Method and apparatus for enabling a network interface to support multiple networks
US8886839B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 15, 2013 |
| Grant date | Nov 11, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 15, 2033 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04L45/02
- WIPO fieldDigital communication
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A network interface includes a network interface controller and a plurality of communication paths between a host and a plurality of different networks. Each of the plurality of communication paths includes a media access controller and a physical layer device. The media access controller is configured to use a same media access controller address for communicating with a respective one of the plurality of different networks. The physical layer device configured to determine at least one of an availability of the respective one of the plurality of different networks and a performance condition of the respective one of the plurality of different networks. The network interface controller is configured to receive, from the host, a selection of one of the plurality of different networks and activate one of the plurality of communications paths based on the selection.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.