Patent ID: 6681250
Filing Date: 2004-01-20
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
A converter providing an alternative data path between a selected server on a packet switched network and a workstation on the same packet switched network, said server communicating with said workstation via a corresponding network interface, the converter comprising:a motherboard access link communicating with a motherboard of the server, the motherboard access link being different from the network interface; a network link, different from the motherboard access link, providing access to the workstation through the same packet switched network; and a data converter to bi-directionally communicate data to and from the server and the workstation, without routing through the network interface of the server, by: 1) retrieving incoming data from the packet switched network addressed to the converter, and applying the incoming data to the motherboard access link according to a device protocol suited for the server, and 2) sending outgoing data from the server to the packet switched network by addressing it to the workstation according to a packet switched network protocol.