Patent ID: 7995605
Filing Date: 2011-08-09
Classification: H04L

Abstract:
1. A first link partner, comprising: a physical layer device configured to communicate with a second link partner over a communications link that includes at least four pairs of conductors, wherein the physical layer device is configured to transmit idle signals on at least one of a first pair and a second pair of conductors of the at least four pairs of conductors to maintain a logical connection in an Active Mode of the communications link, wherein the physical layer device is configured to transmit idle signals on at least one of a third pair and a fourth pair of conductors of the at least four pairs of conductors to initiate a Suspend Mode of the communications link, and wherein the physical layer device is configured to transmit idle signals on at least one of the first pair and second pair of conductors, and simultaneously transmit idle signals on at least one of the third pair and fourth pair of conductors to end the Suspend Mode as recognized by the second link partner.