Patent ID: 6169742
Filing Date: 2001-01-02
Classification: G06F,G11C,H04L,H04Q

Abstract:
A multiport network switch for interfacing with a data network and having a logic chip comprising: a plurality of ports for transmitting data packets to and receiving data packets from said data network; a management port for communicating data in half duplex mode and full duplex mode with a management agent external to said chip; a media access controller (MAC) at said management port for supporting Simplified Network Management Protocol (SNMP); and a digital interface coupled between said MAC and the external management agent, said digital interface being formed on said chip and comprising: a collision logic circuit for detection a data transmission collision condition during non-full duplex operation and outputting a collision indicating signal; and a carrier sense logic circuit for detecting carrier sense conditions and outputting carrier sense signals; wherein said carrier sense signals are indicative of receipt of data in both the full duplex mode and the half duplex mode, and of transmission of data only in the half duplex mode.