Patent ID: 6611537
Filing Date: 2003-08-26
Classification: H04L,H04N

Abstract:
A network adapter for connecting a device, via conductive media, to a synchronous communication network having a logical ring network topology, the network adapter comprising:(a) one or more interface jacks to connect the device to a first adjacent device and a second adjacent device on the network, wherein the device and the first and second adjacent devices are synchronized to a common network clock; and (b) a transceiver coupled to the network for receiving a first signal from the first adjacent device and transmitting a second signal to the second adjacent device in a constant time counted by the common network clock; (e) a clock to which the first and second adjacent devices will be synchronized if the clock is elected the common network clock; and (d) a clock arbitrator, synchronized to the clock, which causes the transceiver to transmit repeatedly to the second adjacent device a first ID signal identifying the device and having a first priority, until the transceiver receives from the first adjacent device either that first ID signal or a second ID signal having a second priority greater than the first priority.