Fast Ethernet combination chaining of auto-negotiations for multiple physical layer capability
US5922052A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 18, 1997 |
| Grant date | Jul 13, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 18, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04L69/323
- WIPO fieldDigital communication
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A circuit and method for Ethernet combination chaining of auto-negotiation sessions for multiple physical layer capability. The present invention provides control circuitry for arbitrating between different physical layer circuit types that heretofore were allowed autonomous auto-negotiation processes because only one type of physical layer circuitry was applied at each end of a communication line. The present invention operates effectively within a hub of a local area network (LAN) communication system where multiple communication standards can be employed within circuitry that communicate at different ends of a communication line, e.g., twisted pair wire. In the environment of the invention, different types of physical layer circuits are integrated within communication devices. The invention provides a mechanism whereby, at each end of the communication line, a first physical layer circuit (e.g., the master) of a first type is allowed to auto-negotiate under the IEEE 802.3 standard with the other end of the communication line. On failure, the invention asserts signals causing a second physical layer circuit of a second type to auto-negotiate with the other end of the communicatio…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.