Configuration control of a computer network

摘要

A method for configuring a computer network that includes a full duplex bi-directional first port and an initiator that can issue a request for the first port to assume a state. The first port, when in a first state, is able to bi-directionally communicate with a full duplex bi-directional second port, and when in a second state, is coupled to itself by having an output thereof coupled to an input thereof. The method comprises inhibiting the initiator from issuing the request, sending data to the initiator describing a desired state of the first port, and enabling the initiator to issue the request for the first port to assume the desired state. <IMAGE> <IMAGE>