 |
|
 |
| |
 |
Network link endpoint capability detection |
| RE39405 |
Network link endpoint capability detection
|
|
| Patent Drawings: | |
| Inventor: |
Edem, et al. |
| Date Issued: |
November 21, 2006 |
| Application: |
09/443,250 |
| Filed: |
November 12, 1999 |
| Inventors: |
Edem; Brian C. (Saratoga, CA)
Worsley; Debra J. (San Jose, CA)
|
| Assignee: |
Negotiated Data Solutions LLC (Chicago, IL) |
| Primary Examiner: |
Ho; Duc |
| Assistant Examiner: |
Nguyen; Phuongchau Ba |
| Attorney Or Agent: |
Loudermilk & Associates |
| U.S. Class: |
370/446; 370/453; 370/465; 370/522 |
| Field Of Search: |
370/466; 370/453; 370/465; 370/522 |
| International Class: |
H04L 12/413 |
| U.S Patent Documents: |
3619505; 3835260; 3988716; 4063220; 4099024; 4150404; 4220816; 4258434; 4347527; 4359770; 4412324; 4419765; 4429405; 4445213; 4449248; 4472802; 4484218; 4530088; 4543652; 4547880; 4549292; 4556970; 4577312; 4577315; 4580276; 4587650; 4637014; 4656592; 4661902; 4674082; 4677611; 4689786; 4700349; 4713817; 4715002; 4726018; 4759010; 4766590; 4766591; 4769813; 4771417; 4771426; 4782485; 4800560; 4807224; 4811367; 4825435; 4837799; 4845609; 4847613; 4858232; 4866704; 4872157; 4876683; 4882728; 4884266; 4897831; 4907260; 4910794; 4920483; 4930127; 4931250; 4954988; 4959774; 4961188; 4964121; 4975830; 4977582; 4985891; 4993026; 5001707; 5007045; 5014247; 5018136; 5020058; 5020132; 5041924; 5058110; 5065398; 5067149; 5070536; 5084872; 5095494; 5103446; 5119373; 5121382; 5128930; 5134611; 5138440; 5140587; 5142528; 5146455; 5163148; 5164938; 5179554; 5189414; 5197061; 5200952; 5202899; 5206863; 5208807; 5212724; 5214648; 5229998; 5231634; 5251207; 5276680; 5280500; 5283786; 5305306; 5305317; 5311114; 5315588; 5361261; 5375121; 5410535; 5422887; 5453984; 5487069; 5491720; 5504738; 5533018; 5594734; 5648956; 5761292 |
| Foreign Patent Documents: |
A4221 474; 0131662; 0318332; A1254035; A1297926; A5175977; WOA8805233; WOA8911183 |
| Other References: |
Apple Computer drawings, Mar. 5, 1990. cited by examiner.
Harmonization of the ISDN D-Channel Linkaccess Protocol with the IEEE 802.2 Logical-Link Control, pp. 22.5.1-22.5.5, IEEE Globecom, 1988, by Cherukuri, et al. cited by other.
Evaluation of Protocols from Formal Specifications; A Case Study with LAPD, pp. 506.1.1-506.1.8, IEEE Globecom, 1990, by Sherif, et al. cited by other.
Preliminary Invalidity Contentions of a Linksysgroup+ Altigen Communications. cited by other.
A disclosure of a communication system was presented at the IEEE 802.9, Standards Meeting on Nov. 8-12, 1992. The pages entitled: "Multi-Media Applications are Ready". cited by other.
"ATM Overview," National Semiconductor Corp., ATM Overview F-Fred Device, Aug. 1993, entire booklet. cited by other.
"ATM User-Network Interface Specification: Version 3.0," Technical Committee of the ATM Forum, pp. iii-103. cited by other.
"DP839XX Isochronous Time Slot Exchanger (IsoTSX.TM.), "Revision 0.8, bearing the date Oct. 29, 1992 and DP839XX Isochronous Ethernet Physical Layer isoPHY.TM. Revision 1.1, bearing the date Oct. 1992, were disclosed to IBM. cited by other.
DP839XX Isochronous Ethernet Physical Layer Iso-PHY.TM., Revision 2.1, bearing the date Dec. 1992 and DP839XX Isochronous Time Slot Exchanger, Revision 1.0, bearing the date Dec. 13, 1992, were disclosed to IBM and Ericsson. cited by other.
DP839XX Isochronous Ethernet Physical Layer Iso-PHY.TM., Revision 3.0, bearing the date Dec. 1992 and Isochronous Time Slot Exchanger (IsoTSX.TM. Workbook, Revision 1.2, bearing the date Feb. 16, 1993, was disclosed to Luxcom, Inc. of Fremont,California. cited by other.
"DP8390 Network Interface Controller: An Introductory Guide", Local Area Network Databook, National Semiconductor Corp., pp. 1-206 to 1-213, 1992 Edition. cited by other.
"DP83950A Repeater Interface Controller," Local Area Network Databook, National Semiconductor Corp., pp. 3-3 to 3-73, 1992 Edition. cited by oth- er.
DP83950EB at IEEE 802.3, Multi-Port Repeater Evaluation Kit, Local Area Network Databook, National Semiconductor Corp., pp. 75-87, 1992 Edition. cited by other.
DP83932B "Systems-Oriented Network Interface Controller", Local Area Network Databook, National Semiconductor Corp., pp. 1-288 to 1-383, 1992 Edition. cited by other.
"Exchangeable Card Architecture Specification," Release 1.00, bearing the date Dec. 20, 1991, pp. 7, 20 and 22. cited by other.
"Fiber Distributed Data Interface (FDDI)--Token Ring Media Access Control (MAC)," American National Standard for Information System--Document ANSI X3.139, 1987. cited by other.
Gallagher, C.A., "IEEE 802.9: A Multi-Service Lan Interface," Second IEEE National Conference on Telecommunications, Apr. 1989, York GB, pp. 173-178. cited by other.
HMUX ERS "FDDI-II Hybrid Multiplexor (HMUX)," Rev. 2.4, Mar. 25, 1991. cit- ed by other.
IBM--On or about Nov. 1, 1991,, IBM Corporation provided a "Task Order and appendix". A copy of pp. 6 and 7 of the Task Order and appendix titled, Isoethernet Project Local Cluster Controller Version 1.2. cited by other.
"IBM's Multimedia Venture: Opportunity for its Hardware?," vol. 38, No. 1930, p. 1, Sep. 21, 1992. cited by other.
"IEEE 802.3, Draft Supplement to IEEE Std 802.3 DSMA/CD Access Method and Physical Layer Specifications," Institute of Electrical and Electronics, Nov. 15, 1989. cited by other.
"IEEE 802.9, Draft Standard Integrated Services (IS) LAN Interface at the MAC and PHY Layers," Institute of Electrical and Electronics, Nov. 1992. cited by other.
IEEE 802.9a, Draft Standard Integrated Services (IS) LAN, Isochronous services with CSMA/CD MAC service, Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Jul. 25, 1994. cited by other.
"Integrated PBX Systems, An NCC State of the Art Report," The National Computer Centre Limited, 1987. cited by other.
Irube et al., "Integrated Information and Communication System for Business Networks," Hitachi Review 40(3):241-247, 1991. cited by other.
"ISDN Primary Rate Interface System Design Guide," Telenetworks document, Jul. 1989. cited by other.
"IsoEnet Transforms LANs and WANs Into Interactive Multimedia Tools," Brian Edem et al., Computer Technology Review, Winter 1992, 3 pgs. "ISO/IEC 3309" International Standard, ref. No. ISO/IEC 3309; 1991 (E), 1991, 7 pgs. cited by other.
"Local Area Network Databook" published by National Semiconductor, pp. 1-3 to 1-9, 1-242 to 1-248, 5-3 to 5-7. cited by other.
Martini et al., "Real-Time Traffic in FDDI-II, Packet Switching vs. Circuit Switching," IEEE Infocom 1991, vol. 3, Apr. 1991, Bal Harbour, U.S., pp. 1413-1420. cited by other.
"National Proposes Isochronous Ethernet," Electronic News, vol. 38, No. 1940, p. 19, Nov. 30, 1992. cited by other.
"PCMCIA Socket Services Interface Specification," Draft 2.00b, bearing the date Jul. 17, 1992. cited by other.
Ross, F.E. et al., FDDI A Lan Among Mans, Computer Communications Review, vol. 20, No. 3, Jul. 1990, New York, U.S., pp. 16-31. cited by other.
Shimizu, H. et al., "IVDLAN Standardization and Development," IEICE Transactions, vol. E74, No. 9, Sep. 1991, Tokyo, JP, pp. 2696-2702. cited by other.
"Token-Ring Network Architecture Reference," pp. 5-1 through 5-28 and pp. 5-10 and 5-17. cited by other.
"VersaNet.TM. An Ethernet Extension for Isochronous Communications," bearing the date Aug. 14, 1992 is a paper sent to National Semiconductor Corp. from Condor Systems, Inc. of San Jose, CA on Aug. 18, 1992. cited by other.
Wirbel, Loring, "Scheme for Fast Ethernet Proposed," appears to be a newspaper article; date of article is uncertain, but is believed to be prior to Mar. 1993. cited by other.
Wong, David., "Second Generation 10Base T Silicon Solutions," IRE Wescon Convention Record, vol. 35, Nov. 1991, No. Hollywood, Ca. pp. 238-242. cited by other.
"ISDN Basic Rate Interface System Design Guide," Telenetworks document, Aug. 1989 cited by examiner.
Integrated PBX Systems. An NCC State of the Art Report. The National Computing Centre Limited. 1987. cited by examiner. |
|
| 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. |
| Claim: |
What is claimed is:
1. In a data communication network comprising a hub coupled to at least one node, an apparatus for establishing communication between the hub and a node comprising: a hubtransmitter coupled to the hub for transmitting a hub protocol signal to the node, the hub protocol signal indicating a communication protocol, including a format for a data transmission, with which the hub is capable of communicating; a node receivercoupled to the node for receiving the hub protocol signal; a node transmitter coupled to the node for transmitting a node protocol signal to the hub, the node protocol signal indicating a communication protocol, including a format for a datatransmission, with which the node is capable of communicating; wherein the communication protocol indicated by the node protocol signal is different from the communication protocol indicated by the hub protocol signal; a hub receiver coupled to the hubfor receiving the node protocol signal; a protocol identifying circuit coupled to the hub receiver for identifying the communication protocol indicated by the node protocol signal from among a plurality of possible communication protocols with which thehub is capable of communicating; and wherein the hub transmitter includes a communication circuit for communicating with the node using the communication protocol indicated by the node protocol signal in response thereto.
2. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the hub receiver includes frame receiving circuitry for receiving data formatted in a frame structure, and packet receiving circuitry for receiving data formatted in a packet structure and whereinthe received data formatted in the frame structure and the received data formatted in the packet structure are received over the same receiving communication path, and wherein the hub transmitter includes frame transmitting circuitry for transmittingdata formatted in the frame structure, and packet transmitting circuitry for transmitting data formatted in the packet structure, wherein the data formatted in the frame structure and the data formatted in the packet structure are transmitted over thesame transmitting communication path.
3. The apparatus according to claim 2 wherein the hub protocol signal comprises a signal indicating a protocol corresponding to data formatted in the frame structure, and wherein the node protocol signal comprises a signal indicating a protocolcorresponding to data formatted in the packet structure.
4. The apparatus according to claim 2 wherein the node protocol signal indicates an ethernet protocol, and wherein the data formatted in the packet structure is formatted according to the ethernet protocol.
5. The apparatus according to claim 2 wherein the node protocol signal indicates a token-ring protocol, and wherein the data formatted in the packet structure is formatted according to the token-ring protocol.
6. The apparatus according to claim 2 wherein the frame receiving circuitry includes packet converting circuitry for converting received data formatted in the frame structure into data formatted in a packet structure.
7. The apparatus according to claim 6 wherein the node protocol signal indicates an ethernet protocol, and wherein the data formatted in the packet structure is formatted according to the ethernet protocol.
8. The apparatus according to claim 6 wherein the node protocol signal indicates a token-ring protocol, and wherein the data formatted in the packet structure is formatted according to the token-ring protocol.
9. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the hub receiver includes frame receiving circuitry for receiving data formatted in a frame structure, and isochronous receiving circuitry for receiving data formatted in an isochronous structure,wherein the received data formatted in a frame structure and the received data formatted in the isochronous structure are received over the same receiving communication path, and wherein the hub transmitter includes frame transmitting circuitry fortransmitting data formatted in a frame structure, and isochronous transmitting circuitry for transmitting data formatted in an isochronous structure, wherein the data formatted in the isochronous structure and the data formatted in the frame structureare transmitted over the same transmitting communication path.
10. The apparatus according to claim 9 wherein the hub protocol signal comprises a signal indicating a protocol corresponding to data formatted in the frame structure, and wherein the node protocol signal comprises a signal indicating aprotocol corresponding to data formatted in the isochronous structure.
11. The apparatus according to claim 9 wherein the node protocol signal indicates the isochronous protocol, and wherein the data formatted in the isochronous structure is communicated to the node according to the isochronous protocol.
12. The apparatus according to claim 9 wherein the frame receiving circuitry includes isochronous converting circuitry for converting received data formatted in the frame structure into data formatted in the isochronous structure.
13. The apparatus according to claim 12 wherein the node protocol signal indicates the isochronous protocol, and wherein the converted data formatted in the isochronous structure is communicated to the node according to the isochronousprotocol.
14. The apparatus according to claim 9 wherein the frame receiving circuitry includes packet converting circuitry for converting received data formatted in the frame structure into data formatted in a packet structure.
15. An apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein said node transmitter transmits said node protocol signal responsive to said node receiver receiving said hub protocol signal.
16. In a data communication network comprising a hub coupled to at least one node, an apparatus for establishing communication between the hub and a node comprising: a hub transmitter coupled to the hub for transmitting a hub protocol signal tothe node, the hub protocol signal indicating a communication protocol, including a format for a data transmission, with which the hub is capable of communicating; a protocol identifying circuit coupled to the node receiver for identifying thecommunication protocol indicated by the hub protocol signal from among a plurality of possible communication protocols with which the node is capable of communicating; and a node transmitter coupled to the protocol identifying circuit for transmitting anode protocol signal, including a format for a data transmission, to the hub indicating that communication between the hub and the node will take place with the protocol indicated by the hub protocol signal.
17. The apparatus according to claim 16 wherein the node receiver includes frame receiving circuitry for receiving data formatted in a frame structure, and packet receiving circuitry for receiving data formatted in a packet structure, whereinthe received data formatted in the frame structure and the received data formatted in the packet structure are received over the same receiving communication path, and wherein the node transmitter includes frame transmitting circuitry for transmittingdata formatted in the frame structure, and packet transmitting circuitry for transmitting data formatted in the packet structure, wherein the data formatted in the frame structure and the data formatted in the packet structure are transmitted over thesame transmitting communication path.
18. The apparatus according to claim 17 wherein the hub protocol signal indicates an ethernet protocol, and wherein the data formatted in the packet structure is formatted according to the ethernet protocol.
19. The apparatus according to claim 17 wherein the hub protocol signal indicates a token-ring protocol, and wherein the data formatted in the packet structure is formatted according to the token-ring protocol.
20. The apparatus according to claim 17 wherein the frame receiving circuitry includes packet converting circuitry for converting received data formatted in a frame structure into data formatted in a packet structure.
21. The apparatus according to claim 16 wherein the node receiver includes frame receiving circuitry for receiving data formatted in a frame structure, and isochronous receiving circuitry for receiving data formatted in an isochronousstructure, wherein the received data formatted in the frame structure and the received data formatted in the isochronous structure are received over the same receiving communication path, and wherein the node transmitter includes frame transmittingcircuitry for transmitting data formatted in the frame structure, and isochronous transmitting circuitry for transmitting data formatted in the isochronous structure, wherein the data formatted in the frame structure and the data formatted in theisochronous structure are transmitted over the same transmitting communication path.
22. The apparatus according to claim 21 wherein the hub protocol signal indicates an isochronous protocol, and wherein the transmitted data formatted in the isochronous structure is communicated to the hub according to the isochronous protocol.
23. The apparatus according to claim 21 wherein the frame receiving circuitry includes isochronous converting circuitry for converting received data formatted in the frame structure into data formatted in the isochronous structure.
24. In a data communication network comprising a hub coupled to at least one node, an apparatus for establishing communication between the hub and a node comprising: a hub transmitter coupled to the hub for transmitting a hub protocol signal tothe node, the hub protocol signal indicating one of a plurality of communication protocols, including a format for a data transmission, with which the hub is capable of communicating; a node receiver coupled to the node for receiving the hub protocolsignal; a first protocol identifying circuit coupled to the node receiver for identifying the communication protocol indicated by the hub protocol signal from among a plurality of communication protocols with which the node is capable of communicating; a node transmitter coupled to the node receiver for transmitting a node protocol signal to the hub, the node protocol signal indicating the communication protocol, including a format for a data transmission, indicated by the hub protocol signal if thecommunication protocol indicated by the hub protocol signal is a communication protocol with which the node is capable of communicating; a hub receiver coupled to the hub for receiving the node protocol signal; a second protocol identifying circuitcoupled to the hub receiver for identifying the communication protocol indicated by the node protocol signal from among a plurality of communication protocols with which the hub is capable of communicating; wherein the hub transmitter includes acommunication circuit for communicating with the node using the communication protocol indicated by the node protocol signal in response thereto.
25. The apparatus according to claim 24 wherein said data communication network comprises a plurality of nodes and the data communication network is configured in a star topology.
26. The apparatus according to claim 24 wherein said data communication network comprises a plurality of hubs wherein the hubs are configured in a ring topology.
27. The apparatus according to claim 24 wherein said data communication network comprises a plurality of nodes and wherein the nodes are configured in a tree topology.
28. The apparatus according to claim 24 wherein the hub protocol signal comprises a series of 100 nanosecond pulses occurring at nominal 16 millisecond intervals.
29. The apparatus according to claim 24 wherein the hub receiver includes frame receiving circuitry for receiving data formatted in a frame structure, and packet receiving circuitry for receiving data formatted in an packet structure, whereinthe received data formatted in a frame structure and the received data formatted in the packet structure are received over the same receiving communication path, and wherein the hub transmitter includes frame transmitting circuitry for transmitting dataformatted in a frame structure, and packet transmitting circuitry for transmitting data formatted in a packet structure, wherein the transmitted data formatted in the frame structure and the transmitted data formatted in the packet structure aretransmitted over the same transmitting communication path.
30. The apparatus according to claim 29 wherein the hub protocol signal comprises a signal indicating a protocol corresponding to data formatted in the frame structure, and wherein the node protocol signal comprises a signal indicating aprotocol corresponding to data formatted in the frame structure.
31. The apparatus according to claim 29 wherein the hub protocol signal indicates an isochronous-ethernet protocol, and wherein the transmitted data formatted in the frame structure is formatted according to the isochronous-ethernet protocol.
32. The apparatus according to claim 29 wherein the hub protocol signal indicates an isochronous-token ring protocol, and wherein the transmitted data formatted in the frame structure is formatted according to the isochronous-token ringprotocol.
33. The apparatus according to claim 29 wherein the hub protocol signal indicates an ethernet protocol, and wherein the transmitted data formatted in the packet structure is formatted according to the ethernet protocol.
34. The apparatus according to claim 29 wherein the hub protocol signal indicates a token-ring protocol, and wherein the transmitted data formatted in the packet structure is formatted according to the token-ring protocol.
35. The apparatus according to claim 29 wherein the frame receiving circuitry includes packet converting circuitry for converting received data formatted in the frame structure into data formatted in the packet structure.
36. The apparatus according to claim 35 wherein the hub protocol signal indicates an ethernet protocol, and wherein the transmitted data formatted in the packet structure is formatted according to the ethernet protocol.
37. The apparatus according to claim 35 wherein the hub protocol signal indicates a token-ring protocol, and wherein the transmitted data formatted in the packet structure is formatted according to the token-ring protocol.
38. The apparatus according to claim 35 wherein the hub protocol signal indicates an isochronous-ethernet protocol, and wherein the transmitted data formatted in the frame structure is formatted according to the isochronous-ethernet protocol.
39. The apparatus according to claim 35 wherein the hub protocol signal indicates an isochronous-token ring protocol, and wherein the transmitted data formatted in the frame structure is formatted according to the isochronous-token ringprotocol.
40. The apparatus according to claim 29 wherein the frame receiving circuitry includes isochronous converting circuitry for converting received data formatted in a frame structure into data formatted in an isochronous structure.
41. The apparatus according to claim 40 wherein the hub protocol signal indicates an isochronous protocol.
42. An apparatus as set forth in claim 24 wherein said node transmitter transmits said node protocol signal responsive to said node receiver receiving said hub protocol signal.
43. The apparatus according to claim 24 wherein the hub receiver includes frame receiving circuitry for receiving data formatted in a frame structure, and isochronous receiving circuitry for receiving data formatted in an isochronous structure,wherein the received data formatted in a frame structure and the received data formatted in the isochronous structure are received over the same receiving communication path, and wherein the hub transmitter includes frame transmitting circuitry fortransmitting data formatted in a frame structure, and isochronous transmitting circuitry for transmitting data formatted in an isochronous structure, wherein the transmitted data formatted in the frame structure and the transmitted data formatted in theisochronous structure are transmitted over the same transmitting communication path.
44. The apparatus according to claim 43 wherein the hub protocol signal indicates an isochronous protocol.
45. The apparatus according to claim 43 wherein the hub protocol signal indicates an isochronous-ethernet protocol, and wherein the transmitted data formatted in the frame structure is formatted according to the isochronous-ethernet protocol.
46. The apparatus according to claim 43 wherein the hub protocol signal indicates an isochronous-token ring protocol, and wherein the transmitted data formatted in the frame structure is formatted according to the isochronous-token ringprotocol.
47. The apparatus according to claim 43 wherein the frame receiving circuitry includes isochronous converting circuitry for converting received data formatted in a frame structure into data formatted in an isochronous structure.
48. The apparatus according to claim 47 wherein the hub protocol signal indicates an isochronous protocol.
49. The apparatus according to claim 48 47 wherein the hub protocol signal indicates an isochronous-ethernet protocol, and wherein the transmitted data formatted in the frame structure is formatted according to the isochronous-ethernetprotocol.
50. The apparatus according to claim 47 wherein the hub protocol signal indicates an isochronous-token ring protocol, and wherein the transmitted data formatted in the frame structure is formatted according to the isochronous-token ringprotocol.
51. The apparatus according to claim 47 wherein the frame receiving circuitry includes packet converting circuitry for converting received data formatted in a frame structure into data formatted in a packet structure.
52. The apparatus according to claim 51 wherein the hub protocol signal indicates an ethernet protocol, and wherein the transmitted data formatted in the packet structure is formatted according to the ethernet protocol.
53. The apparatus according to claim 51 wherein the hub protocol signal indicates a token-ring protocol, and wherein the transmitted data formatted in the packet structure is formatted according to the token-ring protocol.
54. The apparatus according to claim 51 wherein the hub protocol signal indicates an isochronous-ethernet protocol, and wherein the transmitted data formatted in the frame structure is formatted according to the isochronous-ethernet protocol.
55. The apparatus according to claim 51 wherein the hub protocol signal indicates an isochronous-token ring protocol, and wherein the transmitted data formatted in the frame structure is formatted according to the isochronous-token ringprotocol.
56. The apparatus according to claim 51 wherein the hub protocol signal indicates an isochronous protocol.
57. In a data communication network comprising at least first and second communication endpoints, an apparatus for establishing communication between the first and second endpoints comprising: a first endpoint transmitter coupled to the firstendpoint for transmitting a first endpoint protocol signal to the second endpoint, the first endpoint protocol signal indicating a communication protocol, including a format for data transmission, with which the first endpoint is capable ofcommunicating; a second endpoint receiver coupled to the second endpoint for receiving the first endpoint protocol signal; a second endpoint transmitter coupled to the second endpoint receiver for transmitting a second endpoint protocol signal to thefirst endpoint, the second endpoint protocol signal indicating a communication protocol, including a format for data transmission with which the second endpoint is capable of communicating; a first endpoint receiver coupled to the first endpoint forreceiving the second endpoint protocol signal; a protocol identifying circuit coupled to the first endpoint receiver for identifying the communication protocol indicated by the second endpoint protocol signal from among a plurality of possiblecommunication protocols with which the first endpoint is capable of communicating; and a communication circuit in said first endpoint transmitter responsive to said protocol identifying circuit for communicating with the second endpoint using thecommunication protocol indicated by the second endpoint protocol signal.
58. The apparatus according to claim 57 wherein the communication circuit includes a first receiver sub-circuit in said first endpoint receiver and a first transmitter sub-circuit in said first endpoint transmitter for communicating using afirst communication protocol and a second receiver sub-circuit in said first endpoint receiver and a second transmitter sub-circuit in said first endpoint transmitter for communicating using a second communication protocol, and wherein said communicationcircuit communicates with said second endpoint using one of said first receiver and transmitter sub-circuits and said second receiver and transmitter sub-circuits responsive to said second endpoint protocol signal.
59. The apparatus according to claim 58 wherein the first sub-circuit includes frame receiving circuitry for receiving data formatted in a frame structure, and the second sub-circuit includes packet receiving circuitry for receiving dataformatted in a packet structure and wherein the received data formatted in the frame structure and the received data formatted in the packet structure are received over the same receiving communication path, and wherein the first sub-circuit furtherincludes frame transmitting circuitry for transmitting data formatted in the frame structure, and the second sub-circuit includes packet transmitting circuitry for transmitting data formatted in the packet structure, wherein the data formatted in theframe structure and the data formatted in the packet structure are transmitted over the same transmitting communication path.
60. The apparatus according to claim 59 wherein the first endpoint protocol signal comprises a signal indicating a protocol corresponding to data formatted in the frame structure, and wherein the second endpoint protocol signal comprises asignal indicating a protocol corresponding to data formatted in the packet structure.
61. The apparatus according to claim 59 wherein the second endpoint protocol signal indicates an ethernet protocol, and wherein the data formatted in the packet structure is formatted according to the ethernet protocol.
62. The apparatus according to claim 59 wherein the second endpoint protocol signal indicates a token-ring protocol, and wherein the data formatted in the packet structure is formatted according to the token-ring protocol.
63. The apparatus according to claim 59 wherein the frame receiving circuitry includes packet converting circuitry for converting received data formatted in the frame structure into data formatted in the packet structure.
64. The apparatus according to claim 63 wherein the second endpoint protocol signal indicates an ethernet protocol and wherein the data formatted in the packet structure is formatted according to the ethernet protocol.
65. The apparatus according to claim 63 wherein the second endpoint protocol signal indicates a token-ring protocol, and wherein the data formatted in the packet structure is formatted according to the token-ring protocol.
66. The apparatus according to claim 58 wherein the first sub circuit includes frame receiving circuitry for receiving data formatted in a frame structure, and the second sub-circuit includes isochronous receiving circuitry for receiving dataformatted in an isochronous structure, wherein the received data formatted in the frame structure and the received data formatted in the isochronous structure are received over the same receiving communication path, and wherein the first sub-circuitfurther includes frame transmitting circuitry for transmitting data formatted in a frame structure, and the second sub-circuit further includes isochronous transmitting circuitry for transmitting data formatted in an isochronous structure, wherein thedata formatted in the isochronous structure and the data formatted in the frame structure are transmitted over the same transmitting communication path.
67. The apparatus according to claim 66 wherein the first endpoint protocol signal comprises a signal indicating a protocol corresponding to data formatted in the frame structure, and wherein the second endpoint protocol signal comprises asignal indicating a protocol corresponding to data formatted in the isochronous structure.
68. The apparatus according to claim 66 wherein the second endpoint protocol signal indicates the isochronous protocol, and wherein the data formatted in the isochronous structure is communicated to the second endpoint according to theisochronous protocol.
69. The apparatus according to claim 66 wherein the frame receiving circuitry includes isochronous converting circuitry for converting received data formatted in the frame structure into data formatted in the isochronous structure.
70. The apparatus according to claim 69 wherein the second endpoint protocol signal indicates the isochronous protocol, and wherein the converted data formatted in the isochronous structure is communicated to the second endpoint according tothe isochronous protocol.
71. The apparatus according to claim 66 wherein the frame receiving circuitry includes packet converting circuitry for converting received data formatted in the frame structure into data formatted in the packet structure.
72. In a data communication network comprising at least first and second communication endpoints, an apparatus for establishing communication between the first and second endpoints comprising: a first endpoint transmitter coupled to the firstendpoint for transmitting a first endpoint protocol signal to the second endpoint, the first endpoint protocol signal indicating a communication protocol, including a format for data transmission, with which the first endpoint is capable ofcommunicating; a second endpoint receiver coupled to the second endpoint for receiving the first endpoint protocol signal; a second endpoint transmitter coupled to the second endpoint receiver for transmitting a second endpoint protocol signal,responsive to receipt of said said first endpoint protocol signal, to the first endpoint, the second endpoint protocol signal indicating a communication protocol, including a format for data transmission with which the second endpoint is capable ofcommunicating; a first endpoint receiver coupled to the first endpoint for receiving the second endpoint protocol signal; a protocol identifying circuit coupled to the first endpoint receiver for identifying the communication protocol indicated by thesecond endpoint protocol signal from among a plurality of possible communication protocols with which the first endpoint is capable of communicating; and a communication circuit in said first endpoint transmitter responsive to said protocol identifyingcircuit for communicating with the second endpoint using the communication protocol indicated by the second endpoint protocol signal.
73. In a data communication network comprising at least a first endpoint coupled to at least a second endpoint, an apparatus for establishing communication between the first endpoint and the second endpoint comprising: a first endpointtransmitter transmitting a first endpoint protocol signal to the second endpoint, the first endpoint protocol signal indicating a communication protocol, including a format for a data transmission, with which the first endpoint is capable ofcommunicating; a second endpoint receiver receiving the first endpoint protocol signal; a second endpoint transmitter transmitting a second endpoint protocol signal to the first endpoint, the second endpoint protocol signal indicating a communicationprotocol, including a format for a data transmission, with which the second endpoint is capable of communicating; wherein the communication protocol indicated by the second endpoint protocol signal is different from the communication protocol indicatedby the first endpoint protocol signal; a first endpoint receiver receiving the second endpoint protocol signal; a first endpoint protocol identifying circuit coupled to the first endpoint receiver identifying the communication protocol indicated by thesecond endpoint protocol signal from among a plurality of possible communication protocols with which the first endpoint is capable of communicating; and wherein the first endpoint transmitter includes a communication circuit for communicating with thesecond endpoint using the communication protocol indicated by the second endpoint protocol signal in response thereto.
74. The apparatus according to claim 73, wherein the first endpoint receiver includes frame receiving circuitry receiving data formatted in a frame structure, and packet receiving circuitry receiving data formatted in a packet structure andwherein the received data formatted in the frame structure and the received data formatted in the packet structure are received over the same receiving communication path, and wherein the first endpoint transmitter includes frame transmitting circuitrytransmitting data formatted in the frame structure, and packet transmitting circuitry transmitting data formatted in the packet structure, wherein the data formatted in the frame structure and the data formatted in the packet structure are transmittedover the same transmitting communication path.
75. The apparatus according to claim 74, wherein the first endpoint protocol signal comprises a signal indicating a protocol corresponding to data formatted in the frame structure, and wherein the second endpoint protocol signal comprises asignal indicating a protocol corresponding to data formatted in the packet structure.
76. The apparatus according to claim 74, wherein the second endpoint protocol signal indicates an ethernet protocol, and wherein the data formatted in the packet structure is formatted according to the ethernet protocol.
77. The apparatus according to claim 74, wherein the second endpoint protocol signal indicates a token-ring protocol, and wherein the data formatted in the packet structure is formatted according to the token-ring protocol.
78. The apparatus according to claim 74, wherein the frame receiving circuitry includes packet converting circuitry converting received data formatted in the frame structure into data formatted in a packet structure.
79. The apparatus according to claim 78, wherein the second endpoint protocol signal indicates an ethernet protocol, and wherein the data formatted in the packet structure is formatted according to the ethernet protocol.
80. The apparatus according to claim 78, wherein the second endpoint protocol signal indicates a token-ring protocol, and wherein the data formatted in the packet structure is formatted according to the token-ring protocol.
81. The apparatus according to claim 73, wherein the first endpoint receiver includes frame receiving circuitry receiving data formatted in a frame structure, and isochronous receiving circuitry receiving data formatted in a isochronousstructure, wherein the received data formatted in a frame structure and the received data formatted in the isochronous structure are received over the same receiving communication path, and wherein the first endpoint transmitter includes frametransmitting circuitry transmitting data formatted in a frame structure, and isochronous transmitting circuitry transmitting data formatted in an isochronous structure, wherein the data formatted in the isochronous structure and the data formatted in theframe structure are transmitted over the same transmitting communication path.
82. The apparatus according to claim 81, wherein the first endpoint protocol signal comprises a signal indicating a protocol corresponding to data formatted in the frame structure, and wherein the endpoint protocol signal comprises a signalindicating a protocol corresponding to data formatted in the isochronous structure.
83. The apparatus according to claim 81, wherein the second endpoint protocol signal indicates the isochronous protocol, and wherein the data formatted in the isochronous structure is communicated to the second endpoint according to theisochronous protocol.
84. The apparatus according to claim 81, wherein the frame receiving circuitry includes isochronous converting circuitry converting received data formatted in the frame structure into data formatted in the isochronous structure.
85. The apparatus according to claim 84, wherein the second endpoint protocol signal indicates the isochronous protocol, and wherein the converted data formatted in the isochronous structure is communicated to the second endpoint according tothe isochronous protocol.
86. The apparatus according to claim 81, wherein the frame receiving circuitry includes packet converting circuitry converting received data formatted in the frame structure into data formatted in the packet structure.
87. An apparatus as set forth in claim 73, wherein the second endpoint transmitter transmits the second endpoint protocol signal responsive to the second endpoint receiver receiving the first endpoint protocol signal.
88. The apparatus of claim 73, wherein the first endpoint and the second endpoint are configured to operate in a best or desired manner.
89. The apparatus of claim 73, wherein the first endpoint and the second endpoint are coupled together over at least one physical medium.
90. The apparatus of claim 89, wherein the physical medium comprises one or more physical media selected from the group consisting of twisted pair media, coaxial cable media and fiber optic media.
91. The apparatus of claim 73, wherein the first endpoint and the second endpoint communicate in accordance with a first protocol at a first point in time, wherein the first endpoint and the second endpoint communicate in accordance with asecond protocol at a second point in time.
92. The apparatus of claim 73, wherein the first endpoint and the second endpoint communicate in accordance with a communication protocol that is determined automatically.
93. The apparatus of claim 73, wherein data communicated between the first endpoint and the second endpoint include isochronous data.
94. The apparatus of claim 93, wherein the isochronous data comprises telephone data and/or video data.
95. In a data communication network comprising at least a first endpoint coupled to at least a second endpoint, an apparatus for establishing communication between the first endpoint and the second endpoint comprising: a first endpointtransmitter transmitting a first endpoint protocol signal to a second endpoint receiver, the first endpoint protocol signal indicating a communication protocol, including a format for a data transmission, with which the first endpoint is capable ofcommunicating; a second endpoint protocol identifying circuit identifying the communication protocol indicated by the first endpoint protocol signal from among a plurality of possible communication protocols with which the second endpoint is capable ofcommunicating; and a second endpoint transmitter transmitting a second endpoint protocol signal to the first endpoint indicating that communication between the first endpoint and the second endpoint will take place with the protocol indicated by thefirst endpoint protocol signal.
96. The apparatus according to claim 95, wherein the second endpoint receiver includes frame receiving circuitry receiving data formatted in a frame structure, and packet receiving circuitry receiving data formatted in a packet structure,wherein the received data formatted in the frame structure and the received data formatted in the packet structure are received over the same receiving communication path, and wherein the second endpoint transmitter includes frame transmitting circuitrytransmitting data formatted in the frame structure, and packet transmitting circuitry transmitting data formatted in the packet structure, wherein the data formatted in the frame structure and the data formatted in the packet structure are transmittedover the same transmitting communication path.
97. The apparatus according to claim 96, wherein the first endpoint protocol signal indicates an ethernet protocol, and wherein the data formatted in the packet structure is formatted according to the ethernet protocol.
98. The apparatus according to claim 96, wherein the first endpoint protocol signal indicates a token-ring protocol, and wherein the data formatted in the packet structure is formatted according to the token-ring protocol.
99. The apparatus according to claim 96, wherein the frame receiving circuitry includes packet converting circuitry converting received data formatted in a frame structure into data formatted in a packet structure.
100. The apparatus according to claim 95, wherein the second endpoint receiver includes frame receiving circuitry receiving data formatted in a frame structure, and isochronous receiving circuitry receiving data formatted in an isochronousstructure, wherein the received data formatted in the frame structure and the received data formatted in the isochronous structure are received over the same receiving communication path, and wherein the second endpoint transmitter includes frametransmitting circuitry transmitting data formatted in the frame structure, and isochronous transmitting circuitry transmitting data formatted in the isochronous structure, wherein the data formatted in the frame structure and the data formatted in theisochronous structure are transmitted over the same transmitting communication path.
101. The apparatus according to claim 100, wherein the first endpoint protocol signal indicates an isochronous protocol, and wherein the transmitted data formatted in the isochronous structure is communicated to the first endpoint according tothe isochronous protocol.
102. The apparatus according to claim 100, wherein the frame receiving circuitry includes isochronous converting circuitry converting received data formatted in the frame structure into data formatted in the isochronous structure.
103. The apparatus of claim 95, wherein the first endpoint and the second endpoint are configured to operate in a best or desired manner.
104. The apparatus of claim 95, wherein the first endpoint and the second endpoint are coupled together over at least one physical medium.
105. The apparatus of claim 104, wherein the physical medium comprises one or more physical media selected from the group consisting of twisted pair media, coaxial cable media and fiber optic media.
106. The apparatus of claim 95, wherein the first endpoint and the second endpoint communicate in accordance with a first protocol at a first point in time, wherein the first endpoint and the second endpoint communicate in accordance with asecond protocol at a second point in time.
107. The apparatus of claim 95, wherein the first endpoint and the second endpoint communicate in accordance with a communication protocol that is determined automatically.
108. The apparatus of claim 95, wherein data communicated between the first endpoint and the second endpoint include isochronous data.
109. The apparatus of claim 108, wherein the isochronous data comprises telephone data and/or video data.
110. In a data communication network comprising at least a first endpoint coupled to at least a second endpoint, an apparatus for establishing communication between the first endpoint and a second endpoint comprising: a first endpointtransmitter transmitting a first endpoint protocol signal to the second endpoint, the first endpoint protocol signal indicating one of a plurality of communication protocols, including a format for a data transmission, with which the first endpoint iscapable of communicating; a second endpoint receiver receiving the first endpoint protocol signal; a second endpoint protocol identifying circuit identifying the communication protocol indicated by the first endpoint protocol signal from among aplurality of communication protocols with which the second endpoint is capable of communicating; a second endpoint transmitter transmitting a second endpoint protocol signal to the first endpoint, the second endpoint protocol signal indicating thecommunication protocol indicated by the first endpoint protocol signal if the communication protocol indicated by the first endpoint protocol signal is a communication protocol, including a format for a data transmission, with which the second endpointis capable of communicating; a first endpoint receiver receiving the second endpoint protocol signal; a first endpoint protocol identifying circuit identifying the communication protocol indicated by the second endpoint protocol signal from among aplurality of communication protocols with which the first endpoint is capable of communicating; wherein the first endpoint transmitter includes a communication circuit communicating with the second endpoint using the communication protocol indicated bythe second endpoint protocol signal.
111. The apparatus according to claim 110, wherein the data communication network comprises a plurality of second endpoints and the data communication network is configured in a star topology.
112. The apparatus according to claim 110, wherein the data communication network comprises a plurality of first endpoints wherein the first endpoints are configured in a ring topology.
113. The apparatus according to claim 110, wherein the data communication network comprises a plurality of second endpoints and wherein the second endpoints are configured in a tree topology.
114. The apparatus according to claim 110, wherein the first endpoint protocol signal comprises a series of 100 nanosecond pulses occurring at nominal 16 millisecond intervals.
115. The apparatus according to claim 110, wherein the first endpoint receiver includes frame receiving circuitry receiving data formatted in a frame structure, and packet receiving circuitry receiving data formatted in a packet structure,wherein the received data formatted in a frame structure and the received data formatted in the packet structure are received over the same receiving communication path, and wherein the first endpoint transmitter includes frame transmitting circuitrytransmitting data formatted in a frame structure, and packet transmitting circuitry transmitting data formatted in a packet structure, wherein the transmitted data formatted in the frame structure and the transmitted data formatted in the packetstructure are transmitted over the same transmitting communication path.
116. The apparatus according to claim 115, wherein the first endpoint protocol signal comprises a signal indicating a protocol corresponding to data formatted in the frame structure, and wherein the second endpoint protocol signal comprises asignal indicating a protocol corresponding to data formatted in the frame structure.
117. The apparatus according to claim 115, wherein the first endpoint protocol signal indicates an isochronous-ethernet protocol, and wherein the transmitted data formatted in the frame structure is formatted according to theisochronous-ethernet protocol.
118. The apparatus according to claim 115, wherein the first endpoint protocol signal indicates an isochronous-token ring protocol, and wherein the transmitted data formatted in the frame structure is formatted according to theisochronous-token ring protocol.
119. The apparatus according to claim 115, wherein the first endpoint protocol signal indicates an ethernet protocol, and wherein the transmitted data formatted in the packet structure is formatted according to the ethernet protocol.
120. The apparatus according to claim 115, wherein the first endpoint protocol signal indicates a token-ring protocol, and wherein the transmitted data formatted in the packet structure is formatted according to the token-ring protocol.
121. The apparatus according to claim 115, wherein the frame receiving circuitry includes packet converting circuitry converting received data formatted in the frame structure into data formatted in the packet structure.
122. The apparatus according to claim 121, wherein the first endpoint protocol signal indicates an ethernet protocol, and wherein the transmitted data formatted in the packet structure is formatted according to the ethernet protocol.
123. The apparatus according to claim 121, wherein the first endpoint protocol signal indicates a token-ring protocol, and wherein the transmitted data formatted in the packet structure is formatted according to the token-ring protocol.
124. The apparatus according to claim 121, wherein the first endpoint protocol signal indicates an isochronous-ethernet protocol, and wherein the transmitted data formatted in the frame structure is formatted according to theisochronous-ethernet protocol.
125. The apparatus according to claim 121, wherein the first endpoint protocol signal indicates an isochronous-token ring protocol, and wherein the transmitted data formatted in the frame structure is formatted according to theisochronous-token ring protocol.
126. The apparatus according to claim 115, wherein the frame receiving circuitry includes isochronous converting circuitry converting received data formatted in a frame structure into data formatted in an isochronous structure.
127. The apparatus according to claim 126, wherein the first endpoint protocol signal indicates an isochronous protocol.
128. An apparatus as set forth in claim 110, wherein the second endpoint transmitter transmits the second endpoint protocol signal responsive to the second endpoint receiver receiving the first endpoint protocol signal.
129. The apparatus according to claim 110, wherein the first endpoint receiver includes frame receiving circuitry receiving data formatted in a frame structure, and isochronous receiving circuitry receiving data formatted in an isochronousstructure, wherein the received data formatted in a frame structure and the received data formatted in the isochronous structure are received over the same receiving communication path, and wherein the first endpoint transmitter includes frametransmitting circuitry transmitting data formatted in a frame structure, and isochronous transmitting circuitry transmitting data formatted in an isochronous structure, wherein the transmitted data formatted in the frame structure and the transmitteddata formatted in the isochronous structure are transmitted over the same transmitting communication path.
130. The apparatus according to claim 129, wherein the first endpoint protocol signal indicates an isochronous protocol.
131. The apparatus according to claim 129, wherein the first endpoint protocol signal indicates an isochronous-ethernet protocol, and wherein the transmitted data formatted in the frame structure is formatted according to theisochronous-ethernet protocol.
132. The apparatus according to claim 129, wherein the first endpoint protocol signal indicates an isochronous-token ring protocol, and wherein the transmitted data formatted in the frame structure is formatted according to theisochronous-token ring protocol.
133. The apparatus according to claim 129, wherein the frame receiving circuitry includes isochronous converting circuitry converting received data formatted in a frame structure into data formatted in an isochronous structure.
134. The apparatus according to claim 133, wherein the first endpoint protocol signal indicates an isochronous protocol.
135. The apparatus according to claim 134, wherein the first endpoint protocol signal indicates an isochronous-ethernet protocol, and wherein the transmitted data formatted in the frame structure is formatted according to theisochronous-ethernet protocol.
136. The apparatus according to claim 133, wherein the first endpoint protocol signal indicates an isochronous-token ring protocol, and wherein the transmitted data formatted in the frame structure is formatted according to theisochronous-token ring protocol.
137. The apparatus according to claim 133, wherein the frame receiving circuitry includes packet converting circuitry converting received data formatted in a frame structure into data formatted in a packet structure.
138. The apparatus according to claim 137, wherein the first endpoint protocol signal indicates an ethernet protocol, and wherein the transmitted data formatted in the packet structure is formatted according to the ethernet protocol.
139. The apparatus according to claim 137, wherein the first endpoint protocol signal indicates a token-ring protocol, and wherein the transmitted data formatted in the packet structure is formatted according to the token-ring protocol.
140. The apparatus according to claim 137, wherein the first endpoint protocol signal indicates an isochronous-ethernet protocol, and wherein the transmitted data formatted in the frame structure formatted according to the isochronous-ethernetprotocol.
141. The apparatus according to claim 137, wherein the first endpoint protocol signal indicates an isochronous-token ring protocol, and wherein the transmitted data formatted in the frame structure is formatted according to theisochronous-token ring protocol.
142. The apparatus according to claim 137, wherein the first endpoint protocol signal indicates an isochronous protocol.
143. The apparatus of claim 110, wherein the first endpoint and the second endpoint are configured to operate in a best or desired manner.
144. The apparatus of claim 110, wherein the first endpoint and the second endpoint are coupled together over at least one physical medium.
145. The apparatus of claim 144, wherein the physical medium comprises one or more physical media selected from the group consisting of twisted pair media, coaxial cable media and fiber optic media.
146. The apparatus of claim 110, wherein the first endpoint and the second endpoint communicate in accordance with a first protocol at a first point in time, wherein the first endpoint and the second endpoint communicate in accordance with asecond protocol at a second point in time.
147. The apparatus of claim 110, wherein the first endpoint and the second endpoint communicate in accordance with a communication protocol that is determined automatically.
148. The apparatus of claim 110, wherein data communicated between the first endpoint and the second endpoint include isochronous data.
149. The apparatus of claim 148, wherein the isochronous data comprises telephone data and/or video data.
150. In a data communication network comprising at least first and second communication endpoints, an apparatus for establishing communication between the first and second endpoints comprising: a first endpoint transmitter transmitting a firstendpoint protocol signal to the second endpoint, the first endpoint protocol signal indicating a communication protocol, including a format for a data transmission, with which the first endpoint is capable of communicating; a second endpoint receiverreceiving the first endpoint protocol signal; a second endpoint transmitter transmitting a second endpoint protocol signal to the first endpoint, the second endpoint protocol signal indicating a communication protocol, including a format for a datatransmission, with which the second endpoint is capable of communicating; a first endpoint receiver receiving the second endpoint protocol signal; a first endpoint protocol identifying circuit identifying the communication protocol indicated by thesecond endpoint protocol signal from among a plurality of possible communication protocols with which the first endpoint is capable of communicating; and a first endpoint communication circuit responsive to the first endpoint protocol identifyingcircuit for communicating with the second endpoint using the communication protocol indicated by the second endpoint protocol signal.
151. The apparatus according to claim 150, wherein the first endpoint communication circuit includes a first receiver sub-circuit in the first endpoint receiver and a first transmitter sub-circuit in the first endpoint transmitter forcommunicating using a first communication protocol and a second receiver sub-circuit in the first endpoint receiver and a second transmitter sub-circuit in the first endpoint transmitter for communicating using a second communication protocol, andwherein the communication circuit communicates with the second endpoint using one of the first receiver and transmitter sub-circuits and the second receiver and transmitter sub-circuits responsive to the second endpoint protocol signal.
152. The apparatus according to claim 151, wherein the first sub-circuit includes frame receiving circuitry receiving data formatted in a frame structure, and the second sub-circuit includes packet receiving circuitry receiving data formattedin a packet structure and wherein the received data formatted in the frame structure and the received data formatted in the packet structure are received over the same receiving communication path, and wherein the first sub-circuit further includes frametransmitting circuitry transmitting data formatted in the frame structure, and the second sub-circuit includes packet transmitting circuitry transmitting data formatted in the packet structure, wherein the data formatted in the frame structure and thedata formatted in the packet structure are transmitted over the same transmitting communication path.
153. The apparatus according to claim 152, wherein the first endpoint protocol signal comprises a signal indicating a protocol corresponding to data formatted in the frame structure, and wherein the second endpoint protocol signal comprises asignal indicating a protocol corresponding to data formatted in the packet structure.
154. The apparatus according to claim 152, wherein the second endpoint protocol signal indicates an ethernet protocol, and wherein the data formatted in the packet structure is formatted according to the ethernet protocol.
155. The apparatus according to claim 152, wherein the second endpoint protocol signal indicates a token-ring protocol, and wherein the data formatted in the packet structure is formatted according to the token-ring protocol.
156. The apparatus according to claim 152, wherein the frame receiving circuitry includes packet converting circuitry converting received data formatted in the frame structure into data formatted in the packet structure.
157. The apparatus according to claim 156, wherein the second endpoint protocol signal indicates an ethernet protocol, and wherein the data formatted in the packet structure is formatted according to the ethernet protocol.
158. The apparatus according to claim 156, wherein the second endpoint protocol signal indicates a token-ring protocol, and wherein the data formatted in the packet structure is formatted according to the token-ring protocol.
159. The apparatus according to claim 151, wherein the first sub-circuit includes frame receiving circuitry receiving data formatted in a frame structure, and the second sub-circuit includes isochronous receiving circuitry receiving dataformatted in an isochronous structure, wherein the received data formatted in the frame structure and the received data formatted in the isochronous structure are received over the same receiving communication path, and wherein the first sub-circuitfurther includes frame transmitting circuitry transmitting data formatted in a frame structure, and the second sub-circuit further includes isochronous transmitting circuitry transmitting data formatted in an isochronous structure, wherein the dataformatted in the isochronous structure and the data formatted in the frame structure are transmitted over the same transmitting communication path.
160. The apparatus according to claim 159, wherein the first endpoint protocol signal comprises a signal indicating a protocol corresponding to data formatted in the frame structure, and wherein the second endpoint protocol signal comprises asignal indicating a protocol corresponding to data formatted in the isochronous structure.
161. The apparatus according to claim 159, wherein the second endpoint protocol signal indicates the isochronous protocol, and wherein the data formatted in the isochronous structure is communicated to the second endpoint according to theisochronous protocol.
162. The apparatus according to claim 159, wherein the frame receiving circuitry includes isochronous converting circuitry for converting received data formatted in the frame structure into data formatted in the isochronous structure.
163. The apparatus according to claim 162, wherein the second endpoint protocol signal indicates the isochronous protocol, and wherein the converted data formatted in the isochronous structure is communicated to the second endpoint according tothe isochronous protocol.
164. The apparatus according to claim 159, wherein the frame receiving circuitry includes packet converting circuitry converting received data formatted in the frame structure into data formatted in the packet structure.
165. The apparatus of claim 150, wherein the first endpoint and the second endpoint are configured to operate in a best or desired manner.
166. The apparatus of claim 150, wherein the first endpoint and the second endpoint are coupled together over at least one physical medium.
167. The apparatus of claim 166, wherein the physical medium comprises one or more physical media selected from the group consisting of twisted pair media, coaxial cable media and fiber optic media.
168. The apparatus of claim 150, wherein the first endpoint and the second endpoint communicate in accordance with a first protocol at a first point in time, wherein the first endpoint and the second endpoint communicate in accordance with asecond protocol at a second point in time.
169. The apparatus of claim 150, wherein the first endpoint and the second endpoint communicate in accordance with a communication protocol that is determined automatically.
170. The apparatus of claim 150, wherein data communicated between the first endpoint and the second endpoint include isochronous data.
171. The apparatus of claim 170, wherein the isochronous data comprises telephone data and/or video data.
172. In a data communication network comprising at least first and second communication endpoints, an apparatus for establishing communication between the first and second endpoints comprising: a first endpoint transmitter transmitting a firstendpoint protocol signal to the second endpoint, the first endpoint protocol signal indicating a communication protocol, including a format for a data transmission, with which the first endpoint is capable of communicating; a second endpoint receiverreceiving the first endpoint protocol signal; a second endpoint transmitter transmitting a second endpoint protocol signal, responsive to receipt of the first endpoint protocol signal, to the first endpoint, the second endpoint protocol signalindicating a communication protocol, including a format for a data transmission, with which the second endpoint is capable of communicating; a first endpoint receiver receiving the second endpoint protocol signal; a first endpoint protocol identifyingcircuit identifying the communication protocol indicated by the second endpoint protocol signal from among a plurality of possible communication protocols with which the first endpoint is capable of communicating; and a first endpoint communicationcircuit communicating with the second endpoint using the communication protocol indicated by the second endpoint protocol signal.
173. The apparatus of claim 172, wherein the first endpoint and the second endpoint are configured to operate in a best or desired manner.
174. The apparatus of claim 172, wherein the first endpoint and the second endpoint are coupled together over at least one physical medium.
175. The apparatus of claim 174, wherein the physical medium comprises one or more physical media selected from the group consisting of twisted pair media, coaxial cable media and fiber optic media.
176. The apparatus of claim 172, wherein the first endpoint and the second endpoint communicate in accordance with a first protocol at a first point in time, wherein the first endpoint and the second endpoint communicate in accordance with asecond protocol at a second point in time.
177. The apparatus of claim 172, wherein the first endpoint and the second endpoint communicate in accordance with a communication protocol that is determined automatically.
178. The apparatus of claim 172, wherein data communicated between the first endpoint and the second endpoint include isochronous data.
179. The apparatus of claim 178, wherein the isochronous data comprises telephone data and/or video data.
180. In a data communication network comprising at least one first endpoint coupled to at least one second endpoint, a method in a system for establishing communication between a first endpoint and a second endpoint comprising the steps of:transmitting a first endpoint protocol signal from a first endpoint transmitter to the second endpoint, the first endpoint protocol signal indicating a communication protocol, including a format for a data transmission, with which the first endpoint iscapable of communicating; receiving the first endpoint protocol signal with a second endpoint receiver; transmitting a second endpoint protocol signal from a second endpoint transmitter to the first endpoint, the second endpoint protocol signalindicating a communication protocol, including a format for a data transmission, with which the second endpoint is capable of communicating; wherein the communication protocol indicated by the second endpoint protocol signal is different from thecommunication protocol indicated by the first endpoint protocol signal; receiving the second endpoint protocol signal with a first endpoint receiver; identifying the communication protocol indicated by the second endpoint protocol signal from among aplurality of possible communication protocols with which the first endpoint is capable of communicating; and wherein the first endpoint transmitter communicates with the second endpoint using the communication protocol indicated by the second endpointprotocol signal.
181. The method of claim 180, wherein the first endpoint and the second endpoint are configured to operate in a best or desired manner.
182. The method of claim 180, wherein the first endpoint and the second endpoint are coupled together over at least one physical medium.
183. The method of claim 182, wherein the physical medium comprises one or more physical media selected from the group consisting of twisted pair media, coaxial cable media and fiber optic media.
184. The method of claim 180, wherein the first endpoint and the second endpoint communicate in accordance with a first protocol at a first point in time, wherein the first endpoint and the second endpoint communicate in accordance with asecond protocol at a second point in time.
185. The method of claim 180, wherein the first endpoint and the second endpoint communicate in accordance with a communication protocol that is determined automatically.
186. The method of claim 180, wherein data communicated between the first endpoint and the second endpoint include isochronous data.
187. The method of claim 186, wherein the isochronous data comprises telephone data and/or video data.
188. The method of claim 180, wherein the first endpoint is coupled to a plurality of second endpoints through a plurality of physical media.
189. The method of claim 188, wherein the physical media comprises one or more physical media selected from the group consisting of twisted pair media, coaxial cable media and fiber optic media.
190. The method of claim 180, further comprising the step of establishing a direct connection between the first endpoint and the second endpoint.
191. The method of claim 180, wherein the first endpoint and the second endpoint communicate in accordance with one of a plurality of LAN protocols.
192. In a data communication network comprising at least one first endpoint coupled to at least one second endpoint, a method in a system for establishing communication between a first endpoint and a second endpoint comprising the steps of:transmitting a first endpoint protocol signal from a first endpoint transmitter to the second endpoint, the first endpoint protocol signal indicating a communication protocol, including a format for a data transmission, with which the first endpoint iscapable of communicating; identifying the communication protocol indicated by the first endpoint protocol signal from among a plurality of possible communication protocols, including a format for a data transmission, with which the second endpoint iscapable of communicating; and transmitting a second endpoint protocol signal to the first endpoint indicating that communication between the first endpoint and the second endpoint will take place with the protocol indicated by the first endpointprotocol signal.
193. The method of claim 192, wherein the first endpoint and the second endpoint are configured to operate in a best or desired manner.
194. The method of claim 192, wherein the first endpoint and the second endpoint are coupled together over at least one physical medium.
195. The method of claim 194, wherein the physical medium comprises one or more physical media selected from the group consisting of twisted pair media, coaxial cable media and fiber optic media.
196. The method of claim 192, wherein the first endpoint and the second endpoint communicate in accordance with a first protocol at a first point in time, wherein the first endpoint and the second endpoint communicate in accordance with asecond protocol at a second point in time.
197. The method of claim 192, wherein the first endpoint and the second endpoint communicate in accordance with a communication protocol that is determined automatically.
198. The method of claim 192, wherein data communicated between the first endpoint and the second endpoint include isochronous data.
199. The method of claim 198, wherein the isochronous data comprises telephone data and/or video data.
200. The method of claim 192, wherein the first endpoint is coupled to a plurality of second endpoints through a plurality of physical media.
201. The method of claim 200, wherein the physical media comprises one or more physical media selected from the group consisting of twisted pair media, coaxial cable media and fiber optic media.
202. The method of claim 192, further comprising the step of establishing a direct connection between the first endpoint and the second endpoint.
203. The method of claim 192, wherein the first endpoint and the second endpoint communicate in accordance with one of a plurality of LAN protocols.
204. In a data communication network comprising at least one first endpoint coupled to at least one second endpoint, a method in a system for establishing communication between a first endpoint and a second endpoint comprising the steps of:transmitting a first endpoint protocol signal from a first endpoint to the second endpoint, the first endpoint protocol signal indicating one of a plurality of communication protocols, including a format for a data transmission, with which the firstendpoint is capable of communicating; receiving the first endpoint protocol signal with a second endpoint receiver; identifying the communication protocol indicated by the first endpoint protocol signal from among a plurality of communication protocolswith which the second endpoint is capable of communicating; transmitting a second endpoint protocol signal to the first endpoint, the second endpoint protocol signal indicating the communication protocol indicated by the first endpoint protocol signalif the communication protocol indicated by the first endpoint protocol signal is a communication protocol, including a format for a data transmission, with which the second endpoint is capable of communicating; receiving the second endpoint protocolsignal with the first endpoint; identifying the communication protocol indicated by the second endpoint protocol signal from among a plurality of communication protocols with which the first endpoint is capable of communicating; and wherein the firstendpoint transmitter communicates with the second endpoint using the communication protocol indicated by the second endpoint protocol signal.
205. The method of claim 204, wherein the first endpoint and the second endpoint are configured to operate in a best or desired manner.
206. The method of claim 204, wherein the first endpoint and the second endpoint are coupled together over at least one physical medium.
207. The method of claim 206, wherein the physical medium comprises one or more physical media selected from the group consisting of twisted pair media, coaxial cable media and fiber optic media.
208. The method of claim 204, wherein the first endpoint and the second endpoint communicate in accordance with a first protocol at a first point in time, wherein the first endpoint and the second endpoint communicate in accordance with asecond protocol at a second point in time.
209. The method of claim 204, wherein the first endpoint and the second endpoint communicate in accordance with a communication protocol that is determined automatically.
210. The method of claim 204, wherein data communicated between the first endpoint and the second endpoint include isochronous data.
211. The method of claim 210, wherein the isochronous data comprises telephone data and/or video data.
212. The method of claim 204, wherein the first endpoint is coupled to a plurality of second endpoints through a plurality of physical media.
213. The method of claim 212, wherein the physical media comprises one or more physical media selected from the group consisting of twisted pair media, coaxial cable media and fiber optic media.
214. The method of claim 204, further comprising the step of establishing a direct connection between the first endpoint and the second endpoint.
215. The method of claim 204, wherein the first endpoint and the second endpoint communicate in accordance with one of a plurality of LAN protocols.
216. In a data communication network comprising at least first and second endpoints, a method in a system for establishing communication between the first and second endpoints comprising the steps of: transmitting a first endpoint protocolsignal from a first endpoint to the second endpoint, the first endpoint protocol signal indicating a communication protocol, including a format for a data transmission, with which the first endpoint is capable of communicating; receiving the firstendpoint protocol signal at the second endpoint; transmitting a second endpoint protocol signal from the second endpoint to the first endpoint, the second endpoint protocol signal indicating a communication protocol, including a format for a datatransmission, with which the second endpoint is capable of communicating; receiving the second endpoint protocol signal at the first endpoint; identifying the communication protocol indicated by the second endpoint protocol signal from among aplurality of possible communication protocols with which the first endpoint is capable of communicating; and communicating between the first endpoint and the second endpoint using the communication protocol indicated by the second endpoint protocolsignal.
217. The method of claim 216, wherein the first endpoint and the second endpoint are configured to operate in a best or desired manner.
218. The method of claim 216, wherein the first endpoint and the second endpoint are coupled together over at least one physical medium.
219. The method of claim 218, wherein the physical medium comprises one or more physical media selected from the group consisting of twisted pair media, coaxial cable media and fiber optic media.
220. The method of claim 216, wherein the first endpoint and the second endpoint communicate in accordance with a first protocol at a first point in time, wherein the first endpoint and the second endpoint communicate in accordance with asecond protocol at a second point in time.
221. The method of claim 216, wherein the first endpoint and the second endpoint communicate in accordance with a communication protocol that is determined automatically.
222. The method of claim 216, wherein data communicated between the first endpoint and the second endpoint include isochronous data.
223. The method of claim 222, wherein the isochronous data comprises telephone data and/or video data.
224. The method of claim 216, wherein the first endpoint is coupled to a plurality of second endpoints through a plurality of physical media.
225. The method of claim 224, wherein the physical media comprises one or more physical media selected from the group consisting of twisted pair media, coaxial cable media and fiber optic media.
226. The method of claim 216, further comprising the step of establishing a direct connection between the first endpoint and the second endpoint.
227. The method of claim 216, wherein the first endpoint and the second endpoint communicate in accordance with one of a plurality of LAN protocols.
228. In a data communication network comprising at least first and second endpoints, a method in a system for establishing communication between the first and second endpoints comprising the steps of: transmitting a first endpoint protocolsignal from a first endpoint to the second endpoint, the first endpoint protocol signal indicating a communication protocol, including a format for a data transmission, with which the first endpoint is capable of communicating; receiving the firstendpoint protocol signal at the second endpoint; transmitting a second endpoint protocol signal, responsive to receipt of the first endpoint protocol signal, from the second endpoint to the first endpoint, the second endpoint protocol signal indicatinga communication protocol, including a format for a data transmission, with which the second endpoint is capable of communicating; receiving the second endpoint protocol signal at the first endpoint; identifying the communication protocol indicated bythe second endpoint protocol signal from among a plurality of possible communication protocols with which the first endpoint is capable of communicating; and communicating between the first endpoint and the second endpoint using the communicationprotocol indicated by the second endpoint protocol signal.
229. The method of claim 228, wherein the first endpoint and the second endpoint are configured to operate in a best or desired manner.
230. The method of claim 228, wherein the first endpoint and the second endpoint are coupled together over at least one physical medium.
231. The method of claim 230, wherein the physical medium comprises one or more physical media selected from the group consisting of twisted pair media, coaxial cable media and fiber optic media.
232. The method of claim 228, wherein the first endpoint and the second endpoint communicate in accordance with a first protocol at a first point in time, wherein the first endpoint and the second endpoint communicate in accordance with asecond protocol at a second point in time.
233. The method of claim 228, wherein the first endpoint and the second endpoint communicate in accordance with a communication protocol that is determined automatically.
234. The method of claim 228, wherein data communicated between the first endpoint and the second endpoint include isochronous data.
235. The method of claim 234, wherein the isochronous data comprises telephone data and/or video data.
236. The method of claim 228, wherein the first endpoint is coupled to a plurality of second endpoints through a plurality of physical media.
237. The method of claim 236, wherein the physical media comprises one or more physical media selected from the group consisting of twisted pair media, coaxial cable media and fiber optic media.
238. The method of claim 228, further comprising the step of establishing a direct connection between the first endpoint and the second endpoint.
239. The method of claim 228, wherein the first endpoint and the second endpoint communicate in accordance with one of a plurality of LAN protocols.
240. In a data communication network comprising at least one first endpoint coupled to at least one second endpoint, a method in a system for establishing communication between a first endpoint and a second endpoint comprising the steps of:transmitting a first endpoint protocol signal from a first endpoint transmitter to the second endpoint, the first endpoint protocol signal indicating a communication protocol, including a format for a data transmission, with which the first endpoint iscapable of communicating; identifying the communication protocol indicated by the first endpoint protocol signal from among a plurality of possible communication protocols with which the second endpoint is capable of communicating; transmitting asecond endpoint protocol signal to the first endpoint indicating that communication between the first endpoint and the second endpoint will take place with the protocol indicated by the first endpoint protocol signal; the method further comprising thesteps of: transmitting the first endpoint protocol signal from the first endpoint to the second endpoint; receiving the first endpoint protocol signal with a second endpoint receiver; identifying the communication protocol indicated by the firstendpoint protocol signal from among the plurality of communication protocols with which the second endpoint is capable of communicating; transmitting the second endpoint protocol signal to the first endpoint, the second endpoint protocol signalindicating the communication protocol indicated by the first endpoint protocol signal if the communication protocol indicated by the first endpoint protocol signal is a communication protocol, including a format for a data transmission, with which thesecond endpoint is capable of communicating; receiving the second endpoint protocol signal with the first endpoint; identifying the communication protocol indicated by the second endpoint protocol signal from among a plurality of communicationprotocols with which the first endpoint is capable of communicating; wherein the first endpoint transmitter communicates with the second endpoint using the communication protocol indicated by the second endpoint protocol signal; the method furthercomprising the steps of: transmitting the first endpoint protocol signal from the first endpoint to the second endpoint; receiving the first endpoint protocol signal at the second endpoint; transmitting the second endpoint protocol signal from thesecond endpoint to the first endpoint; receiving the second endpoint protocol signal at the first endpoint; identifying the communication protocol indicated by the second endpoint protocol signal from among a plurality of possible communicationprotocols with which the first endpoint is capable of communicating; and communicating between the first endpoint and the second endpoint using the communication protocol indicated by the second endpoint protocol signal. |
| Description: |
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
A typical data communication network is configured to operate according to a single predetermined protocol, e.g., an ethernet protocol, a token ring protocol, other LAN protocols, or an isochronous protocol. An example of an ethernet system isan implementation known as 10BASE-T which is described in the draft Nine supplement to IEEE standard 802.3, dated Nov. 15, 1989. Other examples of data communication protocols are X.25, and the Token Ring System, described for example, by IEEE Standard802.5. Both ethernet and token ring systems convey data in packets but each uses a different media access method.
As shown in FIG. 1A, in a packet system, data is transferred in a plurality of packets 12a, 12b which can be either constant-sized or variable-sized. Each packet includes a field of data 14a, 14b which may be preceded and/or followed by non-datainformation such as preamble information 16a, 16b housekeeping information such as data source information, data destination information, and the like 18a, 18b and a frame end marker 20a. As seen in FIG. 1A, because the fields provided for data 14a, 14bare not substantially continuous, the packetized scheme of FIG. 1A is not isochronous but "bursty" in nature.
In a token ring system, a node is permitted to transmit data only after receipt of an electronic "token." as depicted in FIG. 1B, a first station may transmit a token 22a which is received 24a by a second station whereupon the second station maybegin transmission of data 26a. After a period of data transmission, the second station transmits the token 22b which is received by a third station 24b that can then begin its own transmission of data 26b. As seen in FIG. 1B, because data transmissionis synchronized with the occurrence of an event (the arrival of a token), the token ring system is not an isochronous data transfer system.
FIG. 1C schematically depicts isochronous data transfer. In general terms, isochronous data is data which is non-packetized and of indeterminate, potentially continuous duration. In isochronous data transfer, the data transfer is initiated,such as by initiating a telephone conversation or beginning a video camera transmission 30. After the data transfer or connection is initiated, transmission of the data, possibly accompanied by transmission of housekeeping information (such asdestinations, audio or video timing, and the like) is provided substantially continuously for an indeterminate period, such as until termination of the connection 32. Although it may be that not every bit transferred represents a data bit (since"housekeeping" bits may be also transferred), the transfer of data is substantially continuous in the sense that there are no substantial periods during which no data bits are transferred. It is possible that the data being transferred is "Null" datasuch as silence during a telephone conversation or transfer of a blank video image. One type of isochronous data transfer protocol is the Fiber Distributed Data Interface-II (FDDI-II) as described, for example, in FDDI-II Hybrid Multiplexer, Revision2.4, dated Mar. 25, 1991.
Previous systems which were configured to use only a single-type protocol had the disadvantage that it was not possible to operate a mixed-protocol or "mixed-environment" system. Also, when upgrading a network system, it was necessary to upgradethe entire system and it was infeasible or wasteful to upgrade only part of the system (such as only some of the nodes or such as upgrading nodes without upgrading hubs or upgrading hubs without upgrading nodes). Additionally, when a system or systemcomponents were installed, or repaired it was necessary for the installing personnel to be familiar with the particular single protocol for which the network was configured and to make such installation, upgrade, or repair in accordance with such asingle protocol. Furthermore, it was necessary that apparatus connected to the system be configured for exclusive operation in accordance with the predetermined single protocol.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention includes a recognition of the problems found in previous devices. According to an embodiment of the present invention, apparatus connected to one endpoint of a network link is able to detect the protocol capability of theapparatus connected to the other end of the network link. Preferably, the first end of the network link has a capability of providing data communication under at least two different protocols and can select the appropriate protocol depending on whattype of protocol capability is detected in the apparatus at the other end of the link.
Link endpoint capability detection takes advantage of the fact that different data communication protocols provide signals on the physical medium which have different characteristics. The various protocols can typically be detected by theirunique timing and data patterns. According to one aspect of the invention, the network has a star topology with at least one hub and a plurality of nodes each node being connected to a hub by physical media constituting the link. The capabilitydetection of the present invention can be performed by apparatus at either end of a link, and in particular, in a star topology network can be conducted by the hub or by any node. In one embodiment, capability detection is initiated by the hub. In anon-star topology at least one node can operate under two or more protocols and can detect the capability of another node with which it is connected.
The apparatus which initiates capability detection, according to one embodiment, transmits a signal onto the physical medium. In one embodiment, the apparatus at the far end of the link outputs, onto the physical medium, a second signal. Preferably, a second signal will be output from the apparatus at the far end of the link, regardless of whether the apparatus at the far end operates according to a first protocol or a second protocol. However, the second signal which is placed onto thephysical medium at the far end of the link has either a first form or a second form, depending on whether the apparatus at the far end has a first protocol capability or a second protocol capability. This difference in signal is detected at the firstend of the link and this could be used as a basis for determining the protocol capability at the far end of the link.
In another embodiment, the first apparatus outputs a first signal. The second apparatus outputs a response only if it has a first protocol capability. If no response is output, the first apparatus outputs a second signal in an attempt to elicita response according to a second protocol. This process can be repeated until the first apparatus outputs a signal to which the second apparatus responds, thereby indicating a protocol capability of the second apparatus.
According to one embodiment, the first signal which is output, also carries information regarding the protocol capability of the first endpoint. That is, preferably, the first signal has a first form if the first endpoint has a first protocolcapability and it has a second form if the first endpoint has a second protocol capability. Preferably, the apparatus at the far end of the link will respond to either of these forms in the manner described above.
In the preferred embodiment, the apparatus which has detected the capability at the far endpoint adjusts its operation to accommodate that capability. For example, when the first endpoint detects that the far endpoint has a first protocolcapability, the first endpoint will configure itself to conduct subsequent communication using the first protocol. However, if the first endpoint detects that the far endpoint has a second protocol capability, the first endpoint is able to configureitself to accommodate the second protocol capability.
In one embodiment, the far endpoint will have only a single protocol capability. However, it is possible to configure a network in which both link endpoints have multiple protocol capabilities and both can detect one or more capabilities at theopposite endpoint. The endpoints can then configure themselves to operate at the best or most desired protocol level.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIGS. 1A, 1B and 1C of the timing of a packet transmission system, a token ring transmission system, and an isochronous transmission system respectively;
FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram showing three nodes connecting to a hub card;
FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram showing a number of hubs connected together using a ring structure;
FIG. 4. is a schematic block diagram of node circuitry for multiplexing and preparing data for transmission over the media and for receiving information from the media and demultiplexing the data;
FIG. 5. is a schematic block diagram of hub receiver circuitry according to an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 6 is a schematic block diagram of a hub transmitter circuitry;
FIG. 7 is a timing diagram showing the relative timing of transmissions and receptions at the hub and nodes;
FIGS. 8A-8E are block diagrams depicting link endpoint capability detection for five different network configurations according to embodiments of the present invention; and
FIG. 9 is a block diagram of a node receiver, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Before describing link endpoint capability detection, a general description of one type of network will be provided as one example of a data communication system in which the present invention can operate. A data communication system can beconfigured in a star-topology with a plurality of nodes 42a, 42b, 42c, (FIG. 2) each coupled to a hub 44a by data links comprising physical data transmission media such as one-way twisted pair wires 46a-46f. The number of nodes can be adjusted dependingon the data transmission needs and objectives of the system. In one embodiment, each hub is configured to accommodate connection with up to 16 nodes. Each node 42a, 42b, 42c includes circuitry 50a, 50b, 50c for receiving data, converting it to a formsuitable for transmission onto the physical media 46a, 46c, 46e and receipt of signals from the physical media 46b, 46d, 46f and conversion to a form suitable for use by the data sinks. Each of the nodes 42a, 42b, 42c includes data sources and sinks48a-48g. The data sources and sinks can be isochronous sources and sinks such as video cameras 48a, 48d and monitors 48b, 48e, non-isochronous sources and sinks such as an ethernet media access controller 48c, 48g, and signaling or D channel sources andsinks such as an emulated or virtual key pad 48f provided, for example, on a personal computer (PC) terminal.
Each of the nodes 42a, 42b, 42c can include various types of sources and sinks such as strictly isochronous sources and sinks, such as depicted for node one 42a, strictly non-isochronous sources/sinks as depicted for node three 42c or bothisochronous and non-isochronous sources and sinks as depicted for node two 42b. The physical layer 52 of the network system depicted in FIG. 2 includes the node data receivers and converters 50a, 50b, 50c, the physical media 46a-46f and the hubcomponents 54a, 54b, 54c and 56.
The hub 44a includes circuitry 54a, 54b, 54c for receiving data from the physical media 46a, 46c, 46e separating the isochronous-sourced data from the non-isochronous-sourced data and the D channel and M channel data and converting separated datainto a form suitable for handling by downstream hub circuitry 56. In the depicted embodiment the separated isochronous-sourced data is provided to a time slot interchange controller 58 for placing the data on a high-bandwidth bus (e.g. the TSI bus) sothat it can be transported to destination nodes on other TSI controllers in the hub or other hubs (as depicted, e.g. in FIG. 3) and/or retrieved by hub circuitry 54a, 54b, 54c for transmission to various destination nodes 42a, 42b, 42c, e.g. by a localloopback capability. The separated non-isochronous data is provided to circuitry 60 configured to convey the non-isochronous data to one or more of the hub circuitry 54a, 54b, 54c for transmission to destination nodes 42a, 42b, 42c. In an embodiment inwhich non-isochronous-sourced data includes ethernet data, the hub circuitry 60 can be a standard ethernet repeater processor. In this way, the present invention can be at least partially backwards-compatible with previous ethernet hub systems. The Dchannel and M channel information is provided to a signaling processor 62 which performs various maintenance and control functions such as identifying and alerting users of error conditions, and setting up requested calls or connections, i.e.source/destination paths e.g. by communicating with the isochronous and non-isochronous controllers 58, 60, e.g. over data path 64. As depicted in FIG. 3, a number of star-topology systems can be interconnected by connecting hubs 44a, 44b, 44c to oneanother, e.g. by a time slot interchange (TSI) ring.
According to the present invention, data communication can be provided according to one or more of a number of protocols. Those skilled in the art are familiar with protocols, but in general, a "protocol" includes a standard set of rules thatspecify the format, timing, sequencing and/or error checking for data transmission. Several network protocols are referenced above, including an ethernet protocol such as 10BASE-T, an isochronous protocol such as FDDI-II, and a token ring protocol. Another possible protocol is one in which both isochronous and non-isochronous data are combined into a frame structure for transmission across physical media. A frame-structure protocol of this type is described in greater detail in commonly-assignedapplication Ser. No. 07/969,916, titled "Network for Data Communication with Isochronous Capability", now abandoned, filed on even date herewith and incorporated herein by reference. According to one such protocol, the incoming data from the varioussources is provided to a multiplexer 70 (FIG. 4) which performs time-division multiplexing on a four-bit basis. The pattern for the time division multiplexing is a repeating series of frames or templates. In this embodiment, the frames are repeatedevery 125 microseconds. The time division multiplexing is a multiplexing of isochronous-sourced data and non-isochronous-sourced data. The non-isochronous-sourced data can be data provided in accordance with a number of previously-available LAN systemsand this protocol will be referred to, in general, as "isochronous-LAN" protocol. Several particular types of isochronous-LAN protocols are possible. When the isochronous data is multiplexed with LAN data which is provided decoding to an ethernetprotocol, such as a 10BASE-T ethernet protocol, the resulting time-division multiplexed protocol will be referred to as an "isochronous-ethernet" protocol. When the isochronous data is multiplexed with LAN data which is provided according to a tokenring protocol, the resultant time multiplexed protocol will be referred to as an "isochronous-token ring" protocol.
The present invention will be described below by way of a particular example in which one available protocol is an isochronous-ethernet protocol and another potentially available protocol is a 10BASE-T protocol. However, as will be clear tothose skilled in the art, the present invention can also be used in connection with other combinations of protocols such as isochronous-token ring or other isochronous-LAN protocols, pure isochronous protocols such as FDDI-II, and can include three ormore protocols.
Table I depicts the manner in which the various data streams, and additional data and control bytes are time-division multiplexed in an isochronous-ethernet protocol. Each symbol in Table I represents four bits of data so that every group of twosymbols represents one 8-bit byte of data. In Table I, E represents four bits of data from the ethernet stream 66b (FIG. 4), B designates four bits of data from the isochronous stream 66a. D represents four bits of data from the signaling or D channelstream 66c, and M represents four bits of M channel data stream 66d. In addition, certain byte-length patterns are provided. JK represents a frame synchronization pattern and EM (the first two bytes of block three in Table I) represents an ethernet"pad" followed by a maintenance byte. As seen in Table I, each frame contains 256 bytes which can be considered in thirty-two groups of eight bytes each, or four blocks of sixty-four bytes each. The frame structure is described more thoroughly incommonly-assigned application Ser. No. 07/969,911, Pat. No. 5,544,324, titled "Network for Transmitting Isochronous-Source Data with a Frame Structure", filed on even date herewith and incorporated herein by reference.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE I BLOCK 0: J K E B E B E B E B E B E B E E Group 0 E E E B E B E B E B E B E B E E Group 1 E E E B E B E B E B E B E B E E Group 2 E E E B E B E B E B E B E B E E Group 3 E E E B E B E B E B E B E B E E Group 4 E E E B E B EB E B E B E B E E Group 5 E E E B E B E B E B E B E B E E Group 6 E E E B E B E B E B E B E B E E Group 7 BLOCK 1: M M E B E B E B E B E B E B E E Group 8 E E E B E B E B E B E B E B E E Group 9 E E E B E B E B E B E B E B E E Group 10 E E E B E B E B EB E B E B E E Group 11 E E E B E B E B E B E B E B E E Group 12 E E E B E B E B E B E B E B E E Group 13 E E E B E B E B E B E B E B E E Group 14 E E E B E B E B E B E B E B E E Group 15 BLOCK 2: D D E B E B E B E B E B E B E E Group 16 E E E B E B E BE B E B E B E E Group 17 E E E B E B E B E B E B E B E E Group 18 E E E B E B E B E B E B E B E E Group 19 E E E B E B E B E B E B E B E E Group 20 E E E B E B E B E B E B E B E E Group 21 E E E B E B E B E B E B E B E E Group 22 E E E B E B E B E B E BE B E E Group 23 BLOCK 3: E M E B E B E B E B E B E B E E Group 24 E E E B E B E B E B E B E B E E Group 25 E E E B E B E B E B E B E B E E Group 26 E E E B E B E B E B E B E B E E Group 27 E E E B E B E B E B E B E B E E Group 28 E E E B E B E B E B EB E B E E Group 29 E E E B E B E B E B E B E B E E Group 30 E E E B E B E B E B E B E B E E Group 31 JK = Frame Synchronization Pattern EM = Ethernet Fed & 4 Maintenance Bits MM = 8 Maintenance Bits E = Ethernet Packet Channel D = D Channel B =Isochronous Channel
The time-multiplexed data is then encoded by an encoder 72. In the depicted embodiment, the encoder performs four/five encoding. One particular form of four/five encoding conforming partially to the ANSII X3T9.5 standard, is depicted in TableII. The encoding scheme depicted in Table II is described in greater detail in commonly-assigned application Ser. No. 970,329, titled "Frame-Based Transmission of Data", filed on even date herewith and incorporated herein by reference.
TABLE-US-00002 TABLE II Symbol Encoded (5 bit) Decoded (4 bit) Description 0 11110 0000 Data 0 1 01001 0001 Data 1 2 10100 0010 Data 2 3 10101 0011 Data 3 4 01010 0100 Data 4 5 01011 0101 Data 5 6 01110 0110 Data 6 7 01111 0111 Data 7 8 100101000 Data 8 9 10011 1001 Data 9 A 10100 1010 Data A B 10111 1011 Data B C 11010 1100 Data C D 11011 1101 Data D E 11100 1110 Data E F 11101 1111 Data F I 11111 1010 No Ethernet Carrier S 11001 0111 No Ethernet Data V 01100 0010 Unaligned Data T 011010101 Unassigned J 11000 1101 Frame Sync Part 1 K 10001 1101 Frame Sync Part 2 Q 00000 0010 Invalid H 00100 0001 Invalid R 00111 0110 Invalid V 00001 0110 Invalid V 00010 0010 Invalid V 00011 0010 Invalid V 00101 0010 Invalid V 00110 0010 Invalid V 010000010 Invalid V 10000 0100 Invalid
The output from the encoding devices is sent to pre-emphasis circuitry 76. The pre-emphasis circuitry compensates the signal transmitter onto the physical medium to reduce the jitter. The data output by the pre-emphasis circuitry 76 is sent toa transmitter or driver 78b and the signal is transmitted over the physical medium 46c. The physical medium 46c can be any of a number of media types including twisted pair, coaxial or fiber optic cable.
The data sent over the physical media 46a is received in the hub 44a. The hub contains a plurality of circuit devices 54a, 54b, 54c, each one coupled to one of the nodes 42a, 42b, 42c by the physical media 46. As depicted in FIG. 5, the datatransmitted over the physical media 46 arrives serially at a de-serializer/decoder 80. Link detect circuitry 82 also receives the data from the physical media 46 for detection of the mode or protocol in which the node is operating as described morefully below. The de-serializer/decoder 80 receives a reference clock signal 84. The de-serializer/decoder includes circuitry which is functionally an inverse Of the multiplexing/encoding circuitry described above. Referring to FIG. 4, thede-serializer/decoder 80 includes phase lock decode circuitry 86, the results of which are provided to NRZI decode circuitry 88 which, in turn, provides the decode results to four/five decode circuitry 90, in turn providing results to a de-multiplexer 92which separates the received data into the isochronous-sourced data 94a the non-isochronous-sourced data 94b and signaling data, such as D channel and M channel data 94c. The de-serializer/decoder 80 also outputs a synchronization signal, derived fromthe JK frame synchronization symbols 96 for use by a framing timing generator 98.
Both the non-isochronous-sourced data 94b and the isochronous-sourced data 94a are made available to the various hub circuitry components 54a, 54b, 54c, as needed for transmission back to destination nodes. In one embodiment, the separatedisochronous data 94a and non-isochronous data 94b are reconfigured by the respective interfaces 58, 59 to provide isochronous output 102 and non-isochronous output 104 in a form suitable for processing so as to provide the data as needed for transmissionto the destination nodes. In one embodiment, the non-isochronous data 94b can be configured by the E interface 59 so that the output data 104 can be processed by a repeater device 60 for provision to hub circuitry 54 and eventual transmission todestination nodes. As an alternative to using a repeater for the non-isochronous data, packet connections may be linked through media access control layer bridges. Preferably, the output data 104 is in a form such that it can be handled by repeatercircuitry of types previously available. For example, when the non-isochronous data 94b is data which originated at the node 42b from an ethernet MAC, the output data 104 is in a form such that it can be handled by a standard ethernet hub repeater 60such as DP83950 "Repeater Interface Controller" (RIC) available from National Semiconductor Corporation, Santa Clara, Calif.
As shown in FIG. 5, the data received over the physical link 46 is also provided to an additional interface for handling data according to a second protocol, as described more thoroughly below. For example, when the second protocol is anethernet 10BASE-T protocol, a 10BASE-T interface 512 can be provided. The 10BASE-T receive interface 512 can be a standard 10BASE-T interface, such as model DP83922 Twisted Pair Transceiver Interface (TPI) available from National SemiconductorCorporation, Santa Clara, Calif. A multiplexer 514 determines whether the repeater 60 receives a data stream from the E interface 59 or the 10BASE-T interface 512. This selection by the multiplexer 514 is controlled by a mode select signal output overcontrol line 516 from the link beat detect circuit 82 as described more fully below.
The data 198 output from the E transmit interface 168 is provided along with isochronous data output 164 and M channel and D channel data 170 to encoder serializer circuitry 202, as depicted in FIG. 6. The encoder/serializer 202 is configuredsubstantially like the encoding the circuitry found in the node and depicted in FIG. 4. Specifically, the encoder/serializer 202 provides a multiplexer for combining the three streams of data 198, 170, 164, a four/five encoder, an NRZI encoder, andpre-emphasis circuitry. The timing of transmission is controlled by transmit timing circuitry 204. Output 206 from the encoder/serializer is selectively combined with link beats from a link beat generator 208 by multiplexer 210 for purposes of link endpoint detection, as described below. The clock signal and the data 166 from the repeater 60, in addition to being provided to the E interface 168 is also provided to a second interface which operates according to a second protocol. When a secondprotocol is an ethernet 10BASE-T protocol, the interface is an ethernet 10BASE-T interface 520. The ethernet 10BASE-T interface transmit 520 can be of a type substantially identical to 10BASE-T interfaces provided previously in apparatus such as modelDP83922 Twisted Pair Transceiver Interface (TPI), available from National Semiconductor Corporation, Santa Clara, Calif. The output from the ethernet 10BASE-T interface 520 is provided to the multiplexer 210. Multiplexer 210 is able to select, inresponse to a control signal 522, whether to output data originating from the repeater 60 according to a first protocol determined by the E interface 168, or according to a second protocol determined by the ethernet 10BASE-T interface 520, as describedmore fully below. The data sent from the hub 44a to the nodes 42 is sent in a frame format which is preferably substantially the same as the frame format used for the data sent from the nodes 48 to the hub 44a as described above. At the nodes 42, thecircuitry 50 includes devices (FIG. 4) for decoding and de-multiplexing data, similar to that described for performing these functions in the hub, mainly a phase lock decode 86, and NRZI decode 88, a four/five decode 90, and a de-multiplexer 92. Decodedand de-multiplexed data is then delivered to the various data sinks in the nodes 42.
As shown in FIG. 7, the timing of the system can be synchronized with a 125 microsecond reference clock signal 214. In this example, the reference signal 214 provides an ascending clock edge every 125 microseconds. The reference signal can beprovided by any of a number of sources. Preferably, an embodiment of the present invention is configured to permit a reference signal 214 to be synchronized to an external clock reference, such as a reference signal from a wide area network or from aFDDI-II ring. The reference signal can be supplied through one of the nodes and transmitted to the hub for distribution to the other nodes, or can be supplied directly to the hub for distribution.
FIG. 8A depicts a network configuration in which the hub 530a is a 10BASE-T hub and the node 532a is a 10BASE-T node, both of which are found in previously-available devices. In this system, the 10BASE-T hub sends a hub protocal signal,specifically a link test pulse, in accordance with IEEE Standard 802.3, over the physical medium to a 10BASE-T node 532a. In a typical system, the 10BASE-T hub outputs a hub protocal signal upon being powered-up. The link test pulse used in previousdevices is described in IEEE Standard 802.3. Briefly, a link test pulse can be described as a series of single 100 nonosecond pulses occurring at a nominal 16 millisecond interval. The 10BASE-T node 532a, typically in response to being powered-up,outputs onto the physical medium a node protocal signal, which, in accordance with IEEE 802.3, is substantially identical to the above-described link test pulse. This link test pulse is received by the 10BASE-T hub 530a. At this point, a 10BASE-T hubproceeds to operate on the basis that it is connected to a 10BASE-T node (532a) and the node 532a begins to operate on the basis that it is connected to a 10BASE-T hub (530a) and normal 10BASE-T communication proceeds.
FIG. 8B depicts a configuration according to one embodiment of the present invention in which an isochronous-ethernet hub 530b is connected to a 10BASE-T node 532a. The isochronous-ethernet hub outputs a hub protocal signal, specifically a probesignal 534. A probe signal differs from the link test pulse in that it has a faster link beat, for example having a beat period of less than about 2 milliseconds. The 10BASE-T node 532a is configured substantially identically to previously available10BASE-T nodes. Upon receipt of the probe pulse 534, it continues to output a link test pulse onto the physical medium as its node protocal signal. The isochronous-ethernet hub 530b, upon receiving a link test pulse (rather than a probe pulse) candetermine, on that basis, that the apparatus connected to the far end of the physical medium is a 10BASE-T node 532a (rather than, for example, an isochronous-ethernet node). Preferably, the isochronous-ethernet hub 530b is capable of handling dataeither according to an isochronous-ethernet protocol or a 10BASE-T protocol. Upon receiving a link test pulse and determining that the node 532a is a 10BASE-T node, the isochronous- ethernet hub 530b will configure itself to conduct all futurecommunications with node 532a using a 10BASE-T protocol.
Although FIG. 8B shows only a single node 532a connected to the hub 530b, in a typical configuration, a plurality of nodes will be connected to each hub. Preferably, the hub 530b is capable of using different protocols with different nodes. Accordingly, an isochronous-ethernet hub which is connected to both a 10BASE-T node and an isochronous-ethernet node can determine the capability of each node which it is connected by observing the node protocal signal and can use the appropriateprotocol for each node.
FIG. 8C depicts a network configuration in which a 10BASE-T hub 530a is connected to an isochronous-ethernet node 532b. Upon initialization of the system the 10BASE-T hub outputs a link test pulse 533 as its hub protocal signal. In the depictedembodiment the isochronous-ethernet node 532b can operate according to an isochronous-ethernet protocol. Therefore, upon receiving the link test pulse 533, it outputs a link test pulse 533. Accordingly, the 10BASE-T hub 530a can only send ethernet dataand no isochronous data.
FIG. 8D depicts a network configuration in which an isochronous-ethernet hub 530c is connected to an isochronous node 532c. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 8D, the node 532c only has isochronous protocol capability, but the hub 530c has bothan isochronous-ethernet protocol capability and an isochronous protocol capability. In this embodiment, upon initialization of the system, the hub 530c outputs an isochronous probe pulse 535 as its hub protocal signal. The isochronous node 532c, uponreceiving the isochronous probe pulse 535, can determine that the hub to which it is attached is an isochronous-capability hub and will configure itself to conduct all future communications with the hub 530c according to an isochronous protocol. Thus,the isochronous node 532c preferably contains isochronous apparatus similar to apparatus found in the hub 530c for detecting circuitry at the other end of the link or physical medium and, thereafter, using the appropriate protocol. The isochronous node532c, in response to receipt of the iso probe pulse 535, outputs an iso probe pulse 535 as its node protocal signal. The hub 530c, upon receipt of the iso probe pulse, will commence normal isochronous hub operations.
FIG. 8E depicts a configuration in which an isochronous-ethernet hub 530b is connected to an isochronous-ethernet node 532b. When the system is initialized the isochronous-ethernet hub 530b outputs a probe signal such as an isoEnet probe, on thephysical medium as its hub protocal signal. When the isochronous-ethernet node 532b receives the isoEnet probe signal it is able to determine that the hub to which it is connected is an isochronous-ethernet hub. The isochronous-ethernet node 532b thenoutputs an isoEnet probe signal 534 onto the physical medium as its node protocal signal which is received by the isochronous ethernet hub 530b. When the isochronous-ethernet hub 530b receives an isoEnet probe signal it can determine that the node 532bto which it is connected is an isochronous-ethernet node and will conduct all future communications with this particular node according to the isochronous-ethernet protocol.
FIGS. 5 and 6 depict components in the hub which are used in connection with link endpoint capability detection. As depicted in FIG. 6, a link beat generator 208 is provided for outputting the appropriate hub probe signal. A control signal 522controls the multiplexer 210 so that the probe signal 208 is output onto the physical medium 46 at the appropriate time, e.g., upon initialization of the network system.
FIG. 9 depicts circuitry 50 in an isochronous-ethernet node. Circuitry 542 would be provided in a node which can operate in accordance with two protocols. Nodes which provide only a single protocol would not include circuitry 542 and the Einterface 59 would be connected directly to the ethernet MAC 48c. The node protocal signal received over the physical medium 46 is detected by the link beat detector circuitry 82. Circuitry 82 can include, for example a state machine, for detecting thesequence and interval of the pulse or link test pulse. The link beat detector circuitry 82 outputs a mode select signal 516 for controlling the multiplexer 514. The control signal 516 is configured to set the multiplexer 514 such that the ethernet MAC48C is connected to the output of the isochronous-ethernet interface 59 so that future data received over the physical medium 46 is treated in accordance with the isochronous-ethernet protocol. If the link beat detector 82 detects the link test pulserather than an iso pulse signal, it outputs a mode select signal 516 which configures the multiplexer 514 to connect the ethernet MAC 48C with the ethernet 10BASE-T interface 512 so that future data received over the physical medium is treated inaccordance with ethernet 10BASE-T protocol. The mode select signal 516 also provides a signal to a control circuit in a node transmitter. The node transmitter is not separately depicted in detail since it is substantially identical to the hubtransmitter depicted in FIG. 6.
The node transmitter control 522 in response to the mode select signal 516 (indicating receipt of a link test pulse or other probe pulse) configures the multiplexer to output an appropriate node protocal signal from the link beat generator 208onto the medium 46. In some embodiments, nodes and/or hubs are configured to output a link test pulse or a probe pulse (depending on the capability of the hub or node), whenever the hub or node is powered-up. For embodiments in which the link beatdetect 82 is able to discriminate between a link test pulse and a probe signal such as an iso probe pulse, the mode select 516 can configure the link beat generator 208 to output a link test pulse in response to a link test pulse and an iso probe pulsein response to a probe signal. The signal output by the node transmitter is received in the hub receiver 54 (FIG. 5). The hub receiver link beat detect circuitry 82 detects the output of the node protocal signal from the node transmitter. When thesignal is a probe signal, circuitry 82 outputs a mode select signal 516 which is effective to control the multiplexer 514 to connect the output from the E interface 59 to the repeater 60. In this way, the hub receiver is now configured to process futuresignals received from the node over medium 46 according to an isochronous-ethernet protocol. The node select signal 516 also provides an input to control signal 522 which, in response, configures the multiplexer to place the output 206 from theencoder/serializer 202 onto the physical medium 46, rather than using the output from the 10BASE-T interface 536. In this way, the transmitter is now configured to output data according to the isochronous-ethernet protocol.
If the signal output from the node is a link test pulse rather than probe pulse, the link beat detector 82 outputs a mode select signal 516 which configures multiplexer 514 to connect the ethernet 10BASE-T interface 512 with repeater 60 andconfigures the multiplexer to send output 536 onto the physical medium 46, rather than output 206.
In view of the above description, a number of advantages of the present invention can be seen. The present invention allows a network to be configured in a mixed protocol or mixed environment, with, for example, a single hub connected to aplurality of nodes which operate according to different protocols, with the configuration being achieved automatically, without the need for manually establishing a predetermined protocol beforehand for each node. The present invention permits networksto be upgraded incrementally so that it is not necessary to upgrade all nodes at the same time. Furthermore, it is not, in general, necessary for service personnel to specifically configure nodes or hubs to accommodate particular protocols since theprotocols are determined automatically and the nodes and hub configure themselves in accordance with the determined protocols.
A number of variations and modifications of the present invention can be used. Although an embodiment involving a 10BASE-T protocol and an isochronous-ethernet protocol was described, the present invention is equally applicable to otherprotocols including other LAN protocols such as a token ring protocol, an isochronous protocol and the like. Although the present invention described one particular signal characteristic used for determining the protocol, other characteristics couldalso be used. For example, a token ring connection could be detected by the presence of four or 16 Mbit/sec Manchester-encoded data. Other LANs can be detected by their unique timing and data patterns. Protocols could also be detected using suchcharacteristics as the pattern of the presence or absence of a carrier, and the frequency spectrum of signals placed onto the physical medium. When a node has a capability of communicating under two or more protocols, e.g. either an isochronous-ethernetprotocol or a pure ethernet protocol, it would be possible for a hub to use both capabilities of a node, i.e., to communicate according to a first protocol during a first time period and a second protocol during a second time period. Although thepresent invention has been described in the context of a star topology, the invention could also be used in a non-star topology, such as a ring topology or a tree topology. The present invention can be used in networks which do not have a hub, such asdirect connections between two nodes with each node determining the protocol capabilities of the other node. As described above, the link test pulse and iso probe signals are related in that, for example, a 10BASE-T node will respond in the same fashionto receipt of either type of pulse. However, the test signals could be provided in forms which are unique to each type of protocol. In such a system, a data source/sink would output a first type of test pulse or other signal and, if no response wasreceived, would output a second type of test pulse or signal, and so forth until a response was received indicating the protocol capability at the other end of the link. A data source/sink could be configured to determine all possible protocolcapabilities of the apparatus at the other end of the link, rather than determining the "highest" or "best"capability available or using the first capability detected. The devices at each end could select a protocol capability other than the "highest"or "best" capability. It would be possible for a node to store an indication of its capabilities, such as in a table or other memory device, and to output the information upon receiving an inquiry. It would also be possible for a network to initializein a common protocol, e.g., a 10BASE-T protocol, and, thereafter, exchange information, using that protocol, indicating additional protocol capabilities of the components of the system. Thereafter, the systems could reconfigure themselves to use desiredones of the available protocols.
Although the present invention has been described by way of preferred embodiments and certain variations and modifications, other variations and modifications can also be used, the invention being defined by the following claims.
* * * * * |
|
|
|
 |
|
 |
|
| |
Randomly Featured Patents |
|
