A data processing network includes a set of servers, at least one switch
module to interconnect the servers, and a management module. The
management module consults power state information stored in the network
following a power transition and restores power to at least some of the
servers and switch modules based on the power state information. The
power state information prevents the management module from restoring
power to servers and switch modules having incompatible communication
protocols. In one embodiment, the plurality of servers and the switch
modules are hot-swappable modules that are all inserted into a single
chassis. In this embodiment, the server modules and at least one switch
module share selected resources of the network including system power.
The switch modules and servers may employ Ethernet, fiber channel,
optical, and serial communication protocols.