Patent ID: 8050287
Filing Date: 2011-11-01
Classification: H04L,H04M

Abstract:
1. An integrated network adapter (INA) comprising: a Media Access Control (“MAC”) module coupled to a Physical Layer Interface (“PHY”) module, wherein at least one of the MAC and PHY is coupled to a network configuration module, wherein the configuration module is coupled to a plurality of communications media couplers, and wherein the configuration module establishes a communications interface using at least one of the plurality of communications media couplers; wherein the configuration module dynamically selects one of the communications media couplers for establishing a network interface; wherein the dynamic selection is based on information available concerning the communications media to which an interface can be established; wherein the information includes a network parameter including at least one of connection status, signal strength, presence of traffic, noise levels, historical and real-time error rates and congestion indications; wherein the information includes a Quality of Service requirement associated with specific data types, the specific data types including at least an isochronous streaming data type and a prioritized asynchronous data type; and wherein the MAC module uses the information to select a communications medium to which a network interface is to be established.