Method and apparatus for communicating data and management information

摘要

A system is provided for communicating data between a first device and a second device across a communication link. Data is communicated between the first device and the second device across the communication link using a first protocol. Management information is communicated between the first device and the second device across the communication link using a second protocol. The system is capable of determining whether the first device is capable of communicating management information with the second device. If the first device is capable of communicating management information with the second device, then the system enables the communication of management information between the first device and the second device.