Multiple-port gigabit ethernet distribution switch

An apparatus for bidirectional distribution of packet-switched digital data signals over distance-limited wire media suitable for deployment in an electrically-harsh environment comprising:

• a first multiple-pin connector configured to carry first input signals in at least a first differential pair, to carry first output signals in at least a second differential pair, and to carry power;
• a second multiple-pin connector configured to carry second input signals in at least a third differential pair, to carry second output signals in at least a fourth differential pair, and to carry power;
• a power line;
• a ground line;
• electromagnetic chokes adjacent ingress locations in the power line;
• electromagnetic chokes adjacent ingress locations in the ground line;
• transient voltage protection means between the power line and the ground line;
• a low-capacitance electric pulse suppression means between each element of said first and second differential pairs and ground adjacent each said first and second connector;
• pulse shaping and repeating circuits each coupled with a single one of said connectors to receive a set of input signals and to output a set of output signals, said circuits for shaping and repeating pulses of said input signals received and for transmitting said output signals;
• isolation transformers coupled between said connectors and said pulse shaping circuits for common mode transient and voltage isolation and for electromagnetic interference filtering of said differential pairs, said isolation transformers being capable of maintaining magnetizing inductance at elevated temperatures;
• a switching logic device coupled to said pulse shaping and repeating circuits for selectively coupling input signals originating from one of said connectors to output signals at another one of said connectors;
• and
• a processor means for analyzing sources and destinations of packets, for distinguishing between types of input signals and output signals, for managing control signals for compatibility and for establishing switching paths.