Flexible server network connection upgrade systems and methods

Details Flexible server network connection upgrade systems and methods Flexible server network connection upgrade systems and methods

2009-05-22

2011-11-29

Misiura, Brian (Department: 2111)

Electrical computers and digital data processing systems: input/

Intrasystem connection

Bus expansion or extension

C710S300000, C710S302000, C710S104000, C710S105000, C370S254000, C370S248000, C370S473000

Reexamination Certificate

active

08069293

ABSTRACT:
In some embodiments, a system allowing a flexible upgrade of a computer system (e.g. server) to a high-speed network connection comprises base configuration motherboard or network card including a set of low-speed (e.g. 1 Gbps Ethernet) media access controllers (MACs) each connected to a low-speed physical controller (PHY), and a set of high-speed (e.g. 10 Gbps Ethernet) MACs. An expansion card including high-speed PHYs of choice can be connected by an end user to the base configuration motherboard or network card. A flow classifier classifies data sent/received over both high-speed and low-speed ports, and a single driver may control both high- and low-speed ports. One or both of the motherboard and/or expansion card are configured according to a detected type (e.g. physical layer standard, vendor) of expansion card connected to the motherboard and/or type of physical medium connected to the expansion card.

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