payload) of the transmitted packet. The other address specifies the node that should receive the token. The network protocol specifies that a node with the token must immediately transmit a packet containing just the token or a packet with token and data if it has data to send. When no data is being passed from one node to another on the network, the token may be passed from one node to the next in order. Each node will pass the token to the next highest node number. If a node has the token has some data for sending it transmits a packet with the token for the next node and data for any of the nodes. The bus system requires every node to receive all packets and process them to determine whether the token or the data (or both) is destined for that node.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for implementing system to system communication in a switchless non-InfiniBand (IB) compliant environment. IB architected multicast facilities are used to communicate between HCAs in a loop or string topology. Multiple HCAs in the network subscribe to a predetermined multicast address. Multicast messages sent by one HCA destined to the pre-determined multicast address are received by other HCAs in the network. Intermediate TCA hardware, per IB architected multicast support, forward the multicast messages on via hardware facilities, which do not require invocation of software facilities thereby providing performance efficiencies. The messages flow until picked up by an HCA on the network. Architected higher level IB connections, such as IB supported Reliable Connections (RCs) are established using the multicast message flow, eliminating the need for an IB Subnet Manager (SM).

Abstract: An add-on module provides extrinsic management functionality to legacy and other devices. Contemplated modules include: (a) a state agent that provides at least one of the MILARRS function, and (b) a product agent that communicates with the device using at least one serial interface. Implementations are contemplated for both legacy devices that natively provide less than complete MILARRS functionality, and newly developed devices for which the developer desires a ready-made implementation of MILARRS functionality.

Abstract: A computing system architecture is based upon a peer-to-peer, asynchronous model. The architecture specifies a set of infrastructure facilities that comprise an inter-prise operating system. The inter-prise operating system provides all the facilities that make application coding as easy in the peer-to-peer asynchronous model as it is in a hierarchical, synchronous model. Services, which reside in containers, are linked asynchronously by an inter-prise bus and use data from a virtual data store.

Abstract: A first device comprising: a pin interface having a plurality of pins; a data signal transmitter configured to respectively transmit, to a second device, a first plurality of data signals over a first set of pins of the plurality of pins of the pin interface; an encoder configured to generate a first encoded control signal based on having encoded a first plurality of control signals; and a control signal transmitter configured to transmit, to the second device, the first encoded control signal over a first pin of the plurality of pins of the pin interface, wherein the first pin is not of the first set of pins.

Abstract: A system to program microcomputers associated with a plurality of bus rooftop air conditioners comprises a plurality of air conditioner modules located on a bus rooftop. Each air conditioner module includes a microcomputer. Each microcomputer is connected to a CAN (computer area network) bus connection, and the CAN bus is common to each microcomputer. The system also includes a programming device that is communicatively coupled to at least one of the microcomputers of one of the plurality of air conditioner modules, wherein the programming device transfers a software update to the at least one of the microcomputers followed by the at least one of the microcomputers transferring the software update to each of the microcomputers in the of air conditioner modules located on a bus rooftop. A method for programming a plurality of microcomputers contained within a plurality of bus air conditioning modules is also presented.

Abstract: An isolation switch blade Fibre Channel switch presents F_ports to form a first Fibre Channel fabric and N_ports to a second Fibre Channel fabric to appear as node devices. The isolation switch blade may be used to connect a plurality of blade servers to a Fibre Channel fabric. Fabric events engendered by the insertion or removal of hot-pluggable devices are handled by the isolation switch blade and “event storms” on the Fibre Channel fabric are avoided. The isolation switch blade presents the blade servers to the FC fabric as a virtualized N_port.

Abstract: A system and method permits a network management agent executing on a customer premise equipment (CPE) component to determine whether a router is coupled between the CPE component and the cable modem through which the CPE component communicates with a data-over-cable network. The network management agent executing on the CPE component encapsulates the MAC address of the CPE component in a network management message that is sent to a server at the head end of the data-over-cable network. The head end compares the encapsulated MAC address with the MAC address of the device coupled to the cable modem that sent the network management message. If the MAC addresses are not the same, the server at the head end sets a router status element in the network management message response and sends it to the agent executing on the CPE component.

Abstract: In a system and method for backing up user data of a first hardcopy device in a second hardcopy device, the user data in the first hardcopy device is identified. The second hardcopy device is identified, and the user data from the first hardcopy device is copied into a storage of the second hardcopy device. The user data enables the second hardcopy device to operate in the same manner as the first hardcopy device.

Abstract: A packet transmission control apparatus includes a plurality of controllers, an arbitrator, a BUSY control circuit, and a memory. The controller controls a transmission of a packet to an interface and manages a request for data to a memory and a reception of data from the memory. The arbitrator selects a controller to be used from among the plurality of controllers. The BUSY control circuit recognizes a BUSY state of a control unit at destination of a packet. The memory stores data to be requested.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided to integrate disparate media services and applications across an organization. The media services are connected to an interoperable media services bus by creating a connector API for each service, thereby enabling the media services to exchange messages in a standardized format related to transactions to be performed involving media assets and/or metadata associated with media assets. Also connected to the interoperable media services bus are one or more centralized services that can be used to improve uniformity of behavior across the media services. Examples of centralized services include searching of media asset metadata, management of access rights to media services and/or media assets, accounting functions related to use of the media services, transformations (such as encoding or digital-rights management wrapping) of media assets, and the like.

Abstract: The invention provides multicast communication using distributed topologies in a network. The control nodes in the network build a distributed topology of processor nodes for providing multicast packet distribution. Multiple processor nodes in the network participate in the decisions regarding the forwarding of multicast packets as opposed to multicast communications being centralized in the control nodes.

Abstract: A method and system for data transmission between dual processors are provided. The dual processors include a first processor and a second processor with a controller and a point-to-point protocol (PPP) module. The method includes sending a connection instruction from the first processor to the PPP module, transmitting network configurations from the PPP module to the first processor, and a protocol stack shared by the first processor and the second processor for establishing a connection between the first processor and the PPP module, the protocol stack comprising a new PPP (NPPP) layer, and transmitting data to the PPP module through the connection between the first processor and the second processor.

Abstract: An isolation switch blade Fiber Channel switch presents F_ports to form a first Fiber Channel fabric and N_ports to a second Fiber Channel fabric to appear as node devices. The isolation switch blade may be used to connect a plurality of blade servers to a Fiber Channel fabric. Fabric events engendered by the insertion or removal of hot-pluggable devices are handled by the isolation switch blade and “event storms” on the Fiber Channel fabric are avoided. The isolation switch blade presents the blade servers to the FC fabric as a virtualized N_port.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for creating communities based on a semantic understanding of content requested by a number of user devices. More specifically, a mediating server operates to interconnect a number of user devices to destination servers. In operation, the mediating server routes requests from the user devices to the appropriate destination servers. The mediating server examines the responses from the destination servers to gain a semantic understanding of the content requested by the user devices. Thereafter, the mediating server establishes communities for the user devices based on the semantic understanding of the content requested by the user devices. For example, the mediating server may invite users of the user devices that have requested semantically similar content to join a chat session around a common topic.

Abstract: In a method for transmitting data over a fieldbus of process automation technology with a field device in which a first application program for a first fieldbus protocol runs, the data of a second application program for a second transmission protocol are mapped onto the first fieldbus protocol and transmitted as fieldbus telegrams.

Abstract: An add-on module provides extrinsic management functionality to legacy and other devices. Contemplated modules include: (a) a state agent that provides at least one of the MILARRS function, and (b) a product agent that communicates with the device using at least one serial interface. Implementations are contemplated for both legacy devices that natively provide less than complete MILARRS functionality, and newly developed devices for which the developer desires a ready-made implementation of MILARRS functionality.

Abstract: A scalable computer node includes a first central processing unit (CPU), a memory subsystem, and a socket that is configured to receive a second CPU. An expansion module is mounted in the socket instead of the second CPU, where the expansion module is socket-compatible with the second CPU. The expansion module has a CPU interface to communicate with the first CPU, a memory interface to communicate with the memory subsystem, and a fabric interface to communicate over a communications fabric with an expansion electronic subsystem to expand a capacity of the computer node.

Abstract: In order to make it possible to reduce the time required for the central power source control unit to perform power source control of the power source unit of the expanded apparatus, the central power source control unit includes: a power source control information holding unit which holds power source control information written by a central processing circuit for performing power source controlling of another power source device; and a transmission control unit which transmits the power source control information held in the power source control information holding unit to another power source control circuit that performs power source control of said another power source device.

Abstract: A wireless communication apparatus recognizes whether an information input apparatus is in a wirelessly communicable state at periods shorter than a disconnection waiting time in an information transfer protocol which transfers information between the information input apparatus and an information output apparatus. If the wireless communication apparatus recognizes that the information input apparatus is not in the wireless communicable state, it permits and expedites processing of a request for connection with the information output apparatus sent from another information input apparatus over a wireless network.

Abstract: A data storage system having protocol controller for converting packets between PCIE format used by a storage processor and Rapid IO format used by a packet switching network. The controller includes a PCIE end point for transferring atomic operation (DSA) requests, a data pipe section having a plurality of data pipes for passing user data; and a message engine section for passing messages among the plurality of storage processors. An acceleration path controller passes a DSA buffer in the absence of congestion on the network. Packets fed to the PCIE end point include an address portion having code indicating an atomic operation. An encoder converts the code from a PCIE format into the same atomic operation in SRIO format. Each one of a plurality of CPUs is adapted to perform a second DSA request during execution of a first DSA request.

Abstract: A distributed computing bus that provides both data transport and ambient computing power is provided. Contemplated buses comprise a network fabric of interconnected networking infrastructure nodes capable of being programmed before or after installation in the field. A fabric manager organizes the fabric into a bus topology communicatively coupling computing elements that exchange payload data using a bus protocol. Nodes within the bus topology operate on the payload data as the data passes through the node on route to its destination.

Abstract: A method for media-based data transfer involves obtaining data, by a first virtual network interface card (VNIC) selected from multiple VNICs, where the multiple VNICs are associated with multiple virtual machines, where each of the multiple virtual machines is located in one of multiple computers communicatively coupled with each other via a chassis interconnect, and where the multiple computers share a physical network interface. The method further involves determining a media type connecting the first VNIC with a second VNIC selected from the multiple VNICs, where the first VNIC and the second VNIC are nodes of a virtual network path, where the first VNIC is located in a first computer selected from the multiple computers, and where the second VNIC is located in a second computer selected from the multiple computers. The method further involves choosing a transfer protocol based on the media type, and transferring the data from the first VNIC to the second VNIC using the transfer protocol.

Abstract: A method for improving a link schedule used in a communications network is disclosed. While the method applies generally to networks that operate on a scheduled communications basis, it is described in the context of a Foundation FIELDBUS. The method includes: scheduling sequences and their associated publications according to their relative priority, per application; minimizing delays between certain function blocks, and between certain function blocks and publications; and grouping certain publications. Accordingly, advantages such as latency reduction, schedule length reduction, and improved communications capacity are gained.

Abstract: Techniques are described for providing managed virtual computer networks that may have a configured logical network topology with one or more virtual networking devices, with corresponding networking functionality provided for communications between multiple computing nodes of the virtual computer network by emulating functionality that would be provided by the networking devices if they were physically present. In some situations, the emulating of networking device functionality includes receiving routing communications directed to the networking devices and using included routing information to update the configured network topology for the managed computer network.

Abstract: A system for deriving connectivity information among telecommunications devices. The system includes a system including a database identifying the telecommunications devices and ports associated with each of the telecommunications devices. A bus master consolidation point (BMCP) is in communication with the system over a network. A data and power consolidation point (DPCP) is in communication with the BMCP over a first bus connection. A patch panel is in communication with the DPCP over a second bus connection, the patch panel including a controller for transmitting and receiving port identification data. The patch panel forwards received port identification data to the DPCP over the second bus connection, the DPCP forwards receiving port identification data to the BMCP over the first bus connection and the BMCP the forwards port identification data to the system over the network.

Abstract: A network application executing on a host system provides a list of application buffers in host memory stored in a queue to a network services processor coupled to the host system. The application buffers are used for storing data transferred on a socket established between the network application and a remote network application executing in a remote host system. Using the application buffers, data received by the network services processor over the network is transferred between the network services processor and the application buffers. After the transfer, a completion notification is written to one of the two control queues in the host system. The completion notification includes the size of the data transferred and an identifier associated with the socket. The identifier identifies a thread associated with the transferred data and the location of the data in the host system.

Abstract: A network interface is provided, in which it has an active mode and at least one of a disconnect mode and a suspend mode, and performs a predetermined process when a release condition of the disconnect mode or the suspend mode is satisfied. The network interface includes a driving control circuit for stopping at least a part of driving clock generation circuits included in the network interface until the release condition of the disconnect mode or the suspend mode is satisfied from the time when the disconnect mode or the suspend mode is established, wherein the driving control circuit operates irrespective of a clock signal.

Abstract: A distributed computing bus that provides both data transport and ambient computing power is provided. Contemplated buses comprise a network fabric of interconnected networking infrastructure nodes capable of being programmed before or after installation in the field. A fabric manager organizes the fabric into a bus topology communicatively coupling computing elements that exchange payload data using a bus protocol. Nodes within the bus topology operate on the payload data as the data passes through the node on route to its destination.

Abstract: A message routing system that allows applications at either end of the system to run as-is without modification. The system functions in a multithreaded environment and is capable of handling complex routing rules and message transformation. It is also capable of learning and executing new routing rules and message transformations in formats previously unrecognized by the system. The system enables precise and reliable logging of messages throughout processing and supports publication of enterprise-wide broadcast messages. The system further preferably employs cooperating inbound and outbound transport processes for consuming, routing, processing, safely storing and publishing messages in batches of logical units of work to ensure that the logical units of work are not lost in system transactions. The system also preferably utilizes a replay server for preserving and replaying messages that might otherwise fail to reach their intended destinations.

Abstract: An isolation switch blade Fiber Channel switch presents F_ports to form a first Fiber Channel fabric and N_ports to a second Fiber Channel fabric to appear as node devices. The isolation switch blade may be used to connect a plurality of blade servers to a Fiber Channel fabric. Fabric events engendered by the insertion or removal of hot-pluggable devices are handled by the isolation switch blade and “event storms” on the Fiber Channel fabric are avoided. The isolation switch blade presents the blade servers to the FC fabric as a virtualized N_port.

Abstract: A disclosed server system has a processor blade in which a processor is mounted and an interface unit that is connected to an external device, and a serial interface connects between these units. Multiple serial interfaces are bundled to enable expansion of a band. The processor blade and the interface unit connect fellow connectors back to back.

Abstract: In a motor vehicle air conditioning installation comprising a central control unit (12), a computer network (14) connected to the central control unit (12) and a plurality of peripherals (101, 102, 103, . . . , 10n) connected to nodes (N1, N2, N3, . . . , Nn) of the computer network, the peripherals are connected in series via a common conductor (18). The installation comprises means (120) for inputting at the level of each peripheral an electric signature on a common conductor, means (130) for detecting an electric signal depending upon the electric signatures of the peripherals situated upstream on the common conductor (18), means for generating a data item representing the relative position of the peripheral on the basis of the electric signal detected, and means for identifying the node of the network to which it is connected on the basis of the relative position data item generated.

Abstract: A test device and a test method, the test device comprising a bus controller for the transmission and reception of bus messages, the bus controller having a message memory for offering transmission data for bus messages, the message memory having a memory capacity for a bus message sequence with bus messages to be transmitted within a single transmission cycle or a transmission cycle sequence. The test device includes an intermediate memory for the storage of transmission data for bus messages with a larger storage capacity than the message memory. The test device furthermore comprises a transmission preparing means for reading transmission data from the intermediate memory and for writing, in advance of reading of the bus controller, to the message memory of the bus controller so that the bus message sequence is expanded by additional bus messages which are transmitted by the bus controller within the transmission cycle or the transmission cycle sequence on the motor vehicle bus.