Abstract: A system and method of configuring an embedded system from removable media. The removable media is connected to the embedded system and the embedded system determines if the removable media includes a configuration key. If the removable media includes a configuration key, the embedded system determines if the configuration key includes configuration data applicable to the embedded system and, if the removable media includes a configuration key and the configuration key includes configuration data applicable to the embedded system, the embedded system applies the configuration data to the embedded system.

Abstract: A system and method of transferring characters from a first device through a buffer memory to a second device. A descriptor is read and a buffer address and a buffer length are extracted from the descriptor, wherein the buffer address and buffer length define a buffer of data stored in the first device. The data stored in the buffer is transferred from the buffer to the buffer memory, and from there to the second device. A check is made to determine if the descriptor should be closed and, if the descriptor should be closed, an indication is made that the descriptor is closed.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, for a stack bypass application programming interface (API). A stack bypass API for receipt of a packet includes a registration function that registers an application selectable filter function and a receive function that are used during operation by an Ethernet driver.

Abstract: An apparatus for handling data at two or more ports is described. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises an apparatus for receiving data at multiple ports, each port having a buffer capable of holding B units of received data and being serviced by a processor resource. The apparatus has software causing the processor resource to have a polling session with each port and to read unread units of data from the buffer in each port during its polling session. It also has a counter for determining the number of units of data that have been read from the buffer and circuitry responsive to said counter to assert flow control from said port based on the number of units of data read.