Arrangement for transmitting high speed packet data from a media access controller across multiple physical links
US6094439A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 15, 1997 |
| Grant date | Jul 25, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 15, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04L69/324
- WIPO fieldDigital communication
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A Gigabit network node having a media access controller outputting packet data at Gigabit rates uses multiple 100 MB/s physical layer links coupled to a physical interface having a data router to enable implementation of a Gigabit network using low cost data links. A modified reconciliation layer, also referred to as a multi-Media Independent Interface (m-MII) selectively transmits at least a portion of the packet data from the MAC onto the plurality of physical layer links. The physical m-MII interface may output separate packet data on separate physical layer links to increase the effective data transmission rate, may output the same packet data on multiple transmission paths to improve quality of service by establishing redundant data links, or any combination thereof. Priority channels may also be provided on selected physical layer links to provide quality of service and cost of service options within an Ethernet work group environment.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.