Patent ID: 6968464

Claim:
A method for reconfiguring a second system in a system comprising a host computer system coupled to the second system through a split bridge, wherein the split bridge comprises a first interface comprised in the host computer system, a second interface comprised in the second system, and a communication medium coupling the first interface and the second interface, wherein the first interface, the second interface, and the communication medium collectively comprise the split bridge, and wherein the host computer system includes host driver software, the method comprising: the host computer system saving configuration information for the second system; receiving user input requesting a power down condition for the second system; the second system generating an indication of the power down condition to the host computer system in response to said user input; the host computer receiving the indication of the power down condition; the host driver software entering a quiescent state after receiving the indication; powering down the second system, wherein the second system is operable to be reconfigured by a user after said powering down; powering up the second system after said powering down and after the second system has been reconfigured by a user; the host computer system detecting said powering up of the second system; and the host computer system restoring second system configuration using said configuration information.