Patent ID: 6694360
Filing Date: 2004-02-17
Classification: H04L

Abstract:
A multi-mode network adapter comprising:at least one processor; at least one memory; and at least one program storage configured to store at least a first program, a second program, and a third program, wherein said network adapter is operative to load one or more of the programs from the program storage to the memory for subsequent execution by the processor, wherein said processor is operative to executer the first program out of said memory in response to a first predetermined condition to test predetermined functions associated with said network adapter, wherein said processor is operative to execute the second program out of said memory in response to a second predetermined condition to respond to at least one network message received by said network adapter over a network when a host computer in electrical communication with said network adapter is in a reduced power state in which a host operating system within said host computer is not operational, and wherein said processor is operative to execute the third program out of said memory in response to a third predetermined condition to forward messages received over said network to said host computer and to forward messages received from said host computer onto said network.