Token ring local area network testing apparatus for matching its speed to ring speed
US5365513A · kind A · utility
Assignees
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 11, 1993 |
| Grant date | Nov 15, 1994 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 11, 2013 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04L43/50
- WIPO fieldDigital communication
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A token ring local area network (LAN) testing apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes hardware and software that enables it to determine whether the testing apparatus is able to send frames into the token ring at a correct ring speed. The apparatus includes a conventional network interface card (NIC). The NIC includes two selectable clock signals, with the frequencies of the two clock signals being different. When the NIC is used in transmitting frames into the token ring, one of the two clock signals is selected to accompany the frames. The testing apparatus monitors whether frames and/or tokens are obtained from the token ring using the selected clock signal. If not, the testing apparatus causes the other clock signal to be selected. A determination of proper ring speed is made before a beacon condition occurs that would disrupt normal operation of the token ring.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.