Abstract: A system and method for testing wireless devices in a simulated a wireless environment is provided. RF modules for creating and receiving RF signals in a test environment are also provided. Features include RF isolation of a wireless device, including filtering signals on electrical paths to and from the device, and circuits to reduce undesired RF signals on such electrical paths, for example PCI bus paths. The system and method also include a test enclosure with isolation chambers with filtered electrical signal paths to allow testing of wireless devices inserted into the isolation chambers. This system and method also allows controlled testing of antennae diversity features of the wireless device.

Abstract: A peripheral device for use with a computer. The peripheral device includes a data path, a control circuit coupled to the data path for controlling data communication and a port. The port includes a connector used by the data path. The connector includes a first set of pins that are used by the data path and a second set of pins that are not used by the data path. The first set of pins are coupled to the data path for data communication from the data path to the computer, and the second set of pins coupled to the control circuit for providing access to the control circuit from the port.

Abstract: A token ring network performs address to port mapping by taking advantage of the abilities of the port switched modules and the neighbor notification process, in order to perform address to port mapping on each individual module. Ring monitors are switched from an upstream side of a port to a downstream side of a port when the neighbor notification process enters the port domain. The processor on the module records all the addresses received on the downstream side of the port, when the neighbor notification process is in the domain of that port. If it appears that the neighbor notification process is in the domain of two adjacent ports, the present invention only records addresses from the most downstream of the two adjacent ports, since such a situation is an indication that the upstream ports do not conform to MAC protocol.

Abstract: Beacon recovery is performed separately on each module. After a module recognizes that a beacon condition has occurred, each module checks to determine if the defect or fault is on its module. If the defect is on the respective module, the module disconnects itself from the remaining modules in the network and transmits a beacon frame onto an upstream end of the group of stations on that module. Each port on the module is then tested to determine if the error lies in the corresponding station. This testing is based on the presence or absence of the beacon frame.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for communicating between two or more cable interface units on a local area network such that each cable interface unit supports the International Standard Organization's 802.3 standard with the exception that two communication channels or paths are connected between the cable interface units. Only data is transferred on the first communication channel while a signal indicating usage of the first communication medium is broadcast on the second communication channel. Each cable interface unit on the network monitors the second communication channel while transmitting on the first. If it is determined that two cable interface units are transmitting simultaneously both cable interface units notify their respective communicating devices to cease transmission. Retransmission will be attempted at a later time.