Abstract: A communication system includes a first device and a second device that can advertise multiple capabilities using communication links. A first type of auto-negotiation between the first and second devices is performed using a first communication link between the devices. A second communication link between the devices is used to facilitate a second type of auto-negotiation. For example, the first communication link can include pairs A and B of an IEEE Std. 802.3 four twisted pair cable. The second communication link can include pairs C and D of the cable.

Abstract: Methods and systems for operating a physical layer device (“PHY”) in an Ethernet network include methods and systems for detecting active link partners and for selecting a mode of operation based on detected active link partners, without user intervention. The PHY monitors fiber link media and copper link media for active link partners. The PHY selects a mode of operation according to detected active link partners. For example, a serial gigabit media independent (“SGMII”) mode of operation is selected when an active copper link partner is detected and an active fiber link partner is not detected. Similarly, a serialize/deserialize (“SerDes”) pass-through mode of operation is selected when an active fiber link partner is detected and an active copper link partner is not detected. The PHY interfaces with the active copper link partner when the SGMII mode of operation is selected. Conversely, the PHY interfaces with the active fiber link partner when the SerDes pass-through mode of operation is selected.

Abstract: A communication system includes a first device and a second device that can advertise multiple capabilities using communication links. A first type of auto-negotiation between the first and second devices is performed using a first communication link between the devices. A second communication link between the devices is used to facilitate a second type of auto-negotiation. For example, the first communication link can include pairs A and B of an IEEE Std. 802.3 four twisted pair cable. The second communication link can include pairs C and D of the cable.

Abstract: A communication system includes a link module having a first serial interface for interfacing to a serial link. The link module also including a second serial interface. The system also includes a Media Access Control (MAC) module including a parallel interface. The system also includes a converter module, coupled between the parallel interface and the second serial interface, configured to convert symbols, transferred between the parallel interface and the second serial interface, between a parallel format at the parallel interface and a serial format at the serial interface.

Abstract: Methods and systems for operating a physical layer device (“PHY”) in an Ethernet network include methods and systems for detecting active link partners and for selecting a mode of operation based on detected active link partners. The PHY monitors fiber link media and copper link media for active link partners. The PHY selects a mode of operation according to detected active link partners. For example, a copper mode of operation is selected, preferably through logic circuitry, when an active copper link partner is detected and an active fiber link partner is not detected. Similarly, a fiber mode of operation is selected, preferably through logic circuitry, when an active fiber link partner is detected and an active copper link partner is not detected. The PHY interfaces with the active copper link partner when the copper mode of operation is selected. Similarly, the PHY interfaces with the active fiber link partner when the fiber mode of operation is selected.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating a performance indicator in a high-speed communication system. A plurality of disparate communication status signals with differing formats from a transceiver are combined in a logic module to create a single link quality indicator signal. The link quality indicator signal is used to encode different operational states of the transceiver from fully operational, to marginally operational, to failed. The link quality indicator signal is advantageously employed to drive a LED creating a visual performance indicator.

Abstract: Auto-negotiation with a communication partner includes downgrading a set of advertised communications capabilities, e.g., IEEE 802.3 capabilities, when a link with the communication partners fails to support an advertised communications capability, e.g., wire-speed.

Abstract: A communication system includes a first device and a second device that can advertise multiple capabilities using communication links. A first type of auto-negotiation between the first and second devices is performed using a first communication link between the devices. A second communication link between the devices is used to facilitate a second type of auto-negotiation. For example, the first communication link can include pairs A and B of an IEEE Std. 802.3 four twisted pair cable. The second communication link can include pairs C and D of the cable.

Abstract: A communication system includes a link module having a first serial interface for interfacing to a serial link. The link module also including a second serial interface. The system also includes a Media Access Control (MAC) module including a parallel interface. The system also includes a converter module, coupled between the parallel interface and the second serial interface, configured to convert symbols, transferred between the parallel interface and the second serial interface, between a parallel format at the parallel interface and a serial format at the serial interface.

Abstract: A physical layer device includes a transceiver for communicating with a remote device over a physical channel. A remote energy detection circuit monitors the physical channel. A sequence encoder is connected to a pin of the MAC-PHY interface, and outputs a state of the remote device onto the pin for receipt by a media access controller (MAC) based on information from the remote energy detection circuit. The state of the remote device includes at least the states of NO DEVICE CONNECTED, LINK WITH REMOTE PHY ESTABLISHED, and ENERGY PRESENT BUT DEVICE UNKNOWN.