Abstract: A universal routing identifier (URID) is provided to extend the function space in PCI-Express fabrics. Methods and systems based on the URID are provided for configuring URID capable devices and upgrading PCI-Express bridges and switches having lookup tables with access control functionality. The lookup table entry contains URIDs of destination ports, backup ports, acceptance ports, and permitted ports for downstream and upstream filtering, routing and arbitrating of transaction packets. URID capable devices can be incrementally added to current PCI-Express bridges and switches. A configuration mechanism is added to the current PCI/PCI-Express enumeration software. The URID capabilities can be disabled to maintain system compatibility. A URID capable PCI-Express system is able to address ten of thousands single-function devices. A URID capability segment field is provided in the current PCI-Express configuration space.

Abstract: A method for establishing a virtual channel between network devices is disclosed. In the case of a local network device establishing a virtual channel with a remote network device, a virtual channel request message is sent from the local network device to the remote network device. A virtual channel acknowledgement message and a remote capability list are received and a virtual channel resume message and a local capability list are sent. The virtual channel is then enabled. In the case of a remote network device establishing a virtual channel with a local network device, a virtual channel request message is received from a local network device by a remote network device. A virtual channel acknowledgement message and a remote capability list are sent and a virtual channel resume message and a local capability list are received. The virtual channel is then enabled.

Abstract: A method for establishing a virtual channel between network devices is disclosed. In the case of a local network device establishing a virtual channel with a remote network device, a virtual channel request message is sent from the local network device to the remote network device. A virtual channel acknowledgement message and a remote capability list are received and a virtual channel resume message and a local capability list are sent. The virtual channel is then enabled. In the case of a remote network device establishing a virtual channel with a local network device, a virtual channel request message is received from a local network device by a remote network device. A virtual channel acknowledgement message and a remote capability list are sent and a virtual channel resume message and a local capability list are received. The virtual channel is then enabled.

Abstract: The invention includes a method system and apparatus for an asynchronous event notification. In the event that a system-wide application requires notification of an asynchronous event that occurs in a remote device within the communications system, the event is locally detected and the necessary information is forwarded to the application.

Abstract: The invention is a method system and apparatus for a group driver. In the event that a system-wide application is needed, a plurality of devices that belong to the system are identified and divided into groups. The groups include a processor and at least one device such as a switch. Once the groups are determined, the system-wide application is transmitted to the devices via the group processors.

Abstract: A method, system and apparatus for decoupling devices in a network for use by a system-wide application. The invention includes accumulating configuration information for the network, wherein the network includes a plurality of units, and each of the units includes a processor and at least one switch device. The invention further includes analyzing the configuration information and determining a logical configuration for the network based on the analyzed configuration information. The invention further includes virtually attaching a remote switch device to the network.

Abstract: A method, system and apparatus for constructing dispatch tables match application program interface service routines. The invention includes reading a header file of the application program interface. The invention further includes generating a corresponding dispatch table for at least one device indicated in the header file, wherein the corresponding dispatch tables are generated based on information read from the header file. The invention further includes verifying that the information contained in the dispatch tables is consistent with current requirements of the application program interface.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and system for communication between processors. Rather than provide an external network connection solely for providing a communication link between CPUs, the present invention utilizes the network devices to transfer information between CPUs. A transmitting network device marks a control packet, which is intended as a communication between CPUs, as control traffic. The receiving network device will determine whether the received control packet is intended for its own CPU and provide the control packet to its CPU if that is the case.

Abstract: A method and system for discovering interconnections between a plurality of network devices arranged in a stacked configuration is provided. A probe packet, including a tag indicating a transmit port from which the probe packet was transmitted and a receive port at which the probe packet was received, is sent from one network device to a next network device. A routing packet is sent from each of the network devices, including information regarding the configuration of the stack of network devices. A master network device is elected. The master network device sends a topology packet, which includes final configuration information, to the other network devices.

Abstract: A method and system for automatically trunking ports connecting network devices arranged in a stacked configuration is provided. The method includes sending a packet, from a sending network device to at least one other receiving network device, through each of a plurality of ports of the network device. The packet includes at least an identifier for identifying the sending network device. The receiving network device maintains a table identifying which ports are connected to a neighboring network device.

Abstract: A method for establishing a virtual channel between network devices is disclosed. In the case of a local network device establishing a virtual channel with a remote network device, a virtual channel request message is sent from the local network device to the remote network device. A virtual channel acknowledgement message and a remote capability list are received and a virtual channel resume message and a local capability list are sent. The virtual channel is then enabled. In the case of a remote network device establishing a virtual channel with a local network device, a virtual channel request message is received from a local network device by a remote network device. A virtual channel acknowledgement message and a remote capability list are sent and a virtual channel resume message and a local capability list are received. The virtual channel is then enabled.