Abstract: The present invention is directed to a serial bus extension that provides for a new class of 1394 devices called versaphy devices. A versaphy device has a static (permanent or semi-permanent) address or versaphy label. In addition, the versaphy device has a new register structure called a versaphy register. The versaphy register may contain the versaphy label. The versaphy register can be written to by non-local devices such a controller. New simple versaphy packets are defined to facilitate communication between a versaphy device and a controller. The versaphy device can transmit unsolicited responses. These features reduce the complexity necessary for a device to connect to a 1394 bus and, therefore, reduce the cost of these devices.