Multiplex communications – Wide area network – Packet switching
Patent
1995-11-17
1998-11-17
Donaghue, Larry D.
Multiplex communications
Wide area network
Packet switching
395834, 395883, 395309, 3952008, 370445, 370465, G06F 1300
Patent
active
058389890
ABSTRACT:
A switchable interface for conveniently coupling a network station of the CSMA/CD type to a network having any of a variety of communication media. The invention provides a single interface connector through which connection may be made directly to a twisted-pair medium, using the 10BASE-T protocol, or to a medium of a different type, through an AUI protocol and an appropriate media attachment unit. The interface connector has pin assignments chosen to minimize adverse effects of misconfiguring the station by connecting to a network having a protocol that is different from the one selected in the switchable interface. In one form of the invention, the switchable interface has the ability to determine the protocol being used by the network to which it is connected, and to switch the interface accordingly. Use of the common interface reduces station equipment cost and provides for increased user convenience, since only a single connector is needed to connect to a variety of media types.
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Hutchison Jerry D.
Mallard, Jr. William C.
Yang Henry S.
Cabletron Systems Inc.
Donaghue Larry D.
Follansbee John
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