Abstract: Disclosed is a media access controller for transferring data along a computer network. The media access controller includes a transmit media access controller that is configured to process out-going packet data received from an upper layer for transmission to a lower layer. A receive media access controller that is configured to process in-coming packet data received from the lower layer for transmission to the upper layer. A transmit multi-packet queue FIFO for receiving the out-going packet data from the upper layer before being passed to the transmit media access controller. A receive multi-packet queue FIFO for receiving the in-coming packet data that is received by the receive media access controller. The media access controller further including a media access controller manager interfacing with the transmit and receive media access controllers. The media access controller manager being responsible for managing the flow of packet data through the transmit and receive multi-packet queue FIFOs.

Abstract: Disclosed is a media access controller for transferring data along a computer network. The media access controller includes a transmit media access controller that is configured to process out-going packet data received from an upper layer for transmission to a physical layer. A receive media access controller that is configured to process in-coming packet data received from the physical layer for transmission to the upper layer. A transmit multi-packet queue FIFO for receiving the out-going packet data from the upper layer before being passed to the transmit media access controller. A receive multi-packet queue FIFO for receiving the in-coming packet data that is received by the receive media access controller. The media access controller further including a media access controller manager interfacing with the transmit and receive media access controllers. The media access controller manager being responsible for managing the flow of packet data through the transmit and receive multi-packet queue FIFOs.

Abstract: Disclosed is a transmit media access controller having a transmit interface unit configured to receive packet data, transfer control signals and control information from an upper layer. The transmit media access controller also includes a transmit controller for processing the packet data based on the control information received from the upper layer. The transmit control block is bi-directionally coupled to the transmit interface unit. While the packet data is being processed, new control information may be received by the in communication with the transmit controller. The transmit media access controller further includes an interface unit configured to receive packet data from the transmit cyclic redundancy check unit before being transmitted to a physical layer.

Abstract: Disclosed is a media access controller configured to communicate with an upper layer and a lower physical layer. The media access controller includes a receive controller for receiving and processing receive data requests from the lower layer and transferring received data to the upper layer. The method includes receiving data from the lower layer and processing the received data through the receive controller. The processor being performed in accordance with a setting of a plurality of control registers associated with the transmit controller. The method further including receiving a control signal for modifying at least one of the plurality of control registers while the data is being processed through the receive controller. Altering the processing of data being processed within the receive controller based on the modification of the at least one of the plurality of control registers associated with the receive controller, and transferring the processed data to the upper layer.