Method for automatically delaying initialization of a protocol stack within a network interface

Claim 3

A method according to claim 1 , wherein said step of enabling the network interface device to receive packets from the network comprises communication of said protocol stack with a protocol multiplexer in the network interface device whereby the protocol multiplexer receives all packets from the network that conform to said one of the plurality of protocols and passes said packets to said protocol stack.

Claim 4

A method according to claim 1 , wherein said initialization process for said loaded and uninitialized protocol stack includes the transmission of at least one packet over said network, said packet including address and data information and conforming to said one of the plurality of protocols.

Claim 5

A method according to claim 1 , wherein said network interface device comprises a network interface board in communication with a peripheral device.

Claim 6

A method according to claim 1 , wherein said network interface device comprises an embedded network expansion board in communication with a peripheral device.

Claim 7

A method according to claim 1 , wherein said network interface device comprises a network expansion device in communication with a peripheral device.

Claim 8

A method according to claim 1 , wherein said network interface device comprises a network interface board in communication with a network attached device.

Claim 9

A method according to claim 1 , wherein said network interface device comprises an embedded network expansion board in communication with a network attached device.

Claim 10

A method according to claim 1 , wherein said network interface device comprises an embedded circuit board within a digital device, said digital device being removably attached to said network, wherein said embedded circuit board provides communication between said network and said digital device, and wherein said embedded circuit board also provides processing to support functional operation of said digital device.

Claim 11

A method according to claim 1 , wherein said network interface device comprises a network expansion device in communication with a network attached device.

Claim 12

A method according to claim 1 , wherein said network interface device comprises a network interface board in communication with a network printer.

Claim 13

A method according to claim 1 , wherein said network interface device comprises an embedded network expansion board in communication with a network printer.

Claim 14

A method according to claim 1 , wherein said network interface device comprises a network expansion device in communication with a network printer.

Claim 15

A method according to claim 1 , wherein said network interface device comprises an embedded network expansion board in communication with a network printer and said initialization process for said loaded and uninitialized protocol stack includes the transmission of at least one initialization-related packet.

Claim 16

A network interface device for communicating with other devices via a network on which a plurality of protocols may be utilized, said network interface device comprising: a network interface over which packets including address and data information are received from the network, and over which packets to the network are transmitted; and a processor that (i) executes a process within the network interface device which loads an uninitialized protocol stack that supports one of the plurality of protocols for communication on the network and that can be initialized by an initialization process, (ii) temporarily prohibits execution of the initialization process for said loaded and uninitialized protocol stack, (iii) enables the network interface device to receive packets from the network that include address and data information and that conform to said one of the plurality of protocols, and (iv) executes the initialization process for said loaded and uninitialized protocol stack upon receipt of a packet from the network conforming to said one of the plurality of protocols, said initialization process including the enablement of the network interface device to communicate packets on the network that include address and data information and that conform to said one of the plurality of protocols.

Claim 17

A network interface device for communicating with other devices via a network on which a plurality of protocols may be utilized, said network interface device comprising: a network interface over which packets including address and data information are received from the network, and over which packets to the network are transmitted; and a processor that (i) executes a process within the network interface device which loads an uninitialized protocol stack that supports one of the plurality of protocols for communication on the network and that can be initialized by an initialization process, (ii) temporarily prohibits execution of the initialization process for said loaded and uninitialized protocol stack, (iii) enables the network interface device to receive packets from the network that include address and data information and that conform to said one of the plurality of protocols, and (iv) executes the initialization process for said loaded and uninitialized protocol stack upon receipt of a packet from the network conforming to said one of the plurality of protocols, said initialization process including the enablement of the network interface device to communicate packets on the network that include address and data information and that conform to said one of the plurality of protocols.

Claim 18

A network interface device according to claim 15 , wherein said processor enables the network interface device to receive packets from the network by communication of said protocol stack with a protocol multiplexer in the network interface device whereby the protocol multiplexer receives all packets from the network that conform to said one of the plurality of protocols and passes said packets to said protocol stack.

Claim 19

A network interface device according to claim 15 , wherein said initialization process for said loaded and uninitialized protocol stack includes the transmission of at least one packet over said network, said packet including address and data information and conforming to said one of the plurality of protocols.

Claim 20

A network interface device according to claim 15 , wherein said network interface device is in communication with a peripheral device.

Claim 21

A network interface device according to claim 15 , wherein said network interface device is in communication with a network printer.

Claim 22

A network interface device according to claim 15 , wherein said network interface device is in communication with a network attached device.

Claim 23

A network interface device according to claim 15 , wherein said network interface device is implemented on an embedded circuit board within a digital device, said digital device being removably attached to said network, wherein said embedded circuit board provides communication between said network and said digital device, and wherein said embedded circuit board also provides processing to support functional operation of said digital device.

Claim 24

Computer-executable process steps stored on a computer-readable medium, the computer-executable process steps to automatically trigger a protocol stack initialization process within a network interface device on a network on which a plurality of protocols may be utilized, said computer-executable process steps comprising: code to load an uninitialized protocol stack within the network interface device, said loaded and uninitialized protocol stack being configured to support one of the plurality of protocols for communication on the network and to be initialized by an initialization process; code to temporarily prohibit execution of the initialization process for said loaded and uninitialized protocol stack; code to enable the network interface device to receive packets from the network that include address and data information and that conform to said one of the plurality of protocols; and code to execute the initialization process for said loaded and uninitialized protocol stack upon receipt of a packet from the network conforming to said one of the plurality of protocols, said initialization process including the enablement of the network interface device to communicate packets on the network that include address and data information and that conform to said one of the plurality of protocols.

Claim 25

Computer-executable process steps stored on a computer-readable medium, the computer-executable process steps to automatically trigger a protocol stack initialization process within a network interface device on a network on which a plurality of protocols may be utilized, said computer-executable process steps comprising: code to load an uninitialized protocol stack within the network interface device, said loaded and uninitialized protocol stack being configured to support one of the plurality of protocols for communication on the network and to be initialized by an initialization process; code to temporarily prohibit execution of the initialization process for said loaded and uninitialized protocol stack; code to enable the network interface device to receive packets from the network that include address and data information and that conform to said one of the plurality of protocols; and code to execute the initialization process for said loaded and uninitialized protocol stack upon receipt of a packet from the network conforming to said one of the plurality of protocols, said initialization process including the enablement of the network interface device to communicate packets on the network that include address and data information and that conform to said one of the plurality of protocols.

Claim 26

Computer-executable process steps according to claim 22 , wherein said code to enable the network interface device to receive packets from the network comprises communication of said protocol stack with a protocol multiplexer in the network interface device whereby the protocol multiplexer receives all packets from the network that conform to said one of the plurality of protocols and passes said packets to said protocol stack.

Claim 27

Computer-executable process steps according to claim 22 , wherein said initialization process for said loaded and uninitialized protocol stack includes the transmission of at least one packet over said network, said packet including address and data information and conforming to said one of the plurality of protocols.

Claim 28

Computer-executable process steps according to claim 22 , wherein said network interface device comprises a network interface board in communication with a peripheral device.

Claim 29

Computer-executable process steps according to claim 22 , wherein said network interface device comprises an embedded network expansion board in communication with a peripheral device.

Claim 30

Computer-executable process steps according to claim 22 , wherein said network interface device comprises a network expansion device in communication with a peripheral device.

Claim 31

Computer-executable process steps according to claim 22 , wherein said network interface device comprises a network interface board in communication with a network printer.

Claim 32

Computer-executable process steps according to claim 22 , wherein said network interface device comprises an embedded network expansion board in communication with a network printer.

Claim 33

Computer-executable process steps according to claim 22 , wherein said network interface device comprises a network expansion device in communication with a network printer.

Claim 34

Computer-executable process steps according to claim 22 , wherein said network interface device comprises a network interface board in communication with a network attached device.

Claim 35

Computer-executable process steps according to claim 22 , wherein said network interface device comprises an embedded network expansion board in communication with a network attached device.

Claim 36

Computer-executable process steps according to claim 22 , wherein said network interface device comprises a network expansion device in communication with a network attached device.

Claim 37

Computer-executable process steps according to claim 22 , wherein said network interface device comprises an embedded circuit board within a digital device, said digital device being removably attached to said network, wherein said embedded circuit board provides communication between said network and said digital device, and wherein said embedded circuit board also provides processing to support functional operation of said digital device.

Claim 38

Computer-executable process steps according to claim 22 , wherein said network interface device comprises an embedded network expansion board in communication with a network printer and said initialization process for said loaded and uninitialized protocol stack includes the transmission of at least one initialization-related packet.

Claim 39

A computer-readable medium which stores computer-executable process steps, the computer-executable process steps to automatically trigger a protocol stack initialization process within a network interface device on a network on which a plurality of protocols may be utilized, said computer-executable process steps comprising: a loading step to load an uninitialized protocol stack within the network interface device, said loaded and uninitialized protocol stack being configured to support one of the plurality of protocols for communication on the network and also configured to be initialized by an initialization process; a prohibiting step to temporarily prohibit execution of the initialization process for said loaded and uninitialized protocol stack; an enabling step to enable the network interface device to receive packets from the network that include address and data information and that conform to said one of the plurality of protocols; and an executing step to execute the initialization process for said loaded and uninitialized protocol stack upon receipt of a packet from the network conforming to said one of the plurality of protocols, said initialization process including the enablement of the network interface device to communicate packets on the network that include address and data information and that conform to said one of the plurality of protocols.

Claim 40

A computer-readable medium which stores computer-executable process steps, the computer-executable process steps to automatically trigger a protocol stack initialization process within a network interface device on a network on which a plurality of protocols may be utilized, said computer-executable process steps comprising: a loading step to load an uninitialized protocol stack within the network interface device, said loaded and uninitialized protocol stack being configured to support one of the plurality of protocols for communication on the network and also configured to be initialized by an initialization process; a prohibiting step to temporarily prohibit execution of the initialization process for said loaded and uninitialized protocol stack; an enabling step to enable the network interface device to receive packets from the network that include address and data information and that conform to said one of the plurality of protocols; and an executing step to execute the initialization process for said loaded and uninitialized protocol stack upon receipt of a packet from the network conforming to said one of the plurality of protocols, said initialization process including the enablement of the network interface device to communicate packets on the network that include address and data information and that conform to said one of the plurality of protocols.

Claim 41

A computer-readable medium according to claim 36 , wherein said enabling step to enable the network interface device to receive packets from the network comprises communication of said protocol stack with a protocol multiplexer in the network interface device whereby the protocol multiplexer receives all packets from the network that conform to said one of the plurality of protocols and passes said packets to said protocol stack.

Claim 42

A computer-readable medium according to claim 36 , wherein said initialization process for said loaded and uninitialized protocol stack includes the transmission of at least one packet over said network, said packet including address and data information and conforming to said one of the plurality of protocols.

Claim 43

A computer-readable medium according to claim 36 , wherein said network interface device comprises a network interface board in communication with a peripheral device.

Claim 44

A computer-readable medium according to claim 36 , wherein said network interface device comprises an embedded network expansion board in communication with a peripheral device.

Claim 45

A computer-readable medium according to claim 36 , wherein said network interface device comprises a network expansion device in communication with a peripheral device.

Claim 46

A computer-readable medium according to claim 36 , wherein said network interface device comprises a network interface board in communication with a network printer.

Claim 47

A computer-readable medium according to claim 36 , wherein said network interface device comprises an embedded network expansion board in communication with a network printer.

Claim 48

A computer-readable medium according to claim 36 , wherein said network interface device comprises a network expansion device in communication with a network printer.

Claim 49

A computer-readable medium according to claim 36 , wherein said network interface device comprises a network interface board in communication with a network attached device.

Claim 50

A computer-readable medium according to claim 36 , wherein said network interface device comprises an embedded network expansion board in communication with a network attached device.

Claim 51

A computer-readable medium according to claim 36 , wherein said network interface device comprises a network expansion device in communication with a network attached device.

Claim 52

A computer-readable medium according to claim 36 , wherein said network interface device comprises an embedded circuit board within a digital device, said digital device being removably attached to said network, wherein said embedded circuit board provides communication between said network and said digital device, and wherein said embedded circuit board also provides processing to support functional operation of said digital device.

Claim 53

A computer-readable medium according to claim 36 , wherein said network interface device comprises an embedded network expansion board in communication with a network printer and said initialization process for said loaded and uninitialized protocol stack includes the transmission of at least one initialization-related packet.

Claim 56

A method according to claim 50 , wherein said step of enabling the network interface device to receive packets from the network comprises communication of said protocol stack with a protocol multiplexer in the network interface device whereby the protocol multiplexer receives all packets from the network that conform to said one of the plurality of protocols and passes said packets to said protocol stack.

Claim 57

A method according to claim 50 , wherein said initialization process for said loaded and uninitialized protocol stack includes the transmission of at least one packet over said network, said packet including address and data information and said packet conforming to said one of the plurality of protocols.

Claim 58

A method according to claim 50 , wherein said network interface device comprises a network interface board in communication with a peripheral device.

Claim 59

A method according to claim 50 , wherein said network interface device comprises an embedded network expansion board in communication with a peripheral device.

Claim 60

A method according to claim 50 , wherein said network interface device comprises a network expansion device in communication with a peripheral device.

Claim 61

A method according to claim 50 , wherein said network interface device comprises a network interface board in communication with a network printer.

Claim 62

A method according to claim 50 , wherein said network interface device comprises an embedded network expansion board in communication with a network printer.

Claim 63

A method according to claim 50 , wherein said network interface device comprises a network expansion device in communication with a network printer.

Claim 64

A method according to claim 50 , wherein said network interface device comprises a network interface board in communication with a network attached device.

Claim 65

A method according to claim 50 , wherein said network interface device comprises an embedded network expansion board in communication with a network attached device.

Claim 66

A method according to claim 50 , wherein said network interface device comprises a network expansion device in communication with a network attached device.

Claim 67

A method according to claim 50 , wherein said network interface device comprises an embedded circuit board within a digital device, said digital device being removably attached to said network, wherein said embedded circuit board provides communication between said network and said digital device, and wherein said embedded circuit board also provides processing to support functional operation of said digital device.

Claim 68

A method according to claim 50 , wherein said network interface device comprises an embedded network expansion board in communication with a network printer and said initialization process for said loaded and uninitialized protocol stack includes the transmission of at least one initialization-related packet.

Claim 69

A method according to claim 50 , wherein said application software module is executed within a device that is locally connected to said network interface device.

Claim 70

A method according to claim 50 , wherein said application software module is executed within said network interface device.

Claim 71

A network interface device for communicating with other devices via a network on which a plurality of protocols may be utilized, said network interface device also in communication with an application software module which sends to said network interface device a plurality of network services requests, said network interface device comprising: a network interface over which packets including address and data information are received from the network, and over which packets to the network are transmitted; and a processor that (i) executes a process within the network interface device which loads an uninitialized protocol stack that supports one of the plurality of protocols for communication on the network and that is configured to be initialized by an initialization process, (ii) temporarily prohibits execution of the initialization process for said loaded and uninitialized protocol stack, (iii) enables the network interface device to receive packets from the network that include address and data information and that conform to said one of the plurality of protocols, (iv) enables said network interface device to receive at least one network services request from said application software module that requires the use of said loaded and uninitialized protocol stack, (v) determines whether the network interface device has received from said application software module at least one of said network service requests that requires the use of said loaded and uninitialized protocol stack, (vi) determines whether the network interface device has received a packet from the network conforming to said one of the plurality of protocols, and (vii) executes the initialization process for said loaded and uninitialized protocol stack in response to a determination that the network interface device has received from said application software module at least one of said network service requests that requires the use of said loaded and uninitialized protocol stack or in response to a determination that the network interface device has received a packet from the network conforming to said one of the plurality of protocols, said initialization process including the enablement of the network interface device to communicate packets on the network that include address and data information and that conform to said one of the plurality of protocols.

Claim 72

A network interface device for communicating with other devices via a network on which a plurality of protocols may be utilized, said network interface device also in communication with an application software module which sends to said network interface device a plurality of network services requests, said network interface device comprising: a network interface over which packets including address and data information are received from the network, and over which packets to the network are transmitted; and a processor that (i) executes a process within the network interface device which loads an uninitialized protocol stack that supports one of the plurality of protocols for communication on the network and that is configured to be initialized by an initialization process, (ii) temporarily prohibits execution of the initialization process for said loaded and uninitialized protocol stack, (iii) enables the network interface device to receive packets from the network that include address and data information and that conform to said one of the plurality of protocols, (iv) enables said network interface device to receive at least one network services request from said application software module that requires the use of said loaded and uninitialized protocol stack, (v) determines whether the network interface device has received from said application software module at least one of said network service requests that requires the use of said loaded and uninitialized protocol stack, (vi) determines whether the network interface device has received a packet from the network conforming to said one of the plurality of protocols, and (vii) executes the initialization process for said loaded and uninitialized protocol stack in response to a determination that the network interface device has received from said application software module at least one of said network service requests that requires the use of said loaded and uninitialized protocol stack or in response to a determination that the network interface device has received a packet from the network conforming to said one of the plurality of protocols, said initialization process including the enablement of the network interface device to communicate packets on the network that include address and data information and that conform to said one of the plurality of protocols.

Claim 73

A network interface device according to claim 66 , wherein said processor enables the network interface device to receive packets from the network by communication of said protocol stack with a protocol multiplexer in the network interface device whereby the protocol multiplexer receives all packets from the network that conform to said one of the plurality of protocols and passes said packets to said protocol stack.

Claim 74

A network interface device according to claim 66 , wherein said initialization process for said loaded and uninitialized protocol stack includes the transmission of at least one packet over said network, said packet including address and data information and conforming to said one of the plurality of protocols.

Claim 75

A network interface device according to claim 66 , wherein said network interface device is in communication with a peripheral device.

Claim 76

A network interface device according to claim 66 , wherein said network interface device is in communication with a network printer.

Claim 77

A network interface device according to claim 66 , wherein said network interface device is in communication with a network attached device.

Claim 78

A network interface device according to claim 66 , wherein said network interface device is located on an embedded circuit board within a digital device, said digital device being removably attached to said network, wherein said embedded circuit board provides communication between said network and said digital device, and wherein said embedded circuit board also provides processing to support functional operation of said digital device.

Claim 79

A network interface device according to claim 66 , wherein said application software module is executed within a device that is locally connected to said network interface device.

Claim 80

A network interface device according to claim 66 , wherein said application software module is executed within said processor of said network interface device.

Claim 81

Computer-executable process steps stored on a computer-readable medium, the computer-executable process steps to automatically trigger a protocol stack initialization process within a network interface device on a network on which a plurality of protocols may be utilized, said network interface device being in communication with an application software module which sends to said network interface device a plurality of network services requests, said computer-executable process steps comprising: code to load an uninitialized protocol stack within the network interface device, said uninitialized protocol stack being configured to support one of the plurality of protocols for communication on the network and to be initialized by an initialization process; code to temporarily prohibit execution of the initialization process for said loaded and uninitialized protocol stack; code to enable the network interface device to receive packets from the network that include address and data information and that conform to said one of the plurality of protocols; code to enable said network interface device to receive at least one network services request from said application software module that requires the use of said loaded and uninitialized protocol stack; code to determine whether the network interface device has received from said application software module at least one of said network service requests that requires the use of said loaded and uninitialized protocol stack; code to determine whether the network interface device has received a packet from the network conforming to said one of the plurality of protocols; and code to execute the initialization process for said loaded and uninitialized protocol stack in response to a determination that the network interface device has received from said application software module at least one of said network service requests that requires the use of said loaded and uninitialized protocol stack or in response to a determination that the network interface device has received a packet from the network conforming to said one of the plurality of protocols, said initialization process including the enablement of the network interface device to communicate packets on the network that include address and data information and that conform to said one of the plurality of protocol.

Claim 82

Computer-executable process steps stored on a computer-readable medium, the computer-executable process steps to automatically trigger a protocol stack initialization process within a network interface device on a network on which a plurality of protocols may be utilized, said network interface device being in communication with an application software module which sends to said network interface device a plurality of network services requests, said computer-executable process steps comprising: code to load an uninitialized protocol stack within the network interface device, said uninitialized protocol stack being configured to support one of the plurality of protocols for communication on the network and to be initialized by an initialization process; code to temporarily prohibit execution of the initialization process for said loaded and uninitialized protocol stack; code to enable the network interface device to receive packets from the network that include address and data information and that conform to said one of the plurality of protocols; code to enable said network interface device to receive at least one network services request from said application software module that requires the use of said loaded and uninitialized protocol stack; code to determine whether the network interface device has received from said application software module at least one of said network service requests that requires the use of said loaded and uninitialized protocol stack; code to determine whether the network interface device has received a packet from the network conforming to said one of the plurality of protocols; and code to execute the initialization process for said loaded and uninitialized protocol stack in response to a determination that the network interface device has received from said application software module at least one of said network service requests that requires the use of said loaded and uninitialized protocol stack or in response to a determination that the network interface device has received a packet from the network conforming to said one of the plurality of protocols, said initialization process including the enablement of the network interface device to communicate packets on the network that include address and data information and that conform to said one of the plurality of protocol.

Claim 83

Computer-executable process steps according to claim 75 , wherein said code to enable said network interface device to receive packets from the network comprises communication of said protocol stack with a protocol multiplexer in the network interface device whereby the protocol multiplexer receives all packets from the network that conform to said one of the plurality of protocols and passes said packets to said protocol stack.

Claim 84

Computer-executable process steps according to claim 75 , wherein said initialization process for said loaded and uninitialized protocol stack includes the transmission of at least one packet over said network, said packet including address and data information and conforming to said one of the plurality of protocols.

Claim 85

Computer-executable process steps according to claim 75 , wherein said network interface device comprises a network interface board in communication with a peripheral device.

Claim 86

Computer-executable process steps according to claim 75 , wherein said network interface device comprises an embedded network expansion board in communication with a peripheral device.

Claim 87

Computer-executable process steps according to claim 75 , wherein said network interface device comprises a network expansion device in communication with a peripheral device.

Claim 88

Computer-executable process steps according to claim 75 , wherein said network interface device comprises a network interface board in communication with a network printer.

Claim 89

Computer-executable process steps according to claim 75 , wherein said network interface device comprises an embedded network expansion board in communication with a network printer.

Claim 90

Computer-executable process steps according to claim 75 , wherein said network interface device comprises a network expansion device in communication with a network printer.

Claim 91

Computer-executable process steps according to claim 75 , wherein said network interface device comprises a network interface board in communication with a network attached device.

Claim 92

Computer-executable process steps according to claim 75 , wherein said network interface device comprises an embedded network expansion board in communication with a network attached device.

Claim 93

Computer-executable process steps according to claim 75 , wherein said network interface device comprises a network expansion device in communication with a network attached device.

Claim 94

Computer-executable process steps according to claim 75 , wherein said network interface device comprises an embedded circuit board within a digital device, said digital device being removably attached to said network, wherein said embedded circuit board provides communication between said network and said digital device, and wherein said embedded circuit board also provides processing to support functional operation of said digital device.

Claim 95

Computer-executable process steps according to claim 75 , wherein said network interface device comprises an embedded network expansion board in communication with a network printer and said initialization process for said loaded and uninitialized protocol stack includes the transmission of at least one initialization-related packet.

Claim 96

Computer-executable process steps according to claim 75 , wherein said application software module is executed within a device that is locally connected to said network interface device.

Claim 97

Computer-executable process steps according to claim 75 , further comprising code to execute said application software module.

Claim 98

A computer-readable medium which stores computer-executable process steps, the computer-executable process steps to automatically trigger a protocol stack initialization process within a network interface device on a network on which a plurality of protocols may be utilized, said network interface device being in communication with an application software module which sends to said network interface device a plurality of network services requests, said computer-executable process steps comprising: a loading step to load an uninitialized protocol stack within the network interface device, said uninitialized protocol stack being configured to support one of the plurality of protocols for communication on the network and to be initialized by an initialization process; a prohibiting step to temporarily prohibit execution of the initialization process for said loaded and uninitialized protocol stack; an enabling step to enable the network interface device to receive packets from the network that include address and data information and that conform to said one of the plurality of protocols; an enabling step to enable said network interface device to receive at least one network services request from said application software module that requires the use of said loaded and uninitialized protocol stack; a determining step to determine whether the network interface device has received from said application software module at least one of said network service requests that requires the use of said loaded and uninitialized protocol stack; a determining step to determine whether the network interface device has received a packet from the network conforming to said one of the plurality of protocols; and an executing step to execute the initialization process for said loaded and uninitialized protocol stack in response to a determination that the network interface device has received from said application software module at least one of said network service requests that requires the use of said loaded and uninitialized protocol stack or in response to a determination that the network interface device has received a packet from the network conforming to said one of the plurality of protocols, said initialization process including the enablement of the network interface device to communicate packets on the network that include address and data information and that conform to said one of the plurality of protocols.

Claim 99

A computer-readable medium which stores computer-executable process steps, the computer-executable process steps to automatically trigger a protocol stack initialization process within a network interface device on a network on which a plurality of protocols may be utilized, said network interface device being in communication with an application software module which sends to said network interface device a plurality of network services requests, said computer-executable process steps comprising: a loading step to load an uninitialized protocol stack within the network interface device, said uninitialized protocol stack being configured to support one of the plurality of protocols for communication on the network and to be initialized by an initialization process; a prohibiting step to temporarily prohibit execution of the initialization process for said loaded and uninitialized protocol stack; an enabling step to enable the network interface device to receive packets from the network that include address and data information and that conform to said one of the plurality of protocols; an enabling step to enable said network interface device to receive at least one network services request from said application software module that requires the use of said loaded and uninitialized protocol stack; a determining step to determine whether the network interface device has received from said application software module at least one of said network service requests that requires the use of said loaded and uninitialized protocol stack; a determining step to determine whether the network interface device has received a packet from the network conforming to said one of the plurality of protocols; and an executing step to execute the initialization process for said loaded and uninitialized protocol stack in response to a determination that the network interface device has received from said application software module at least one of said network service requests that requires the use of said loaded and uninitialized protocol stack or in response to a determination that the network interface device has received a packet from the network conforming to said one of the plurality of protocols, said initialization process including the enablement of the network interface device to communicate packets on the network that include address and data information and that conform to said one of the plurality of protocols.

Claim 100

A computer-readable medium according to claim 91 , wherein said enabling step to enable the network interface device to receive packets from the network comprises communication of said protocol stack with a protocol multiplexer in the network interface device whereby the protocol multiplexer receives all packets from the network that conform to said one of the plurality of protocols and passes said packets to said protocol stack.

Claim 101

A computer-readable medium according to claim 91 , wherein said initialization process for said loaded and uninitialized protocol stack includes the transmission of at least one packet over said network, said packet including address and data information and conforming to said one of the plurality of protocols.

Claim 102

A computer-readable medium according to claim 91 , wherein said network interface device comprises a network interface board in communication with a peripheral device.

Claim 103

A computer-readable medium according to claim 91 , wherein said network interface device comprises an embedded network expansion board in communication with a peripheral device.

Claim 104

A computer-readable medium according to claim 91 , wherein said network interface device comprises a network expansion device in communication with a peripheral device.

Claim 105

A computer-readable medium according to claim 91 , wherein said network interface device comprises a network interface board in communication with a network printer.

Claim 106

A computer-readable medium according to claim 91 , wherein said network interface device comprises an embedded network expansion board in communication with a network printer.

Claim 107

A computer-readable medium according to claim 91 , wherein said network interface device comprises a network expansion device in communication with a network printer.

Claim 108

A computer-readable medium according to claim 91 , wherein said network interface device comprises a network interface board in communication with a network attached device.

Claim 109

A computer-readable medium according to claim 91 , wherein said network interface device comprises an embedded network expansion board in communication with a network attached device.

Claim 110

A computer-readable medium according to claim 91 , wherein said network interface device comprises a network expansion device in communication with a network attached device.

Claim 111

A computer-readable medium according to claim 91 , wherein said network interface device comprises an embedded circuit board within a digital device, said digital device being removably attached to said network, wherein said embedded circuit board provides communication between said network and said digital device, and wherein said embedded circuit board also provides processing to support functional operation of said digital device.

Claim 112

A computer-readable medium according to claim 91 , wherein said network interface device comprises an embedded network expansion board in communication with a network printer and said initialization process for said loaded and uninitialized protocol stack includes the transmission of at least one initialization-related packet.

Claim 113

A computer-readable medium according to claim 91 , wherein said application software module is executed within a device that is locally connected to said network interface device.

Claim 114

A computer-readable medium according to claim 91 , further comprising an executing step to execute said application software module.