Abstract: A method for detecting reachability of client computers communicatively coupled in a computer network to a server computer. A plurality of identifier tags are resident in the memory of the server. The server generates a data packet comprising an I.C.M.P. echo packet and selects a first identifier tag from among the plurality of identifier tags resident in memory, the first identifier tag being chosen to correspond to a first client computer. The server inserts the first identifier tag into the proper data segment of the echo packet and forwards the packet to the first client. After a predetermined time awaiting a responsive ping from the client, the server determines if the client is tag-compliant or non tag-compliant.

Abstract: A method to send and receive data packets over a network of computer systems (e.g., a plurality of virtual local area networks [VLANs] compliant with the IEEE 802.1Q standard) using a server computer system adapted to have a plurality of network interface cards (NICs) coupled thereto. An outgoing data packet is addressed using a first media access control (MAC) address, wherein the first MAC address is a virtual MAC address representing the plurality of NICs. A NIC is selected from the plurality of NICs using a load balancing scheme. The functionality of the selected NIC is verified using a fault tolerance scheme. The first MAC address in the outgoing data packet is replaced with a second MAC address, wherein the second MAC address represents the selected NIC. The outgoing data packet is then transmitted using the selected NIC. For an incoming data packet received at one of the plurality of NICs, the existing MAC address in the incoming data packet is replaced with the first MAC address.

Abstract: A method for selecting a network interface card (NIC) to be used to send an outgoing data packet from a server computer system having a plurality of NICs coupled thereto. The outgoing data packet is addressed using an Internet Protocol (IP) address and a Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) port number. A load balancing scheme is executed in order to select a NIC from the plurality of NICs. In one embodiment, the load balancing scheme is a function of the IP address; in alternate embodiments, the load balancing scheme is a function of the IP address and either the destination or source TCP port number. The media access control (MAC) address that represents the selected NIC is inserted in the outgoing data packet. The data packet is then sent using the selected NIC.

Abstract: A method for load balancing incoming data packets in a server computer system adapted to have a plurality of network interface cards coupled thereto and communicatively coupled to client computer systems in a network. A first media access control (MAC) address for a first NIC is selected using a load balancing scheme. A first directed data packet containing the first MAC address and a network address for the server computer system is sent to a first client computer system. The first MAC address and the network address are stored in a protocol cache of the first client computer system. A second MAC address for a second NIC is also selected using the load balancing scheme. A second directed packet containing the second MAC address and the network address is sent to a second client computer system. The second MAC address and the network address are stored in a protocol cache of the second client computer system.

Abstract: A method and system for detecting a non-functioning network interface card (NIC) in a server computer system adapted to have a plurality of network interface cards coupled thereto and communicatively coupled to client computer systems in a network. A directed packet is sent from a first NIC to a second NIC, and a direct packet is also sent from the second NIC to the first NIC. The server computer system monitors the NICs to determine whether the directed packet from the first NIC is received by the second NIC. The server computer system also monitors the first NIC to determine whether the directed packet from the second NIC is received by the first NIC. The server computer system determines whether the first NIC is functioning using the results from the monitoring. When the first NIC is determined to be non-functioning, the functions of the first NIC are automatically switched from the first NIC to one of the plurality of NICs.

Abstract: A method for selecting a network interface card (NIC) to be used to send and receive data packets in an Internetwork Protocol Exchange (IPX) environment using a server computer system having a plurality of NICs coupled thereto. An outgoing data packet is addressed using an IPX address and a socket number. A load balancing scheme is executed in order to select a NIC from the plurality of NICs. In one embodiment, the load balancing scheme is a function of the IPX address; in alternate embodiments, the load balancing scheme is a function of the IPX address and either the destination or source socket number. The media access control (MAC) address that represents the selected NIC is inserted in the outgoing data packet. The data packet is then sent using the selected NIC. In one embodiment, the present invention also provides a system and method for fault tolerance and fail over support.

Abstract: A system and method for facilitates a fast transmission of packet information into the buffers without unnecessary delays, thereby increasing overall system performance. The method and system comprises sending a packet of information located in a local buffer to a media, generating an interrupt signal indicating a completed transfer of the packet to the media and availability of the local buffer for receiving a next packet, and sending the next packet of information from a queue to the local buffer in response to the interrupt signal, wherein the generation of the interrupt signal after each data packet is transmitted to the media does not affect the overall operation of the processing system.

Abstract: A method for identifying an error condition due to a faulty cable connection in a network comprising a plurality of computer systems, at least one of the computer systems including a network adapter with the network adapter including a media access control (MAC) unit, includes initializing a plurality of mechanisms for tracking a plurality of conditions in the MAC of the network adapter. The method further includes receiving a transmit demand request in the network adapter and updating the plurality of mechanisms according to a current status of each of the plurality of conditions. In addition, the method includes determining whether a predetermined threshold has been reached in one or more of the plurality of mechanisms, wherein when one or more of the plurality of mechanisms has reached the predetermined threshold, a faulty cable connection is identified. In a system aspect, the system includes a plurality of counting mechanism for tracking each of a plurality of error conditions.

Abstract: A data transfer method with peripheral precharge wherein a starting portion of an output data block targeted for a peripheral is transferred to an output buffer for the peripheral using programmed I/O or slave cycles and wherein a virtual address of the output data block is translated into a physical address while the peripheral begins transferring the starting portion from the output buffer and over an output path. A direct memory access operation by the peripheral transfers a remainder portion of the output data block into the output buffer.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting and gracefully recovering from a peripheral device fault has been disclosed. The method detects whether a peripheral device has suffered from a peripheral device fault. Where the peripheral device fault has occurred, the method determines whether any of a plurality of processes executable by the peripheral device is currently being executed by the peripheral device. The plurality of processes comprises those process which could result in significant loss of data, loss of connection to a network or adversely affect the performance of the peripheral device if the peripheral device is reset during execution of any of the plurality of processes. If none of the plurality of processes is being executed by the peripheral device, the method automatically resets the peripheral device. According to the method and system disclosed, peripheral devices can be made to recover from faults without user intervention, without loss of connection to any networks, and with minimal loss of data.

Abstract: A method and system for resetting a peripheral device which could use a variety of buses have been disclosed. The method and system determine what bus type the peripheral device has. The method and system then automatically execute a reset process capable of resetting the peripheral device having that bus type. A beneficial aspect of this invention is allowing a peripheral device to gracefully recover from a fault. In this aspect, the method detects whether a peripheral device fault has occurred. Where the fault has occurred, the method determines whether any of a plurality of processes executable by the peripheral device is being executed. The processes comprise those processes which could result in significant loss of data, loss of connection to a network, or adversely affect performance if the peripheral device is reset during execution. If none of the processes is being executed, the method automatically resets the peripheral device.