An architecture and method that enables communication between applications and peripheral devices through use of network-type messaging. The architecture is exemplified by a machine having a mainboard that includes memory and one or more processors. The mainboard also includes one or more expansion slots for receiving various peripheral device cards. The processor(s) is enabled to communicate with peripheral devices via an internet network that includes network interfaces for both the processor and each of the peripheral devices. The network interfaces include a network port and a network address that is bound to the network port by means of a network socket. Socket application program interface (API) and network abstraction layers are provided by software means to enable applications to communicate with the peripheral devices using network messaging and protocols, such as TCP/IP over an Ethernet.