Reconfigurable network interface architecture
US6721872B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 18, 2000 |
| Grant date | Apr 13, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 18, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F13/387
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A network interface architecture includes a processor having an associated program memory, and a programmable logic device coupled to the processor. A connection port of the logic device is adapted to be coupled to a medium of a selected network having a defined network protocol, and the logic device has an associated configuration memory. A data communication path is coupled to the processor and the logic device, and is arranged to connect with a host device for transferring data between the host device and a network to which the logic device is coupled. The processor responds to information identifying a selected network by loading corresponding network protocol data from the configuration memory and the program memory into the logic device and the processor. The host device may include, without limitation, a personal, lap top, desk top or hand-held computer, a network appliance, file server, printer, vending machine, cell phone or the like.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.