Patent ID: 7227891

Claim:
A data communication transceiver operable in at least first and second modes, the first mode being a data mode during which user data is communicated at a first data rate, and the second mode being a training-while-working mode during which transceiver training occurs and user data is communicated at a second data rate slower than the first data rate; wherein: said transceiver training includes training performed using said user data; said data communication transceiver is further operable in a startup training mode in which transceiver training occurs and no user data is communicated; said transceiver enters said startup training mode upon initiation of a data communication session, and upon the occurrence of a first condition corresponding to partial training, said transceiver exits said startup training mode and enters said training-while-working mode; said transceiver is further operable in a data mode in which transceiver training does not occur and user data is communicated at a user data rate; said transceiver exits said training-while-working mode and enters said data mode upon the occurrence of a second condition corresponding to completion of training; and said transceiver exits said data mode and enters said training-while-working mode upon the occurrence of a third condition corresponding to said data communication transceiver having a data communication rate capability greater than or less than said user data rate.