Interface for coupling a host device having a network interface to a computer network having a predetermined communications medium and a predetermined communications physical layer
First Claim
1. A physical layer interface for coupling, via a network adapter and a communications medium, a host device to a computer network following a multi-layered communications protocol, the network adapter programmed to transfer data in accordance with protocol layers other than a physical layer, the interface comprising:
- a plug housing;
a front end circuit, disposed within said plug housing, having a plurality of subcircuits for providing communication between said computer network and said adapter in accordance with a corresponding plurality of physical layer protocols;
an adapter connector affixed to said plug housing for coupling said front end circuit to said adapter;
said front end circuit responsive to a selection signal from said adapter for selecting one of said subcircuits corresponding to a desired one of said physical layer protocols;
said front end circuit for providing a configuration signals to said adapter for identifying said desired physical layer protocol; and
a means for connecting said front end circuit to the communications medium.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An interface device is provided for coupling a host device having a network interface to a computer network having a predetermined communications medium and a predetermined communications physical layer. The interface device comprises a plug member having a first connector affixed to it for coupling to the network interface of the host device. The interface device further includes front end circuitry disposed within the plug member, the front end circuitry being selectable to couple to the predetermined communications medium and to interact with the predetermined physical layer.
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Citations
25 Claims
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1. A physical layer interface for coupling, via a network adapter and a communications medium, a host device to a computer network following a multi-layered communications protocol, the network adapter programmed to transfer data in accordance with protocol layers other than a physical layer, the interface comprising:
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a plug housing; a front end circuit, disposed within said plug housing, having a plurality of subcircuits for providing communication between said computer network and said adapter in accordance with a corresponding plurality of physical layer protocols; an adapter connector affixed to said plug housing for coupling said front end circuit to said adapter; said front end circuit responsive to a selection signal from said adapter for selecting one of said subcircuits corresponding to a desired one of said physical layer protocols; said front end circuit for providing a configuration signals to said adapter for identifying said desired physical layer protocol; and a means for connecting said front end circuit to the communications medium. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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21. The physical layer interface for coupling a host device to a computer network via a network adapter and a communications medium, the computer network using a multi-layered communications protocol, the network adapter programmed to transfer data in accordance with protocol layers other than a physical layer, the interface comprising:
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a plug housing; a front end circuit, disposed within said plug housing, for providing communication between said computer network and said adapter in accordance with a physical layer protocol; said front end circuit for delivering a configuration signal to said adapter to identify said physical layer protocol; an adapter connector affixed to said plug housing for coupling said front end circuit to said adapter, and for providing a path for said configuration signal; and a means for connecting said front end circuit to the communications medium. - View Dependent Claims (22, 23, 24, 25)
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Specification