Abstract: A server management tool which allows remote initialization of BIOS console redirection on a computer system (e.g., server computer). Server computer is coupled to a remote console via an asynchronous connection. Console redirection is initiated by generating a serial break on the asynchronous connection via the remote console. The server computer detects the serial break by a break detect circuit. The break detect circuit then generates a signal which places the CPU of the server computer into system management mode (SMM). After server computer CPU is in SMM, a password and console redirection request are passed to the server computer from the remote console via the asynchronous connection. After the password sent by the remote console has been authenticated by an SMI handler routine within the server computer, the SMM of the CPU processes the redirection request by calling the basic input output system (BIOS) and the SMI handler routine.

Abstract: A serial port is shared by a microcontroller and a host application. The microcontroller initially responds to a remote user making connection to the serial port. Upon the remote user requesting connection to the host application, a hardware switch connects a serial port connector to serial port hardware utilized by the host application. The connection between the remote user and the host application is monitored, so that when the connection between the remote user and the host application is discontinued, the serial port connector is reconnected to the microcontroller.

Abstract: An operating system independent method and apparatus for redirecting a server computer's serial device input and display output to a remote console, through the coordinated use of a low-cost dedicated microcontroller integrated within the motherboard of the server computer, and a system management mode facility residing within the CPU microprocessor of the server computer. Upon receipt of a redirection request from a remote console, the microcontroller asserts a system management interrupt request, which is acknowledged and serviced by a handler routine residing within the system management mode. The system management interrupt handler routine then directly accesses serial device input and video output data residing within the server computer, and returns any redirection result to the microcontroller, which in turn, returns the redirection result to the requesting remote console.

Abstract: An improved telephone interface box which interfaces an incoming telephone line to either a modem or a telephone handset is disclosed. The choice of connection is made by a controller that answers incoming calls and determines if the call is to be directed to the modem or the telephone line. The controller determines the destination of the incoming call by detecting tones on the telephone line or by examining the response of the caller to a voice prompt. If the controller determines that the incoming call is to be directed to the telephone handset, the controller generates a ring signal having substantially the same cadence as that detected on the incoming line and sends that ring signal to the telephone handset. If the handset goes off-hook during the time the controller is making its determination as to the correct destination for the incoming call, the controller suspends its operation until the handset is placed on-hook or a predetermined time interval elapses.