Patent ID: 7961746

Claim:
A network communication system, comprising: an Ethernet PHY (physical layer) interface connecting through transformer and RJ-45 connector to Ethernet network by Ethernet cable; an Ethernet MAC (Media Access Controller) interface connecting to said Ethernet PHY interface; a USB-to-Ethernet bridge (Universal Serial Bus to Ethernet) interface connecting to said Ethernet MAC; a packet buffer connecting to said USB-to-Ethernet bridge interface; a USB PHY/SIE (Serial Interface Engine) interface connecting to said USB-to-Ethernet bridge interface; a Station Management interface connecting to said USB PHY/SIE interface, said Ethernet PHY interface and Ethernet network, wherein said system operates as a USB-to-Ethernet controller or as a USB-to-Reverse-MII (USB-to-Reverse-Media Independent Interface) Bridging or Ethernet PHY in Dual-PHY mode; and said Station Management interface provides a mechanism for auto-detection and auto-selection between external Ethernet interface and USB Device interface through Station Management Register access wherein the Network Microcontroller's Ethernet MAC access said USB PHY/SIE interface and said Ethernet PHY interface through the same Station Management interface.