Patent ID: 6175865
Filing Date: 2001-01-16
Classification: G06F,H04L

Abstract:
Apparatus for automatically configuring media connectors of a node interface device in a local area network of the type which has at least two pairs of conductors between interconnected interface devices, with data being transmitted in one pair, including link data, being in the opposite direction relative to data being transmitted in the other pair, each node interface device having at least a first pair of connectors which are adapted to transmit data and at least a second pair of connectors adapted to receive data, the connectors being adapted to be selectively connected to the at least two pairs of conductors, said apparatus comprising:switch means responsive to a switching signal and an inhibiting signal and adapted to selectively connect a first pair of connectors to a first pair of conductors and a second pair of connectors to a second pair of conductors when said switch means is in a first position, and selectively connect said first pair of connectors to a second pair of conductors and said second pair of connectors to said first pair of conductors when said switch means is in a second position;means for generating a controlling signal for selectively controlling said switch means between said first and second positions, said controlling signal having one of first and second values during each time period, said controlling signal values changing in a pseudo-random manner; and,means for detecting link data in one of said pairs of connectors and generating an inhibiting signal in response to link data being detected, said inhibiting signal being applied to said switch means to thereafter indefinitely prevent switching thereof.