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Upper layer network device including a physical layer test port

  • US 7,054,272 B1
  • Filed: 07/14/2000
  • Issued: 05/30/2006
  • Est. Priority Date: 07/11/2000
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. A network device comprising:

  • a physical layer subsystem for transferring network data in accordance with a physical layer protocol, said physical layer subsystem comprising a physical layer working port connected to a first physical network attachment and a cross-connection subsystem;

    an upper layer subsystem for transferring the network data in accordance with an upper layer protocol and coupled with the physical layer subsystem; and

    wherein the physical layer subsystem further includes a physical layer test port coupled to the physical layer subsystem and the upper layer subsystem and connected to a second physical network attachment,wherein said cross-connection subsystem transfers network data between the physical layer working port and the upper layer subsystem and multicasts a portion of the network data to the physical layer test port wherein said network data remains unprocessed and untranslated by said upper layer subsystem; and

    wherein said test port is programmed while the network device is operating to function as a working port for normal data transfer while maintaining uninterrupted service provided by said network device.

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