US5436624A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Communication system with monitoring means connected in parallel to signal carrying medium
Assignee: Madge Networks Ltd
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Filing: 1993-01-21
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Granted: 1995-07-25
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Expires: 2013-01-21
Abstract
Abstract A communication system comprises a signal carrying medium (8) coupled to a series of end station ports (2-5). The end station ports (2-5) enable respective end stations (21) to transmit signals onto and receive signals from the medium (8). A controller (7) is provided to control the connection of the end stations (21) to the medium (8) via the ports (2-5). Monitors (9-12) are connected to the controller (7) to monitor characteristics of signals generated by the end stations (21) coupled to the ports. The monitors (9-12) are connected in parallel to the medium (8) and supply information relating to the monitored signals to the controller (7) in use. This system allows faulty end stations to be identified and removed from the system.
Inventors
- 👤 David A. J. Pearce
- 👤 Mark K. Loney
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-04 17:41
CPC Classifications
H; H04; H04L; H04L12/00; H04L12/28; H04L12/42; H04L12/437; H04L43/00; H04L43/08; H04L43/0852; H04L43/087; H04L43/0876; H04L43/0894
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
137 words
A local area network communication system, the system comprising a signal carrying medium coupled to a series of end station ports which enable respective end stations to transmit signals onto and receive signals from said signal carrying medium; control means for controlling the connection of end stations to said signal carrying medium via said end station ports; and monitoring means connected to said control means for monitoring characteristics of signals generated by end stations coupled to said end station ports, said monitoring means being connected in parallel to said signal carrying medium between said end stations and said end station ports as to enable monitoring of signals from one of said end stations before they reach the respective end station port, said monitoring means supplying information relating to the monitored signals to said control means in use.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
137 words
A local area network communication system, the system comprising a signal carrying medium coupled to a series of end station ports which enable respective end stations to transmit signals onto and receive signals from said signal carrying medium; control means for controlling the connection of end stations to said signal carrying medium via said end station ports; and monitoring means connected to said control means for monitoring characteristics of signals generated by end stations coupled to said end station ports, said monitoring means being connected in parallel to said signal carrying medium between said end stations and said end station ports as to enable monitoring of signals from one of said end stations before they reach the respective end station port, said monitoring means supplying information relating to the monitored signals to said control means in use.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
22 words
A communication system according to claim 1, wherein said monitoring means comprises a number of monitoring units, one connected to each port.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
40 words
A communication system according to claim 2, wherein each monitoring unit is positioned between each end station and a respective end station port so that signals from each end station are monitored before they reach the respective end station port.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
27 words
A communication system according to claim 2, wherein each monitoring unit enables more than one characteristic to be monitored and generates appropriate signals to said control means.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
23 words
A communication system according to claim 1, wherein monitoring means comprises a number of monitoring units, each associated with a group of ports.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
30 words
A communication system according to claim 5, wherein each monitoring unit is connected to each of its associated ports in turn and reports signal characteristic conditions to said control means.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
37 words
A communication system according to claim 1, wherein the characteristics or parameters to be monitored include at least one of: Average signal level; Differential signal level, Data Rate, Pattern Jitter, Eye height, Eye width, and Signal spectrum.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
14 words
A communication system according to claim 1, the system comprising a ring communication system.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
65 words
A system according to claim 8, wherein the monitoring means comprises a single monitoring unit associated with a group of ports and positioned downstream of said group of ports, and wherein said control means are adapted to exclude from the communication system all but one end station in turn, said monitoring means reporting characteristic signals transmitted on the signal carrying medium to said control means.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1998-07-24 | 1999-01-23 | 1999-07-25 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2002-07-24 | 2003-01-23 | 2003-07-25 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2006-07-24 | 2007-01-23 | 2007-07-25 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |