Patent ID: 7711948
Filing Date: 2010-05-04
Classification: H04L

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for providing link layer security in a Physical Layer Transceiver (PHY) comprising: analog circuitry configured to transmit to, and receive data from, a data transmission medium; digital circuitry configured for communication with said analog circuitry, said digital circuitry configured to transmit data/control signals to, and receive data/control signals from, a Media Access Controller (MAC); a PHY communications module configured for communication with said analog and digital circuitry; a crypto engine coupled to said digital circuitry, said crypto engine configured to do the following: a crypto communications module configured for communication with said crypto engine, said crypto communications module configured to provide direct connectivity through a MDIO/MDC interface; and an interface link operatively coupling said PHY communications module to said crypto communications module, wherein the crypto communications module is further configured to provide control signals to said PHY communications module via said interface link.