Abstract: A network apparatus uses a processing unit to convey data bidirectionally between ports. A programmable bypass circuit may have normal, fail opened and fail closed modes. Potential failure events that embodiments of the invention can deal with gracefully include power failures. Decisions as to the failure mode(s) to be adopted in the event of failure may be determined based on a programmable policy.

Abstract: A system and method for remotely power cycling a peripheral subsystem. A host system to remotely control the power cycling of a peripheral subsystem, without the need to include or add any dedicated or special signals beyond those needed for the normal interface between the host system and peripheral subsystem. A peripheral subsystem according to the present invention includes circuitry that senses the presence of a downstream, running switching signal such as a clock line or any “heart beat” type signal such as a clock pulse and initiates the power up event of the peripheral system. Conversely, the same circuitry also senses the absence of a downstream signal and initiates a power down event of the peripheral subsystem.

Abstract: A system and method for remotely power cycling a peripheral subsystem. A host system to remotely control the power cycling of a peripheral subsystem, without the need to include or add any dedicated or special signals beyond those needed for the normal interface between the host system and peripheral subsystem. A peripheral subsystem according to the present invention includes circuitry that senses the presence of a downstream, running switching signal such as a clock line or any “heart beat” type signal such as a clock pulse and initiates the power up event of the peripheral system. Conversely, the same circuitry also senses the absence of a downstream signal and initiates a power down event of the peripheral subsystem.