Multi-mode network interface having loadable software images
US6694360B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 9, 2000 |
| Grant date | Feb 17, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 19, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04L69/22
- WIPO fieldDigital communication
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A multi-mode network interface adapter includes a diagnostic mode, a sleep mode and a run-time mode. The network adapter enters the diagnostic mode at least in response to a power-up signal and validates the operation of predetermined network adapter functions. In the sleep mode, the network adapter transmits messages onto the network and responds to messages received from the network that would otherwise be handled by a host computer operating system. In this mode, the network adapter creates the appearance to other devices that the host computer is operational even if the host computer has entered a reduced power state in which the host computer operating system is not operational. In the run-time mode, the network adapter passes messages received from the network to the host computer and transmits messages received from the host computer over the network.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.