Abstract: A processor is configured to determine non-core functions to be performed by an unmanaged device disposed on a packet based computer network. A control message generator is configured to (i) generate a point-to-point control message conforming to a point-to-point control protocol for controlling the unmanaged device over a point-to-point serial bus connection to perform the determined non-core functions, and (ii) encapsulate the point-to-point control message in a transport packet for transport over the packet based computer network. A packet transmitter is configured to transmit the transport packet including the encapsulated point-to-point control message via a port coupled to the packet based computer network, the packet based computer network configured to route the transport packet including the encapsulated point-to-point control message based on a header included in the transport packet so that the point-to-point control message is received at the unmanaged device via the packet based computer network.

Abstract: A processor is configured to determine non-core functions to be performed by an unmanaged device disposed on a packet based computer network. A control message generator is configured to (i) generate a point-to-point control message conforming to a point-to-point control protocol for controlling the unmanaged device over a point-to-point serial bus connection to perform the determined non-core functions, and (ii) encapsulate the point-to-point control message in a transport packet for transport over the packet based computer network. A packet transmitter is configured to transmit the transport packet including the encapsulated point-to-point control message via a port coupled to the packet based computer network, the packet based computer network configured to route the transport packet including the encapsulated point-to-point control message based on a header included in the transport packet so that the point-to-point control message is received at the unmanaged device via the packet based computer network.

Abstract: Some bus protocols are useful for management of peripheral devices that exist on a computer's system bus. Such bus protocols include the industry standard architecture bus (ISA), peripheral component interconnect (PCI), PCI express (PCIe), etc. The usefulness of such protocols for control messages, interrupt management and more is limited to the short distances over which the protocols operate, usually measured in inches. The use of longer distance transport protocols, such as Ethernet to encapsulate and transport bus protocol messages allows the advantages of the short distant protocols to be used to control remote devices. A master device, with a controller or processor, may be used to manage the operation of a slave device using the bus or control protocol. Such management may include button presses, indicator lights, slave device configuration, etc. The slave device may have a low cost controller or ASIC to provide real-time operational functions, such as routing.

Abstract: Some bus protocols are useful for management of peripheral devices that exist on a computer's system bus. Such bus protocols include the industry standard architecture bus (ISA), peripheral component interconnect (PCI), PCI express (PCIe), etc. The usefulness of such protocols for control messages, interrupt management and more is limited to the short distances over which the protocols operate, usually measured in inches. The use of longer distance transport protocols, such as Ethernet to encapsulate and transport bus protocol messages allows the advantages of the short distant protocols to be used to control remote devices. A master device, with a controller or processor, may be used to manage the operation of a slave device using the bus or control protocol. Such management may include button presses, indicator lights, slave device configuration, etc. The slave device may have a low cost controller or ASIC to provide real-time operational functions, such as routing.