Multiplex communications – Pathfinding or routing – Switching a message which includes an address header
Reexamination Certificate
1997-06-19
2001-02-06
Nguyen, Chau (Department: 2739)
Multiplex communications
Pathfinding or routing
Switching a message which includes an address header
C370S401000, C370S428000, C714S751000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06185207
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates in general to local area network adapters, and in particular, to local area network adapters which receive cyclic redundancy check (CRC) data.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
In modern computing environments, computer systems are often interconnected using local area networks, also referred to as LANs. LANs allow computer-to-computer and processor-to-processor communications. In many environments, this networking concept is extended so that multiple LANs are networked together through the use of intermediate nodes or gateways. Inherent in the communication between computers or data processing systems is a protocol which transfers data and control information necessary for proper communication of the systems. When this communication protocol is utilized, the information is transferred in packets, or frames. Within these packets or frames, communications-related control information and data values are typically transmitted.
The data information is the actual data that one device is communicating to another over the LAN. The control information is the information required by the communications protocol to send the packet over the network from one computing system to another. Such control information is usually one of a “header” or a “trailer” of a packet. Control information in the header is generally interpreted by a communications protocol processor before the packet is passed on to a receiving application. Control information typically included in the header of a packet includes information such as a source address, a destination address and routing information. Furthermore, control information in a trailer of a packet generally includes cyclic redundancy checking (CRC) information. Typically, a transmitting data processing system sends a packet of data information and then appends to it an appropriate computed CRC value. At the receiving data processing system, a receiving node will calculate its own CRC value and compare its CRC value with the CRC value received from the data transmitting system. When the two are different, this indicates that an error occurred during transmission of the data packet.
While this protocol is typically used by most data processing applications, this protocol also limits the performance which may be achieved by a system. The use of the CRC value typically requires at least the final four bytes of a packet, or frame, to be used to provide a CRC value. In a communications environment which has been developed and utilized extensively, every savings and performance improvement is necessary and significant. Therefore, the requirement that the final four bytes of a frame always be used for providing a CRC value may prove to be a necessary evil.
Therefore, a need exists for a communication system which provides for improvements in a communication system involving a LAN, while still maintaining the error checking capability of the CRC value.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The previously mentioned needs are fulfilled with the present invention. Accordingly, there is provided, in a first form, a local area network adapter. The local area network adapter includes an input circuit for receiving a first plurality of information values and an output circuit for selectively transferring the first plurality of information values. The local area network adapter also includes a configuration register for storing a configuration value. The configuration value is used to selectively enable the output circuit to transfer a portion of the first plurality of information values when the configuration value is in a first logic state.
Additionally, there is provided, in a second form, a method of operating a local area network adapter. The method includes the steps of receiving a first plurality of information values and storing a configuration value in a register. The method also includes the step of selectively enabling an output circuit to transfer a portion of the first plurality of information values when the configuration value is in a first logic state.
Furthermore, there is provided, in a third form, a communication system. The communication system includes a first local area network adapter. The first local area network adapter includes an input circuit for receiving a first plurality of information values and an output circuit for selectively transferring a second plurality of information values. The first local area network adapter also includes a first configuration register for storing a first configuration value. The first configuration value enables the output circuit to transfer a portion of the first plurality of information values as the second plurality of information values when the first configuration value is in a first logic state. The communication system also includes a memory connected to the output circuit for storing the second plurality of information values.
There is also provided, in a fourth form, a method of operating a communication system. The method includes the steps of receiving a first plurality of information values in a first local area network adapter and storing a first configuration value in a first configuration register in the first local area network adapter. The method also includes the steps of enabling an output circuit to transfer a portion of the first plurality of information values as the second plurality of information values when the first configuration value is in a first bit logic state and a step of storing the second plurality of information values in a memory.
These and other features, and advantages, will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It is important to note the drawings are not intended to represent the only form of the invention.
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LaBerge Peter Anthony
Logan Joseph Franklin
McDonald Joseph Gerald
Paussa Gregory Francis
Cockburn Joscelyn G.
International Business Machines - Corporation
Kordzik Kelly K.
Nguyen Chau
Nguyen Phuongchau Ba
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