EP0596648A1
Expired / Lapsed
EP
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Network link endpoint capability detection
Assignee: National Semiconductor Corp
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Filing: 1993-10-27
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Granted: —
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Expires: 2013-10-27
Abstract
Abstract Support for a mixed network environment is provided which can contain multiple isochronous and/or non-isochronous LAN protocols such as isochronous-ethernet, ethernet, isochronous-token ring, token ring, other isochronous-LAN or other LAN systems. Support for a mixed environment includes a protocol detection mechanism which is embodied in a handshaking scheme. This handshaking scheme determines the signalling capability at the end points of the link and implements the correct protocol. This enables isochronous nodes and hubs to automatically detect the presence of ethernet, token ring, or other LAN equipment at the other end of the network cable. If this detection occurs, the isochronous LAN equipment will fall-back to a LAN compliant mode of operation. Typically, only the hub will have the capability of operating in different networking modes, such as ethernet, Token Ring isochronous modes. The hub will listen for some form of identification from the attached nodes as to the type of service to provide - isochronous or non-isochronous; ethernet, token ring or other LAN service.
Inventors
- 👤 Brian C. Edem
- 👤 Debra J. Worsley
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
EP
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-31 20:19
CPC Classifications
H; H04; H04L; H04L12/00; H04L12/64; H04L12/6418; H04L12/28; H04L12/44; H04L49/00; H04L49/35; H04L49/351; H04L69/00; H04L69/30; H04L69/32; H04L69/322; H04L69/323; H04L9/00; H04L9/40; H04L2012/6432; H04L2012/6437; H04L2012/6445; H04L2012/6448; H04L2012/6451; H04L2012/6454; H04L2012/6459; H04L69/18
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 21
Claim 1
Independent Claim
129 words
In a network having at least a first data source/sink and a second data source/sink coupled together by a physical medium, apparatus for determining at least one protocol capability of said second data source/sink, comprising: first means, coupled to said physical medium, for placing a first signal onto said physical medium; second means, coupled to said second data source/sink, for receiving said first signal and transmitting a second signal onto said physical medium when said second data source/sink has a first protocol capability and outputting a third signal, different from said second signal, when said second data source/sink has a second protocol capability; third means, coupled to said first data source/sink, for detecting whether a signal transmitted by said second means is a second signal or a third signal.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
67 words
Apparatus, as claimed in claim 1, further comprising: repeater circuitry coupled to said first data source/sink; interface circuitry, coupled to said physical medium, for converting frame-structured data to packet-structured data; and means for coupling said repeater circuitry to said physical medium when said third means detects said second signal and for coupling said repeater circuitry to said interface circuitry when said third means detects said third signal.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
231 words
In a data communication network having at least first and second data transmitter/receivers coupled over a physical medium, apparatus for selecting data communication protocols, comprising: at least said first data transmitter/receiver selectably coupled to a first data source/sink and a second data source/sink, said first data source/sink outputting data according to a first protocol, said second data source/sink outputting data according to a second protocol, different from said first protocol; a signal generator, coupled to said physical medium for transmitting a first link signal onto said physical medium; said second data transmitter/receiver coupled to a third data source, said third data source outputting data according to one of said first and second protocols; a signal receiver/generator for receiving said first link signal and for transmitting a second link signal onto said physical medium in response, said second link signal having a first form when said third data source is a source outputting data according to said first protocol and said second link signal having a second form, different from said first form when said third data source is a source outputting data according to said second protocol; a selection circuit which couples said first data source/sink to said first data transmitter/receiver when said second link signal has said first form and which couples said second data source/sink to said first data transmitter/receiver when said second link signal has said second form.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
16 words
Apparatus, as claimed in claim 3, wherein said data communication network is a local area network.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
27 words
Apparatus, as claimed in claim 3, wherein said data communication network is configured in a star topology, having at least one hub and a plurality of nodes.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
28 words
Apparatus, as claimed in claim 5, wherein said first data transmitter/receiver, said first and second source/sinks, said signal generator and said selection circuit are included in said hub.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
34 words
Apparatus, as claimed in claim 5, wherein said first data transmitter/receiver, said first and second source/sinks, said signal generator and said selection circuit are included in at least one of said plurality of nodes.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
14 words
Apparatus, as claimed in claim 3, wherein said first protocol is an ethernet protocol.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
14 words
Apparatus, as claimed in claim 3, wherein said first protocol is an isochronous protocol.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
15 words
Apparatus, as claimed in claim 3, wherein said first protocol is a token ring protocol.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
24 words
Apparatus, as claimed in claim 3, wherein said first link signal is a series of 100 nanosecond pulses occurring at nominal 16 millisecond intervals.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
23 words
Apparatus, as claimed in claim 3, wherein said second link signal having said first form is substantially identical to said first link signal.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
31 words
Apparatus, as claimed in claim 3, wherein said second link signal having said second form has a period shorter than the period of said second link signal having said first form.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
24 words
Apparatus, as claimed in claim 3, wherein said second link signal having said second form has a period of less than about 2 milliseconds.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
14 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein said first signal is a pulse signal.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
14 words
Apparatus, as claimed in claim 1 wherein said second signal is a pulse signal.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
14 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein said third signal is a pulse signal
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
17 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 3 wherein said data communication network is configured in a tree topology.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
14 words
Apparatus, as claimed in claim 3 wherein said first protocol is an isochronous-ethernet protocol.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
15 words
Apparatus, as claimed in claim 3 wherein said first protocol is an isochronous-token ring protocol.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
131 words
In a network having a first data source/sink, a second data source/sink and a physical medium connecting the first and second data source/sinks, a method for determining a protocol capability of said second data source/sink comprising: transmitting a first link signal over said physical medium; receiving said first link signal at said second source/sink; transmitting a second link signal from said second source/sink onto said physical medium when said second source/sink has a first protocol capability; detecting the arrival of said second link signal at said first source/sink; transmitting data according to said first protocol when said second link signal is detected at said first source/sink and transmitting data according to a second protocol, different from said first protocol, when said second link signal is not detected at said first source/sink.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
WO1989011183A1
Cited
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