Patent ID: 6292890
Filing Date: 2001-09-18
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
A computer having a dynamically reconfigurable boot order, wherein the computer comprises:a network interface configurable to receive a data packet that includes a predetermined data pattern, wherein the network interface is configurable to responsively initiate a computer boot-up sequence;a nonvolatile memory that stores a BIOS; anda CPU coupled to the network interface and the nonvolatile memory, and configured to retrieve the BIOS from the nonvolatile memory as part of the boot-up sequence, wherein the CPU is further configured to execute the BIOS to determine a first target boot-up device, wherein the CPU determines that the first target boot-up device is a network device if the network interface received the data packet, and wherein the CPU determines that the first target boot-up device is a local device otherwise.