Cheng Chih Shih

US Patent:

52491838, Sep 28, 1993

Filed:

Mar 14, 1991

Appl. No.:

7/669501

Inventors:

Dave Wong - Mountain View CA
Haim Shafir - Sacramento CA
Joe Heideman - Orangevale CA
Cheng C. Shih - Rancho Cordova CA

Assignee:

Level One Communications, Inc. - Folsom CA

International Classification:

H04L 1240

US Classification:

370 853

Abstract:

A local area network (LAN) having a 10Base-T media attachment unit (MAU) is disclosed for coupling an attachment unit interface (AUI) to a twisted pair link through an AUI port of the 10Base-T MAU. In addition to meeting or exceeding standards set forth in the proposed supplement (P802. 3I/D10) to IEEE standard 802. 3 for LANs, the MAU provides an interface between the AUI and a RJ45 (twisted pair) connector which auto-engages when activity is detected on the twisted pair link. Lack of activity on the twisted pair link forces the 10Base-T MAU to isolate its AUI port from the AUI. An Ethernet (coaxial) type MAU commonly connected with the 10Base-T MAU at the AUI may be utilized without manual intervention when the twisted pair link is inactive.