Patent ID: 7283481
Filing Date: 2007-10-16
Classification: H04L

Abstract:
1. A method for detecting active link partners and for selecting a mode of operation based on detected active link partners, in an Ethernet physical layer device, without user intervention, comprising: (1) monitoring an energy level at a copper link media port for an active copper link partner; (2) monitoring an energy level at a fiber link media port for an active fiber link partner; (3) selecting a copper mode of operation when said active copper link partner is detected and said active fiber link partner is not detected; (4) selecting a fiber mode of operation when said active fiber link partner is detected and said active copper link partner is not detected; (5) interfacing with said active copper link partner when said copper mode of operation is selected; and (6) interfacing with said active fiber link partner when said fiber mode of operation is selected.