Abstract: A technique for sending a legacy message over a channel architecture network to a remote legacy device is provided. A host node identifies address information for a legacy object that is located on or within a subnetwork that is beyond the channel architecture network. The address information may include a subnetwork ID to identify the subnetwork and a MAC address of the object within the subnetwork, for example. The host node segments a legacy message (such as management message or SNMP message) into one or more message segments. Each segment is encapsulated in a cell including the address information for the legacy object. A channel adapter in the host node transmits each cell to a channel adapter at a remote I/O node. The I/O node includes a proxy agent that reassembles the legacy message and the sends the reassembled message to the legacy object over a legacy transport (e.g., using protocols and cell formats native to or compatible with the second network).

Abstract: A system, method and computer program to detect and recover from a communications failure in a computer network. The computer network has several nodes which include processor-based systems, input/output controllers and network controllers. Each node has a cluster adapter connected to multiple port switches through communications links. Data is transmitted through among the nodes through the communications links in the form of packets. A fabric manager module will monitor the network and detect a link failure. Upon the detection of a link failure between two switches a spanning tree partitioning module will partition the network into two trees at the point of the link failure. Thereafter, a link and switch identification module will identify a link between the two trees that can replace the failed link and has the least impact on the network. A routing table calculation algorithm module will calculate a new routing and distance table based on the identified link.

Abstract: A method for routing a cell through a network using explicit routing or destination routing, or a combination of both routing techniques. A directed route for a cell can include an explicit route portion and a destination address routing portion. An address in the cell can indicate the technique that should be used to route the cell. Explicit routing is used if the address is equal to a predetermined global address or an address of the device and the cell has not reached the end of the explicit route. Otherwise, destination address routing is used based on a final destination address.

Abstract: A method of device initialization in a network is provided. An explicitly routed management cell is received at a device. The management cell includes initialization information, such as an address or a forwarding database. The management cell also includes information specifying an explicit route for the cell to traverse to reach the device. The device is initialized based on the initialization information in the received management cell. One or more subsequent cells are routed through the device using the more efficient destination address routing technique after the device is initialized.