Abstract: A system for configuring a data center includes a fabric management server coupled to a management switch. A provisional Software Defined Networking (SDN) controller executing on the fabric management server can discover physical servers coupled to the management switch, receive network interface configuration information from the physical servers, and use the discovered network interface configuration information to determine a configuration for switches and servers coupled to an IP fabric. The configuration can be migrated to a full functionality SDN controller.

Abstract: A method includes deploying a network device within a fabric having a management network by attaching the network device through the management network to a port of a role allocator, wherein the role allocator includes one or more ports designated as first level port connections and one or more other ports designated as second level port connections. If the deployed network device is attached to one of the ports designated as first level port connections, the deployed network device is configured as a first level device. If the deployed network device is attached to one of the ports designated as second level port connections, the deployed network device is configured as a second level device.

Abstract: A method includes deploying a network device within a fabric having a management network by attaching the network device through the management network to a port of a role allocator, wherein the role allocator includes one or more ports designated as first level port connections and one or more other ports designated as second level port connections. If the deployed network device is attached to one of the ports designated as first level port connections, the deployed network device is configured as a first level device. If the deployed network device is attached to one of the ports designated as second level port connections, the deployed network device is configured as a second level device.

Abstract: A system for configuring a data center includes a fabric management server coupled to a management switch. A provisional Software Defined Networking (SDN) controller executing on the fabric management server can discover physical servers coupled to the management switch, receive network interface configuration information from the physical servers, and use the discovered network interface configuration information to determine a configuration for switches and servers coupled to an IP fabric. The configuration can be migrated to a full functionality SDN controller.

Abstract: A system for configuring a data center includes a fabric management server coupled to a management switch. A provisional Software Defined Networking (SDN) controller executing on the fabric management server can discover physical servers coupled to the management switch, receive network interface configuration information from the physical servers, and use the discovered network interface configuration information to determine a configuration for switches and servers coupled to an IP fabric. The configuration can be migrated to a full functionality SDN controller.

Abstract: A method includes deploying a network device within a fabric having a management network by attaching the network device through the management network to a port of a role allocator, wherein the role allocator includes one or more ports designated as first level port connections and one or more other ports designated as second level port connections. If the deployed network device is attached to one of the ports designated as first level port connections, the deployed network device is configured as a first level device. If the deployed network device is attached to one of the ports designated as second level port connections, the deployed network device is configured as a second level device.

Abstract: Techniques for controlling a network fabric are disclosed. Labels are assigned to paths between endpoints in the network fabric. Switches in the path are configured to communicate data communication packets having the label along the path. Upon receiving a first data communication packet from a first one of the switches in the network fabric for communication to a destination endpoint over the network fabric, the label for a path from the first switch to the destination is obtained, the first packet is communicated to the destination endpoint and the first switch is caused to communicate subsequent data communication packets corresponding to the first data communication packet over the path.

Abstract: Techniques for controlling a network fabric are disclosed. Labels are assigned to paths between endpoints in the network fabric. Switches in the path are configured to communicate data communication packets having the label along the path. Upon receiving a first data communication packet from a first one of the switches in the network fabric for communication to a destination endpoint over the network fabric, the label for a path from the first switch to the destination is obtained, the first packet is communicated to the destination endpoint and the first switch is caused to communicate subsequent data communication packets corresponding to the first data communication packet over the path.

Abstract: Photovoltaic modules with increased performance are obtained by positioning a reflective polyvinyl adhesive film below the photosensitive layer, this adhesive layer containing a plasticizer of low polarity expressed by 100×O/(C+H)?9.4.

Abstract: An automated retirement plan manager manages the assets of an employee retirement benefits plan on behalf of an employer. The plan manager executes trades on investment vehicles based on instructions from an automated independent investment advisor. The advisor calculates a human capital for each plan participant based on data derived from the employer and from the participant through an interface, and based on that human capital calculation recommends an allocation of portfolio assets to the participant. This recommendation, once presented for review by and perhaps modified by the participant, becomes an instruction to the plan manager. As the participant ages his or her human capital is recalculated, and this is used to determine whether the participant's present portfolio type should now be switched to a more conservative one.

Abstract: An interface apparatus includes a base element, an interface element, and an attachment mechanism for attaching the interface element to the base element. The attachment mechanism is pivotable within a plurality of degrees of freedom. The interface element is an extensible member which is, in two of its embodiments, pivotally mounted so as to be rotatably adjustable about a pivot point with respect to a primary member. The primary member may be a base member or another display member. These members may be computer keyboards or displays, such as liquid crystal displays (LCDs), audio speakers, or the like such as are used in desk top or lap top computers and terminals.