Method and apparatus for powering-on a computer-based system via a network interface
AssigneeSun Microsystems, Inc.
InventorRobert R. Gianni
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A network interface card in a networked client computer includes a network interface circuit that decodes and then compares incoming network packet addresses to known address bit patterns, the decoding and comparing circuitry being powered at all times. Receipt and recognition of certain addresses means the client computer must be powered-on, even if manually switched OFF. When such a server-transmitted address is recognized, a power-on signal is issued to a power control unit that causes full operating power to be coupled to the client computer. In this fashion, a server can broadcast power-on signals to a plurality of networked client computers or workstations.
Claims20
In a peer-to-peer environment that includes a plurality of members coupled to said environment including a member that broadcasts information to at least one member whose operating voltage is switched off, a method for powering-on the switched off member, the method including the following steps:
- providing each said member with an interface coupled to receive said information, at least a portion of said interface receiving operating voltage at all times and including a decoder, a comparator, and a power control unit;
- said decoder decoding a first type information included in said information;
- said comparator comparing decoded said first type information with at least one stored information pattern representing a power-on condition, said comparator outputting a power-on signal to said power control unit when said stored information pattern matches the decoded said first type information;
- said power control unit coupled to provide operating voltage to said switched off member upon receipt of said power-on signal.
In a peer-to-peer environment that includes a plurality of members coupled to said environment including one of said members that broadcasts information to at least a first member and a second member, each of said first and second member including an interface, at least of portion of which is operative at all times, each said interface able to store at least one type of information, and having a decoder that decodes at least one type of information, and having a power control unit controllably able to provide operating voltage to the associated said member, each of said first and second member having operating voltage switched off, a method for powering-on at least a chosen one of said first and said second member, the method including the following steps:
- storing in each said interface at least one of a first type of information and a second type of information;
- causing each said decoder to decode broadcast said information:
- causing each said decoder to compare decoded said broadcast information against information stored in said decoder's associated said interface;
- and
- causing said each said power control unit to power-on each said member whose decoder comparison shows a match between information stored in said decoder's associated said interface said first type of information, wherein said first type of information when decoded and successfully compared commands powering-on.
In a peer-to-peer environment that includes a plurality of members coupled to said environment and includes a member that broadcasts information to at least one of said members whose operating voltage is switched off, a system for powering-on a switched off said member, the system comprising:
- an interface coupled to receive said information, said interface including a decoder, a comparator, and a power control unit, said decoder, comparator and power control unit each receiving operating voltage at all times;
- decoder decoding at least a first type of information included in said information;
- said comparator comparing decoded said first type information with at least one stored information pattern representing a power-on condition, said comparator outputting a power-on signal to said power control unit when a said stored information pattern matches the decoded said first type information;
- said power control unit coupled to provide operating voltage to said switched off member upon receipt of said power-on signal.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.