Patent ID: 7650490
Filing Date: 2010-01-19
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
1. An embedded device for implementing a Pre-boot execution Environment (PXE) boot on a host, the embedded device comprising: a. a first microprocessor on the embedded device, the first microprocessor distinct from a second microprocessor of the host, the first microprocessor on the embedded device comprising one or more servers, each of the one or more servers supporting at least one protocol related to the PXE boot, and a management interface, the management interface being provided for configuring the embedded device; b. a first storage medium on the embedded device, the first storage medium distinct from a second storage medium of the host, the first storage medium on the embedded device storing one or more boot options, each of the one or more boot options being related to an Operating System (OS); and c. a communication medium on the embedded device, the communication medium providing an interface between the embedded device and the host, the communication medium being connected to a communication bus on the host, wherein when the embedded device is physically attached to the host the embedded device is operable to receive communications from the host associated with the PXE boot from the host, including one or more requests from the host, and respond to the one or more requests using only the one or more servers and the boot options on the first storage medium on the embedded device and wherein during a PXE boot the second storage medium of the host is bypassed and the communications occurring between the host and the embedded device during the PXE boot occur through the communication medium.