Patent ID: 8019912

Claim:
A computer-implemented method comprising: utilizing a processor in a computer system to execute a set of software instructions, wherein the software instructions, when executed, perform the steps of: receiving an instruction to disable a specific local physical port of a specific computer blade in a blade center; utilizing the instruction to disable the specific local physical port by using a software command to a port controller that is associated with the specific local physical port; utilizing the instruction to control a multiplexer that selectively couples local physical ports to an external physical port hub, wherein the multiplexer physically disconnects the specific local physical port; utilizing the instruction to create a Very High Definition Language (VHDL) hardware emulation program, wherein the VHDL hardware emulation program describes a unique hardware interface between a system bus, in the specific computer blade, and the specific local physical port of the specific computer blade; and executing the VHDL hardware emulation program to program a VHDL chip that functions as the unique hardware interface between the system bus and the specific local physical port of the specific computer blade, wherein programming the VHDL chip transforms the specific computer blade into a uniquely transformed machine.