Abstract: In a computer network, an object identifier relating to the identity of a network component is generated by applying an algorithm to manufacturer's data stored in a memory associated with the component. An MIB correlating the generated object identifier and the component description is produced by applying the same algorithm to corresponding data items in a manufacturer's product database and correlating product description information with the generated object identifier data.

Abstract: A method of a copying data includes a cache subsystem loading data to be copied from a first address, and placing the data in a cache as if the data had been loaded from a second address. The data can then subsequently be written to the second address to effect the copy.

Abstract: A computer system is described having a proxy DMA unit which is used as an intermediary during direct memory access operations performed by a conventional DMA controller. The proxy DMA unit is provided with check summing circuitry which calculates a check sum for the data transferred between system memory and an external peripheral device. The check sum is subsequently used by the computer system to validate the data when it is read back to the system memory via the proxy DMA unit thus generating a second check sum. If the two check sums are the same the data is uncorrupted whereas if they are different the data is corrupted and remedial procedures can be initiated.