Patent ID: 6460078
Filing Date: 2002-10-01
Classification: G06F,H04L

Abstract:
Apparatus for automatically configuring media connectors of a node interface device in a local area network of the type which has at least two pairs of conductors between interconnected interface devices, with data being transmitted in one pair, including link data, being in the opposite direction relative to data being transmitted in the other pair, each node interface device having at least a first pair of connectors which are adapted to transmit data and at least a second pair of connectors adapted to receive data, the connectors being adapted to be selectively connected to the at least two pairs of conductors, said apparatus comprising:a switch responsive to a switching signal and an inhibiting signal and adapted to selectively connect a first pair of connectors to a first pair of conductors and a second pair of connectors to a second pair of conductors when said switch is in a first position, and selectively connect said first pair of connectors to a second pair of conductors and said second pair of connectors to said first pair of conductors when said switch is in a second position; a signal generator for producing said switching signal for selectively switching said switch between said first and second positions, said switching signal having one of first and second values, said switching signal values changing in a pseudo-random manner; and, a detector for generating an inhibiting signal in response to link data being detected in one of said pairs of connectors, said inhibiting signal being applied to said switch to thereafter indefinitely prevent switching thereof.