Abstract: A method for creating a complete data path between a user interface device (UID) and a second system device. The UID is coupled to a first system device via a UID switch prior to creating the UID, the first system device, and the second device being coupled to the UID switch. The method includes receiving from the UID at the first system device a connect request. The connect request represents a request to form the complete data path between the UID and the second system device via the UID switch. The method also includes formulating a switch command that is configured to cause the UID switch to create the complete data path when the switch command is executed by the UID switch. The method further includes transmitting the switch command from the first system device to the UID switch.

Abstract: A method for automatically creating a complete first data path between a user interface device (UID) and a system device. The UID and the system device are coupled to a set of UID switches. The method includes providing a switch command server (SCS), which is in electronic communication with the set of UID switches. The method also includes receiving at the SCS a switch/location agnostic connectivity indication (SLACI), which is generic with respect to switch-specific command syntax. The SLACI is also received from a SLACI-origination device that is location agnostic with respect to the set of UID switches. The method further includes transmitting, automatically in response to a triggering condition, a first set of switch commands from the SCS to the set of UID switches to connect the UID and the system device connect along an available data path to form the complete first data path.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method of coupling a user interface device (UID) with a system device. The UID and system device are coupled with heterogeneous UID switches. The method includes providing a switch command server (SCS), which is in electronic communication with UID switches. The method also includes receiving at the SCS a switch/location agnostic connectivity indication (SLACI), which indicates a desire to provide a complete data path between the UID and system device. The method further includes performing protocol negotiation, using the SCS and SLACI to ascertain at least one available data path between the UID and system device. The method additionally includes formulating switch commands, which instruct the UID switches to connect the UID and system device to form the complete data path. The method yet further includes transmitting switch commands from the SCS to the UID switches, thereby causing UID switches to connect the UID with the system device.