"Token ring local area network testing apparatus inserted in an active ""T"" c o"
US5425017A · kind A · utility
Assignees
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 11, 1993 |
| Grant date | Jun 13, 1995 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 11, 2013 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04L12/433
- WIPO fieldDigital communication
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A testing apparatus for token ring local area networks (LANs) which can insert into the token ring network without requiring a separate port on a media access unit (MAU). The testing apparatus of the present invention is connected between a regular network station and the MAU. The testing apparatus is insertable into the network through the MAU, and the regular network station is able to insert into the network through the testing apparatus. Once inserted, the regular network station and the testing apparatus act as separate stations in series on the LAN. Due to its central position in this configuration, the testing apparatus is able to test for possible faults that might be present in the network and/or in the station to which it is connected. In addition, since the testing apparatus does not require a separate port on the MAU, no active user on the network needs to be disconnected for any extended period of time.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.