Common interface for a network having different communication media employing a carrier sense multiple access with collision detection (CSMA/CD) protocol

Claim 1

For use in a station that is connectable to more than one type of communication medium in a network that employs a Carrier Sense Multiple Access with Collision Detection (CSMA/CD) protocol, a common interface comprising: a first interface circuit, for conditioning and interpreting signals for communication with a network communication medium of a first type in accordance with a first protocol; a second interface circuit, for conditioning and interpreting signals for communication with a network communication medium of a second type in accordance with a second protocol; a single connector providing direct connection to a communication medium of either the first type or the second type; and switching means for selecting one of the first and second interface circuits for connection to the single connector including means for automatically identifying the protocol used by the network to which the station is connected, the means for automatically identifying including means for alternating between enabling a first mode of operation of the station and enabling a second mode of operation of the station to determine whether the station operates properly in the first mode or the second mode; wherein the single connector has multiple connector pins, at least some of which are shared by data or control signals coupled to the first and second interface circuits, and wherein shared pin assignments in the connector as selected to minimize any adverse affects of connecting to a network that is incompatible with the selected interface circuit and its related protocol.