Abstract: A peer-to-peer connection protocol for establishing and managing peer-to-peer connections between endpoints coupled via a serial-based interconnect fabric. A requesting endpoint generates and sends a query to a fabric manager requesting connection information for at least one target endpoint having attributes matching attributes specified in the query. The fabric manager returns a query reply containing connection information to connect the requesting endpoint to a target endpoint or multiple target endpoints having matching attributes. In the case of multiple target endpoints, one target endpoint is selected for the connection. The requesting and target endpoints then negotiate and establish the connection by passing connection information and parameters between themselves directly. Upon establishing the connection, the fabric manager is apprised of the new connection and updates its connection list.

Abstract: Method and apparatus to perform fabric discovery for a communications fabric are described.