Abstract: Improved gain control is obtained in each receiver of a LAN interface or hub in a LAN of the type using amplitude critical signals for conveying information. An evaluation circuit compares a signal representing a calibration value to a predetermined limits and adjusts the gain by one of a plurality of amplification levels to maintain a high level signals which are more accurately decoded into digital information. Improved noise cancellation is also obtained by creating a primary copy and an inverted copy of the received amplitude critical signal, amplifying the primary and inverted copy signals by the same predetermined amount and adding the amplified signals. The addition reinforces the value of the received amplitude critical signal while effectively subtracting the noise effects.

Abstract: Two different communication protocols are interoperatively combined for use in a local area network (LAN). An enhanced protocol can be selected as an alternative to a common protocol during communication between enhanced nodes of the LAN. Signals communicated between nodes of the LAN in the first and second protocols create the appearance of valid activity in both protocols, and always communicate at least some valid information in one of the protocols and selectively communicate additional valid information in a second protocol. Preferably the signals applied in the second or enhanced protocol include signals which are inserted in such a way that they are transparent to the first protocol. Improved network management capabilities and data transfer rates are available as a result of the information communicated in the second protocol.