Switching module for redundant local area network

Details Switching module for redundant local area network Switching module for redundant local area network

1998-04-24

2001-01-23

Ton, Dang (Department: 2732)

Multiplex communications

Communication techniques for information carried in plural...

Adaptive

Reexamination Certificate

active

06178178

ABSTRACT:

This invention relates to an interface module for a local area network (LAN) and is particularly concerned with modules providing switching between primary and secondary LANs.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Local area networks or LANs are a well know means to interconnect processors to share resources such as file servers and printers and to communicate with other processors. One such LAN is the 10BaseT Ethernet, an IEEE standard, which runs over twisted pair cable. To improve reliability it is known to use a second or so-called redundant LAN to provide communications in the event of a failure of the primary LAN. The use of a second LAN requires duplication of LAN interface equipment and LAN addressing.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
An object of the present invention is to provide an improved interface module for a local area network.
In accordance with an aspect of the present invention there is provided a switching module for interfacing to a local area network comprising: means for connecting the switching module to a pair of links forming a redundant local area network; first access means for coupling a processor to one of the links connected to the means for connection; second access means for coupling a processor to the other of the links connected to the means for connection; means for connecting the switching module to a processor; and switching means for selecting one of the access means to effect connection of the processor to one of the links.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention there is provided a [another independent claim]
In accordance with the present invention the switching module monitors the primary link for the presence of a link beat signal as provided by the 10BaseT standard and automatically switches to a secondary LAN connection when the primary link fails as indicated by the absence of the link beat signal.


REFERENCES:
patent: 5200949 (1993-04-01), Kobayashi
patent: 5410535 (1995-04-01), Yang et al.

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