Abstract: A method of electrically coupling a central processing unit (CPU) of a network server to a plurality of network interface modules. The method comprises providing each of the plurality of network interface modules with a respective bus adapter chip to route an I/O bus having a first format from the central processing unit to a primary side of each of the plurality of bus adaptor chips and routing another I/O bus of the first format from a secondary side of each of the plurality of bus adapter chips to respective ones of the network interface modules. The bus adapter chips also provide for arbitered access along the I/O buses and isolation of the CPU from electrical disruption when one the network interface modules is removed.

Abstract: A method of electrically coupling a central processing unit (CPU) of a network server to a plurality of network interface modules. The method comprises providing each of the plurality of network interface modules with a respective bus adapter chip to route an I/O bus having a first format from the central processing unit to a primary side of each of the plurality of bus adaptor chips and routing another I/O bus of the first format from a secondary side of each of the plurality of bus adapter chips to respective ones of the network interface modules. The bus adapter chips also provide for arbitered access along the I/O buses and isolation of the CPU from electrical disruption when one the network interface modules is removed.

Abstract: A method of electrically coupling a central processing unit (CPU) of a network server to a plurality of network interface modules. The method comprises providing each of the plurality of network interface modules with a respective bus adapter chip to route an I/O bus having a first format from the central processing unit to a primary side of each of the plurality of bus adaptor chips and routing another I/O bus of the first format from a secondary side of each of the plurality of bus adapter chips to respective ones of the network interface modules. The bus adapter chips also provide for arbitered access along the I/O buses and isolation of the CPU from electrical disruption when one the network interface modules is removed.

Abstract: A method of electrically coupling a central processing unit (CPU) of a network server to a plurality of network interface modules. The method comprises providing each of the plurality of network interface modules with a respective bus adapter chip to route an I/O bus having a first format from the central processing unit to a primary side of each of the plurality of bus adapter chips and routing another I/O bus of the first format from a secondary side of each of the plurality of bus adapter chips to respective ones of the network interface modules. The bus adapter chips also provide for arbitered access along the I/O buses and isolation of the CPU from electrical disruption when one of the network interface modules is removed.

Abstract: A method of electrically coupling a central processing unit of a network server to a plurality of network interface modules. The method comprises routing an I/O bus having a first format from said central processing unit to primary sides of a plurality of bus adaptor chips. The method further comprises routing an I/O bus of said first format from a secondary side of said bus adaptor chips to respective ones of said network interface modules.

Abstract: Apparatus and method is disclosed for providing hot-add and hot swap capability to a computer system with a processor, and a memory, connected to a system bus. The apparatus includes a first bus, an adapter card slot, a switchable interface unit and hot-swap hot-add program code means. The first bus is connected to the system bus. The adapter card slot has a first port and a second port. The switchable interface unit includes a primary port and a secondary port. The primary port is connected to the first bus and the secondary port is connected to the first port of the adapter card slot. The switchable interface unit is responsive to a hot-swap hot-add power-down request to disconnect the second port from the first bus. The switchable interface unit is also responsive to a power-up request to reconnect the second port to the first bus.

Abstract: Methods of removing and replacing data processing circuitry are provided comprising removing a network interface module from the computer without powering down the computer and removing an interface card from the network interface module. The further acts of replacing the interface card into the network interface module and replacing the network interface module into the computer without powering down the network computer are also performed in accordance with this method.

Abstract: Apparatus and method is disclosed for providing hot-add and hot swap capability to a computer system with a processor, and a memory, connected to a system bus. The apparatus includes a first bus, an adapter card slot, a switchable interface unit and hot-swap hot-add program code means. The first bus is connected to the system bus. The adapter card slot has a first port and a second port. The switchable interface unit includes a primary port and a secondary port. The primary port is connected to the first bus and the secondary port is connected to the first port of the adapter card slot. The switchable interface unit is responsive to a hot-swap hot-add power-down request to disconnect the second port from the first bus. The switchable interface unit is also responsive to a power-up request to reconnect the second port to the first bus.

Abstract: A network server includes removable network interface modules mounted in a chassis. The network interface modules connect to a CPU through an interconnection assembly module. The network interface modules may comprise removable canisters containing a plurality of interface cards.