Abstract: A data processing system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment is provided. The data processing system includes a first host device operably coupled to a first PCI communication bus wherein the first host device substantially only performs tasks associated with facilitating communication through the first PCI communication bus. The data processing system further includes a first processing device operably coupled to the first PCI communication bus. Finally, the data processing system includes second and third devices both operably coupled to the first PCI communication bus. The second device is configured to request authorization from the first host device to transmit a first message through the first PCI communication bus, wherein the second device transmits the first message to the third device upon receipt of the authorization from the first host device even if the first processing device is not operable.

Abstract: An autonomous circuit, which may be embedded in a network product or standalone external to the network product, that routes the transmit and receive signals from the network node onto either a primary network cable or a secondary network cable. Determination of which cable to use for communication is made by monitoring activity on either the cable currently in use or on both cables at all times, and switching over to the alternate cable when a link failure condition is detected on the cable currently in use. The circuit provides automatic cable redundancy, with any interruption in communication being limited only to the time required to determine link failure and to switch over to the alternate cable path.