An apparatus according to one embodiment may include an integrated circuit. The integrated circuit may include a plurality communication channels. The integrated circuit may be is capable of communicating with at least one remote node external to the integrated circuit, via at least one of the communication channels, in accordance with at least one communication protocol. Each of said plurality of communication channels may provide a communication path between a host system and at least one remote node. The integrated circuit may be further capable of operating each communication channel independently of each other and independently of the host system. Of course, many alternatives, variations, and modifications are possible without departing from this embodiment.