Broadcom Corporation

Andrew M Naylor

Steven B Lindsay

Andrew Hwang

Scott Sterling McDaniel

Michael Asker

John K Lenell

Yi-Hsien Hao

Habib Anthony Abouhossein

A method for supporting ASF in an ASD using one or more embedded processors. In one aspect of the invention the method comprises accepting ASF related packets, examining the ASF related packets using a firmware routine running on the one or more embedded processors, and generating a response. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract, which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or the meaning of the claims.

Alerting system, architecture and circuitry

Memory structure, and packet-based switch including the memory structure, having Address Resolution Table and Packet Data Buffer table employing a shared memory. Transmit Descriptor Table also may share memory. Address Resolution Table can be implemented with direct mapping, for which destination address key direct-mapped address search may be used. The memory structure and switch implement an IEEE Std. 802.3 communication protocol via multiple ports.

Memory structure for resolving addresses in a packet-based network switch

Techniques are disclosed for providing system manageability for computing systems operating under OS-absent conditions. In particular, techniques are disclosed for providing fully functional system management capabilities even when the primary power source for the computing system is disabled. One aspect of the invention provides an ASF-compliant device that selectively supports partial ASF functionality. One aspect of the invention provides an ASF-compliant device that runs ASF firmware that is stored in nonvolatile memory and can be upgraded in the field. One aspect of the invention provides an ASF-compliant device that runs ASF firmware and that can load portions of the ASF firmware into its memory in stages.

Selectively disabling a portion of ASF operations when ASF device is powered by auxiliary power

A network controller having a multiprotocol bus interface adapter coupled between a communication network and a computer bus, the adapter including a predictive time base generator; and a management bus controller adapted to monitor and manage preselected components coupled with one of the communication network and the computer bus. The management bus controller is adapted to employ an Alert Standard Format (ASF) specification protocol, a System Management Bus (SMBus) specification protocol, an Intelligent Platform Management Interface (IPMI) specification protocol, a Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP), or a combination thereof. The network controller also includes a 10/100/1000BASE-T IEEE Std. 802.3-compliant transceiver and media access controller coupled with the communication network; a buffer memory coupled with the MAC, wherein the buffer memory includes one of a packet buffer memory, a frame buffer memory, a queue memory, and a combination thereof; and a transmit CPU and a receive CPU coupled with the multiprotocol bus interface adapter and the management bus controller. The network controller can be a single-chip VLSI device in an 0.18 micron CMOS VLSI implementation.

Integrated gigabit ethernet PCI-X controller

Techniques are disclosed for providing system manageability for computing systems operating under OS-absent conditions. In particular, techniques are disclosed for providing fully functional system management capabilities even when the primary power source for the computing system is disabled. One aspect of the invention relates to a power supply control that facilitates the realization of low power consumption integrated circuit systems. Another aspect of the invention relates to providing fully functional ASF support when operating on auxiliary power. In one embodiment, this is implemented in a local bus adapter/controller that integrates network communication, management, and support features.

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Costa Mesa, CA, United States of America

Andrew M Naylor