Distributed network repeater system
First Claim
1. A network communication system comprising:
- at least first and second switches coupled to a plurality of network nodes;
the at least first and second switches coupled to a repeater; and
wherein the repeater is a distributed repeater having a plurality of separate discrete and spaced apart components coupled to one another via at least a first repeater communication link.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A repeater, useable for connecting switches in a data communication network, is provided in a distributed and/or modular fashion. The repeater includes a plurality of separate and distinct components or modules connected to or at least partially housed in, the various switches which the repeater modules couple. Preferably, the repeater autodetects and/or autoconfigures some or all aspects of repeater operations, such as detecting and/or configuring appropriate full/half-duplex mode operation or detecting and/or configuring in response to appropriate or approved cable-type connections. The distributed and/or modular repeater facilitates accommodating various switching or repeater needs as a network grows or contracts.
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Citations
15 Claims
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1. A network communication system comprising:
at least first and second switches coupled to a plurality of network nodes;
the at least first and second switches coupled to a repeater; and
wherein the repeater is a distributed repeater having a plurality of separate discrete and spaced apart components coupled to one another via at least a first repeater communication link.- View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5)
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6. A network communication system comprising:
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at least first and second switches coupled to a plurality of network nodes;
the at least first and second switches coupled to a repeater; and
wherein the repeater is modular, including a plurality of repeater modules configured such that repeater capacity can be expanded or downsized by installing or removing one or more of the repeater modules. - View Dependent Claims (7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. A network communication method comprising:
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coupling at least first and second switches to a plurality of network nodes; and
coupling the at least first and second switches to a modular repeater including a plurality of repeater modules configured such that repeater capacity can be expanded or downsized by installing or removing one or more of the repeater modules.
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15. A network communication method comprising:
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at least first and second switch means;
means for coupling the at least first and second switch means to a plurality of network nodes;
a modular repeater comprising at least first and second repeater module means;
means for coupling the at least first and second switches to the first and second repeater module means; and
means for coupling the first repeater module means to the second repeater module means;
wherein repeater capacity can be expanded or downsized by installing or removing one or more module means.
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Specification