US 6,311,220 B1 · Method and apparatus for communicating data and management information

Abstract

A system is provided for communicating data between a first device and a second device across a communication link. Data is communicated between the first device and the second device across the communication link using a first protocol. Management information is communicated between the first device and the second device across the communication link using a second protocol. The system is capable of determining whether the first device is capable of communicating management information with the second device. If the first device is capable of communicating management information with the second device, then the system enables the communication of management information between the first device and the second device.

Claims23

Dependent claims

A method comprising:

coupling a first communication link and a second communication link to a first port of a first device;
and
configuring the first port to transfer data over the first communication link and management information over the second communication link in response to a carrier signal being detected on the second communication link.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Facts

Application

09/474,605Filed 29 Dec 1999 · continuation

Priority

4 Jun 1997

Granted

30 Oct 2001

Term ends

Not estimatedThe source records don’t support an estimate.

Classification6 codes

G06F 13/385
Using universal interface adapter: for adaptation of a particular data processing system to different peripheral devices
H04L 5/1438
Two-way operation using the same type of signal, i.e. duplex: negotiation of transmission parameters prior to communication
H04L 9/40
Cryptographic mechanisms or cryptographic arrangements for secret or secure communications; Network security protocols: network security protocols
H04L 69/24
Network arrangements, protocols or services independent of the application payload and not provided for in the other groups of this subclass:…

Method and apparatus for communicating data and management information

Life of this patent

Method and apparatus for communicating data and management information

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims23