Distributed network repeater system
AssigneeCisco Technology, Inc.
InventorGordon Mackay
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A repeater, useable for connecting switches in a data communication network, is provided in a distributed and/or modular fashion. The repeater includes a plurality of separate and distinct components or modules connected to or at least partially housed in, the various switches which the repeater modules couple. Preferably, the repeater autodetects and/or autoconfigures some or all aspects of repeater operations, such as detecting and/or configuring appropriate full/half-duplex mode operation or detecting and/or configuring in response to appropriate or approved cable-type connections. The distributed and/or modular repeater facilitates accommodating various switching or repeater needs as a network grows or contracts.
Claims15
A network communication system comprising:
- at least first and second switches coupled to a plurality of network nodes;
- the at least first and second switches coupled to a repeater;
- and wherein the repeater is a distributed repeater having a plurality of separate discrete and spaced apart components coupled to one another via at least a first repeater communication link.
A network communication system comprising:
- at least first and second switches coupled to a plurality of network nodes;
- the at least first and second switches coupled to a repeater;
- and
- wherein the repeater is modular, including a plurality of repeater modules configured
- such that repeater capacity can be expanded or downsized by installing or removing one or more of the repeater modules.
A network communication method comprising:
- coupling at least first and second switches to a plurality of network nodes;
- and
- coupling the at least first and second switches to a modular repeater including a plurality of repeater modules configured such that repeater capacity can be expanded or downsized by installing or removing one or more of the repeater modules.
A network communication method comprising:
- at least first and second switch means;
- means for coupling the at least first and second switch means to a plurality of network nodes;
- a modular repeater comprising at least first and second repeater module means;
- means for coupling the at least first and second switches to the first and second repeater module means;
- and
- means for coupling the first repeater module means to the second repeater module means;
- wherein repeater capacity can be expanded or downsized by installing or removing one or more module means.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.