Upper layer network device including a physical layer test port
US7054272B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 14, 2000 |
| Grant date | May 30, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 15, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04L41/0856
- WIPO fieldDigital communication
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
The present invention provides an upper layer network device with one or more physical layer data test ports. The data supplied to the test ports reflects the data received by the network device with minimal modification and no upper layer translation or processing, and supplying the data to the test ports does not impact or disrupt the service provided by the network device. Only a small portion of the network device need be operable to send data to the test ports. In addition, the test ports are programmable while the network device is operating and without impacting its operation. Moreover, because the test ports are programmable—that is, they are not dedicated—they may be re-programmed for normal device operation.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.