10/100 MBPS automatic protocol selection mechanism for LAN network

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1.

Field of the Invention

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0001The invention relates generally to a method and mechanism for selecting a network protocol, and more particularly to a method and mechanism for detecting network limitations and selecting an appropriate protocol.

2.

Description of Related Art

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0002Recent advancements in the art of data communications have provided great strides in resource sharing amongst computer systems through the use of networks which offer reliable high-speed data channels. Networks allow versatility by defining a common standard for communication so that information according to as standard protocol may be exchanged across user applications. As the popularity of networks increase so does the demand for performance. More sophisticated protocols are being establ ished to meet this demand and are utilizing existing twisted pair wires in office bui Idings so that many users have access to shared resources at minimal expense.

0003As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, communication networks and their operations can be described according to the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) model which includes seven layers including an application. presentation, session, transport, network, link, and physical layer. The OSI model was developed by the International Organisation for Standardization (ISO) and is described in "<nplcit id="ncit0001" npl-type="b"><text>The Basics Book of OSI and Network Management" by Motorola Codex from Addison-Wesley Publishing Company, Inc., 1993 (First Printing September 1992</text></nplcit>).

0004Each layer of the OSI model performs a specific data communications task, a service to and for the layer that precedes it (e.g., the network layer provides a service for the transport layer). The process can be likened to placing a letter in a series of envelopes before it is sent through the postal system. Each succeeding envelope adds another layer of processing or overhead information necessary to process the transaction. Together, all the envelopes help make sure the letter gets to the right address and that the message received is identical to the message sent. Once the entire package is received at its destination, the envelopes are opened one by one until the letter itself emerges exactly as written.

0005In a data communication transaction, however, each end user is unaware of the envelopes, which perform their functions transparently. For example, an automatic bank teller transaction can be tracked through the multi-layer OSI system. One multiple layer system (Open System A) provides an application layer that is an interface to a person attempting a transaction, while the other multiple layer system (Open System B) provides an application layer that interfaces with applications software in a bank's host computer. The corresponding layers in Open Systems A and B are called peer layers and communicate through peer protocols. These peer protocols provide communication support for a user's application, performing transaction related tasks such as debiting an account, dispensing currency, or crediting an account.

0006Actual data flow between the two open systems (Open System A and Open System B), however, is from top to bottorn in one open system (Open System A, the source), across the communications line, and then from bottom to top in the other open system (Open System B, the destination). Each time that user application data passes downward from one layer to the next layer in the same system more processing information is added. When that information is removed and processed by the peer layer in the other system, it causes various tasks (error correction, flow control, etc.) to be performed.

0007The ISO has specifically defined all seven layers, which are summarized below in the order in which the data actually flows as they leave the source: <ul id="ul0001" list-style="none" compact="compact"><li>Layer 7, the application layer, provides for a user application (such as getting money from an automatic bank teller machine) to interface with the OSI application layer. That OSI application layer has a corresponding peer layer in the other open system, the bank's host computer.</li><li>Layer 6, the presentation layer, makes sure the user information (a request for $50 in cash to be debited from your checking account) is in a format (i.e., syntax or sequence of ones and zeros) the destination open system can understand.</li><li>Layer 5, the session layer, provides synchronization control of data between the open systems (i.e., makes sure the bit configurations that pass through layer 5 at the source are the same as those that pass through layer 5 at the destination).</li><li>Layer 4, the transport layer, ensures that an end-to-end connection has been established between the two open systems and is often reliable (i.e., layer 4 at the destination confirms the request for a connection, so to speak, that it has received from layer 4 at the source).</li><li>Layer 3, the network layer, provides routing and relaying of data through the network (among other things, at layer 3 on the outbound side an address gets placed on the envelope which is then read by layer 3 at the destination).</li><li>Layer 2, the data link layer, includes flow control of data as messages pass down through this layer in one open sys tem and up through the peer layer in the other open system.</li><li>Layer 1, the physical interface layer, includes the ways in which data communications equipment is connected mechanically and electrically, and the means by which the data moves across those physical connections from layer 1 at the source to layer 1 at the destination.</li></ul>

0008The primary standard for Local and Metropolitan Area Network technologies is governed by IEEE Std. 802.

0009IEEE Std. 802 describes the relationship among the family of 802 standards and their relationship to the ISO OSI Basic Reference Model. Generally, IEEE Std. 802 prescribes the functional, electrical and mechanical protocols, and the physical and data link layers for Local and Metropolitan Area Networks (LAN/MAN). The specification augments network principles, conforming to the ISO seven-layer model for OSI, commonly referred to as "Ethernet". In the hierarchy of the seven-layer model, the lowest layers, the so-called physical and data link layers, comprise functional modules that specify the physical transmission media and the way network nodes interface to it, the mechanics of transmitting information over the media in an error-free manner, and the format the information must take in order to be transmitted.

0010While there are several LAN technologies in use today, Ethernet is by far the most popular. The Ethernet standards include protocols for a 10 Mbps baseband transmissions typically referred to as 10Base-X. Computers equipped with a 10Base-X Ethernet interface attachments may link to other computers over an Ethernet LAN. These Ethernet LAN's provide fast and reliable data transmission networks. Nevertheless, the need for faster data transmission has led to the development of faster standards. One such standard includes the Fast Ethernet standards typically referred to as 100Base-X. The 100Base-X standards generally follow the 10Base-X standards except that the baseband data transmission rate increases from 10 Mbps to 100 Mbps. The 100Base-X standard, however, retains the original CSMA/CD medium access control mechanism.

0011The 100Base-X standards include the 100Base-T standard for interconnecting devices over an ordinary twisted pair telephone cable. The 1 00Base-T standard is popular for providing an inexpensive LAN in many modem offices.

0012The 100Base-X Fast Ethernet standards also include mechanisms for Auto-Negotiation of the media speed. As the 100 Mbps standard becomes more widely adopted, computers are being equipped with Ethernet interfaces that operate at both 10 Mbps and 100 Mbps. The Auto-Negotiation function is an optional part of the Ethernet standard that allows the devices to exchange information about their abilities. This, in turn, allows the devices to perform automatic configuration to select a common communication mode over the link. Generally, Auto-Negotiation provides automatic speed matching for multi-speed devices on a LAN. Multi-speed Ethernet interfaces can then take advantage of the highest speed offered on the LAN.

0013During the speed setup phase, Auto-Negotiation exchanges information about devices on the communication link. This information is exchanged via link pulses at 10 Mbps. Devices capable of communicating at 100 Mbps may advertise their ability by sending a packet of data at 10 Mbps typically referred to as fast link pulses. Where all devices on the communication link advertise this ability, the link will be established at 100 Mbps using a 100Base-X protocol.

0014After establishing an Ethernet connection, network devices typically transmit Manchester-encoded baseband serial data. The devices package the data into frames sometimes referred to as a packet. Each Ethernet packet typically includes a preamble (62 bits long), a start of frame delimiter (2 bits long), a destination address (6 bytes long), a source address (6 bytes long), a type field address (2 bytes long), a data field (46 to 1.5K bytes long), and a frame check sequence (4 bytes long).

0015These packets are physically sent over a network which interconnects devices. The IEEE 802.3.1.4. standard defines the physical characteristics for such cabling in a number of categories. Category 3. for example, as defined at 802.3. defines a twisted pair having transmission characteristics specified up to 16 MHz. Category 5 likewise defines a twisted pair having transmission characteristics specified up to 100 MHz.

00161 00Base-T devices interconnected by a category 3 cable, will begin to setup a communication link through Auto-Negotiation. The devices will advertise their 100 Mbps capabilities via fast link pulses at 10 Mbps. The Auto-negotiation may then establish a 100Base-T communication link at 100 Mbps. As mentioned above, the Category 3 cable only includes transmission characteristics up to 16 MHz. Consequently, the established 100Base-TX communication link may or may not function reliably. Specifically, where the interconnecting category 3 cable exceeds the IEEE Std. 802.3 requirements so that its transmissions characteristics extend to 100 MHz, the cable may support the 100Base-TX communication link. Where, however, the interconnecting category 3 cable's transmission characteristics do not extend to 100 MHz, the communication link will function sporadically or not at all.

0017By carefully determining the transmission characteristics of all network elements, a network administrator may avoid connecting 100 Mbps devices with lower frequency cable. This may involve rewiring an entire building to provide suitable cable for the 100 Mbps devices. Alternatively, the system administrator may manually force devices connected by a category 3 cable to communicate using 10Base-T at 10 Mbps. Typically, network devices include dip switches or other setting mechanism for selecting a protocol. Either of the above options effectively allow the system administrator to avoid the mismatched cable problem. Both, however, require that the system administrator carefully monitor the device characteristics of all network elements. This monitoring costs the system administrator significant amounts of time and requires expensive testing instruments, especially where the cable types cannot be readily determined.

0018For example in many office LANs, the interconnecting cables are hidden from view. Usually the cables do not bear an indication of their particular type. The cables may have been installed years ago to support a particular network. As devices on the network are upgraded, a system administrator may seek to increase the bit-rate of the network. The system administrator must then ensure that the installed cables are capable of supporting the increased bit-rate. To make this determination, the system administrator must apply a high-frequency signal to the network and measure the received signal at other points on the network. The system administrator might simply use two network devices sending and receiving test signals at different bit rates to determine the frequency response. Alternately, the system administrator might use a signal generator and an oscilloscope to measure the network's frequency response. In any case, the system administrator must spend a significant amount of time and use sophisticated tools to determine the maximum network bit rate.

0019In some cases, the system administrator may not he aware of the potential for the interconnecting conflict. Such a system administrator may unknowingly install 100Base-T devices on a category 3 cable network only to find that the upgraded network is completely non-functional. The system administrator may then spend a significant amount of time troubleshooting.

0020<patcit id="pcit0001" dnum="US5491687A"><text>U.S. Patent No. 5,491,687</text></patcit> describes a method and system in a local area network (LAN) switch for dynamically changing operating modes. In a LAN switch, a first mode of operation is selected wherein frames are examined for errors as the frames arc passed from a source port to a destination port. The LAN switch calculates an error rate as a function of a percentage of the frames passing through the LAN switch which have errors. In response to the error rate exceeding a high error rate threshold, the operating mode is switched to a second mode wherein the entire frame is buffered and examined for errors before the frame is passed from the source port to the destination port. Thereafter, the operating mode may be returned to the first mode if the error rate falls below a low error rate threshold. The LAN switch may also change operating modes as a function of a tread, which indicates a rate of increase or decrease of the error rate.

0021<patcit id="pcit0002" dnum="WO9729573A"><text>PCT WO 97/29573</text></patcit> describes a network repeater (300) having automatic speed switching capability. The repeater includes a first repeater logic means (306) for connecting devices operating at the first rate to a first backplane (310), a second repeater logic means (308) for connecting devices operating at the second rate to a second backplane (312), and a port switching fabric (304), coupled to the first and second repeater logic means, for determining the transmission rate of a signal at a port (302) and routing the signal to one of the repeater logic according to the transmission rate determination. The repeater includes a serial controller for accessing international management counters, LEDs for providing status information about the repeater, and a media access controller for controlling functions including the transmission, loopback and reception of Ethernet frames.

0022<patcit id="pcit0003" dnum="US5541957A"><text>U.S. Patent No. 5,541,957</text></patcit> describes a data-transmitting apparatus containing first and second transmitters, a transmit transformer, and a connecting unit for coupling the transformer to an outgoing twisted-pair cable. The first transmitter filters data to produce outgoing data transmitted to the transformer at a first data rate. The second transmitter transmits outgoing data to the transformer at a different, typically greater, second data rate. A data-receiving apparatus contains first and second receivers, a receive transformer, and a connecting unit for coupling an incoming twisted-pair cable to the receive transformer. The first and second receivers receive incoming data from the secondary winding respectively at the first and second data rates. Incoming data is typically provided along data transfer paths that extend from the receive transformer in a daisy chain manner to the receivers. Data moving at either data rate can be transmitted and received without the need for hot switching in the data paths. Optical cables, including an optical transceiver, can be used with, or in place of, the twisted-pair cables.

0023<patcit id="pcit0004" dnum="US4710925A"><text>US 4,710,925</text></patcit> describes a method for determining a suitable transmission rate for a facsimile communication system prior to the transmission of data. The pre-transmission procedure for determining the transmission rate generally includes transmitting a test signal (TCF signal) consisting of zeros (0) to a receiver. The receiver counts the number of non-zeros (non-0), equalling the number of errors in the TCF signal, in the received test signal and determines if the number of errors exceed a maximum allowable error rate. If the number of errors exceeds the maximum allowable error rate, the transmission rate is decreased and subsequently real data is transmitted using the decreased transmission rate.

0024Crayford I: ""<nplcit id="ncit0002" npl-type="s"><text>Fast Ethernet" gets plug-and-play', WESCON/95 Conference record (CAT. NO. 95CH35791), IEEE New York, NY, USA, 7 November 1995 (1995-11-07), pages 354 - 359, ISBN: 0-7803-2636-9</text></nplcit> discloses a method and system for auto-negotiation in an Ethernet network comprising 10Mbps and 100Mbps network devices. It is disclosed that the network device must transmit a special pulse train to identify itself after power up, the device must recognize similar pulse trains from other devices (e.g. a link partner) and if a device recognizes a link partner having compatible operating modes, the optimal mode is selected and both devices move to their operational state.

0025<u>100Base-T4 Transceiver Simplifies Adapter, Repeater, and Switch Designs' Electronic Design</u> introduced Cypress's 100Base-T4 transceivers and repeaters and briefly introduced the auto-negotiation feature in handling both full and half duplex transmission at 10 Mbit/s and 100 Mbit/s.

0026To avoid these problems, network devices should provide a method and mechanism to sense whether the interconnecting cable is capable of supporting the fastest common protocol rate. Where the cable is not, the network devices should back down to the fastest protocol which the cable will reliably support. The method and mechanism must be cheaply and easily implemented. Moreover, the network devices should provide a mechanism to notify the system administrator of the communication rate. Where the interconnecting cable limits the rate, the network devices should also notify the system administrator of this condition.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

0027To overcome the problems associated with the prior art described above, and to overcome other limitations that will become apparent upon reading and understanding the present specification, the present invention discloses an automatic protocol selection mechanism according to independent claims 1 and 28. Preferred embodiments are described in dependent claims.

0028The present invention solves the above-described problems by providing a receiver for receiving data, a port coupled to a driver and to the receiver for communicating on a network, negotiation logic coupled to the driver and receiver for selecting a first protocol, error detection logic coupled to the port for detecting an error count, and a protocol controller coupled to the negotiation logic and to the error detection logic wherein the error count triggers the protocol controller to cause a second protocol.

0029The present invention further includes repeater logic coupled to the receiver and to the transmitter wherein the repeater logic causes a driver to transmit a copy of the data received by the receiver.

0030One aspect of the present invention includes an indicator for displaying a cable rate limitation. An active protocol may be displayed also.

0031These and various other advantages and features of novelty which characterize the invention are pointed out in the claims annexed hereto and forming a part hereof. However, for better understanding of the invention, its advantages, and the objects obtained by its use, reference should be made to the drawings which form a further part hereof, and to accompanying descriptive matter, in which there is illustrated and described specific examples of an apparatus in accordance with the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

0032Referring now to the drawings in which like reference numbers represent corresponding parts throughout: <ul id="ul0002" list-style="none" compact="compact"><li><figref idref="f0001">Fig. 1</figref> is a system diagram of a computer network illustrating the use of an automatic protocol selection mechanism according to the present invention;</li><li><figref idref="f0002">Fig. 2</figref> is a graph of a portion of a packet of 100Base-T data received over a category 5 cable;</li><li><figref idref="f0002">Fig. 3</figref> is a graph of a portion of packet of 100Base-T data received over a category 3 cable;</li><li><figref idref="f0003">Fig. 4</figref> is a block diagram of one fallback mechanism according to the present invention;</li><li><figref idref="f0003">Fig. 5</figref> is a block diagram of an example of a fallback mechanism;</li><li><figref idref="f0004">Fig. 6</figref> is a flow chart illustrating a method for automatically selecting a protocol according to the present invention.</li></ul>

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

0033In the following description of the exemplary embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. Other embodiments may be utilized and structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

0034The present invention provides an automatic protocol selection mechanism for use on computer networks. The automatic protocol selection mechanism works to detect the fastest protocol which may be supported by a communication link on a computer network.

0035<figref idref="f0001">Fig. 1</figref> illustrates a computer network 10 interconnecting a plurality of network devices. The network devices include a repeater hub 40 which acts as a central station to interconnect the other network devices. In addition, the computer network 10 includes a 10Base network computer 24 and 100Base network computers 20,22,26 and 28. These network computers connect to the repeater hub 40 via the category 3 type cable links 34,36 and 38, and the category 5 type cable links 30,32 and 39. In addition, the computer network 10 includes a repeater 42 to connect the 100Base network computer 28 over a long distance to the central repeater hub 40.

0036The repeater hub 40 includes Auto-negotiation and 100Base communication capabilities. Consequently. the repeater hub will Auto-negotiate with the 1 00Base network computers 20,22,26 and 28 over the category 5 type cable links 30 and 32 to select the 100Base communication protocol.

0037As mentioned above, the IEEE 802.3 standard details the Auto-negotiation protocol to include fast link pulses which are sent by the network devices to indicate 100Base capabilities. These fastlink pulses are sent at a rate of 10 Mbps. After selecting the 100Base protocol using 10 Mbps pulses, the 100Base network computers communicate over the category 5 type cable links 30 and 32 at 100 Mbps. Where the physical configuration conforms to the IEEE 802.3 standard, those skilled in the art will appreciate that these network links provide for fast and reliable communication.

0038As with the 100Base network computers, the 10Base network computers also communicate with the repeater hub 40 to establish a communication protocol. Here, the 10Base network computer 24 sends out link pulses at 10 Mbps indicating a 10Base capability. Consequently, the repeater hub 40 selects a 10Base protocol for communicating with the 10Base network computer 24. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, although this network link does not provide the speed associated with the 100Base link, it does provide relatively fast and reliable communication.

0039The 100Base network computer 26 connects to the repeater hub 40 over the category 3 type cable link 36. The communication protocol begins by both the repeater hub 40 and the 100Base network computer 26 advertising their 100Base capabilities using fastlink pulses. Again, these fastlink pulses are transmitted at 10 Mbps over the category 3 type cable link 36 which has transmission capabilities up to 16 Mbps. Consequently, the Auto-negotiation successfully selects a 100Base-T protocol.

0040The network devices then begin transmitting information using the 100Base-T protocol. However, because the category 3 type cable may not provide effective transmission for this protocol, the received data may be corrupted. Where the 100Base network computer 26 is constructed in accordance with the present invention, the network computer 26 automatically detects errors in the transmitted or received data packets. The network computer 26 monitors these detected errors. When the total number of errors or the error rate or other measure of erroneous transmission or reception exceeds a threshold level, the network computer disconnects the link. The network computer 26 and the repeater hub 40 then renegotiate the link protocol. As a result of the detected errors, the network computer does not advertise its 100Base capability so that the link will be established using 10Base or other more reliable protocol. Likewise, the repeater hub 40 may automatically detect errors in transmitted or received data packets, to renegotiate a more reliable protocol.

0041The 100Base network computer 28 connects to the repeater hub 40 via the category 5 type cable link 39, the repeater 42, and the type 3 cable link 38. The repeater 42 and the 100Base network computer 28 both include 100Base capabilities. Consequently, the repeater 42 and the 100Base network computer 28 may Auto-negotiate for a 100Base link protocol. Likewise, the repeater 42 and the repeater hub 40 may also Auto-negotiate for a 100Base link protocol. Where, however, the repeater hub 40 transmits or receives data to the 1 00Base network computer 28, using the 100Base communication protocol, the data may become corrupted by the type 3 cable link 38. The repeater hub 40 and the repeater 42 automatically detect the errors resulting from the computed data. The repeater 42 and the repeater hub 40 automatically disconnect the link to renegotiate a lower rate communication protocol which may be supported over the type 3 cable link 38.

0042As mentioned above, the IEEE 802.3 standard includes a specification for the physical layer of a communication link. More specifically, this defines the electrical signal for a packet of data which includes a preamble, a starter frame delimiter, a destination address, a source address, a typed field address, a data field, and a frame check sequence.

0043Generally, the preamble is a sequence of 56 bits having alternating 1 and 0 values that are used for synchronization. The start frame delimiter defines a sequence of 8 bits also alternating between 1 and 0 values but ending in a bit configuration of "1 1". The ending "1 1" bits indicate the end of the synchronization bits and the beginning of the medium access control data. The destination address indicates the address of the network device for which the following data is intended. The source address indicates the address of the transmitting device. The type field address indicates the length of the data which follows. The data field includes the physical signal for transmitting the data from the source to the destination. Finally, the frame check sequence is a cyclical redundancy check used for error detection. A transmitting network device performs a specific calculation on the data packet as described in IEEE 802.3. The source transmits the resulting 32 bit value as the last portion of a packet. The destination device then receives the packet and calculates the frame check sequence also in accordance with the IEEE 802.3 standard. Where the calculated value does not match the received value, the destination device assumes that a transmission error has occurred.

0044<figref idref="f0002">Fig. 2</figref> shows portions of data packets. The figure includes a portion of the preamble signal 80 received from a 100Base device over a category 5 type cable link. As shown, the received preamble signal 80 generally retains a square wave shape. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, this preamble uses a Manchester encoded sequence of 1's and 0's to begin synchronization of the data transmission. The signal shown in <figref idref="f0002">Figure 2</figref> further includes a portion of the data signal 82. The data signal 82 may transmit many different combinations of 1's and 0's, unlike the preamble which transmits a sequence of alternating 1's and 0's. Finally, <figref idref="f0002">Fig. 2</figref> includes a portion of the frame check signal 84. Again, this portion of the packet, provides an error checking mechanism to ensure that the signal transmitted over a communication link has not been corrupted. The receiving device then compares the actual received frame check sequence signal to the expected frame check sequence signal to verify that the packet was properly received and not corrupted in communication over the network link.

0045<figref idref="f0002">Fig. 3</figref> shows portions of a packet transmitted over a corrupting communication link such as occurs by sending 100Base data over a category 3 type cable. The voltage level of the preamble signal 90 has been significantly reduced. In addition, the preamble signal 90 has been filtered to remove the sharp corners of the transmitted square wave signal. Likewise, the data signal 92 has been corrupted by the communication link so that the higher frequency portions of the data signal have been effectively filtered out. As shown by the data signal 92. the higher frequency portions of the transmitted data signal have been significantly rounded and their amplitude significantly reduced so that many of the 0's may be detected as 1's and vice versa. The frame check sequence signal 94, as shown, has not been corrupted in the same way as the preamble signal or the data signal 92. However, due to previous errors in the received packet, the frame check sequence may not properly correspond to the expected frame check sequence as calculated by the receiving device based on the received packet.

0046In accordance with the present invention, the receiving device may use these and other errors to determine that the interconnecting cable does not provide a reliable means for communicating at the selected protocol rate. As a result, the network device will cause a renegotiation of the protocol to a protocol which may be supported over the communication link.

0047Turning now to <figref idref="f0003">Fig. 4</figref>, the block diagram of one automatic protocol mechanism used by the network devices of <figref idref="f0001">Fig. 1</figref> is shown. The automatic protocol selection mechanism of <figref idref="f0003">Fig. 4</figref>, includes a port 100 for connecting to a network link. The port 100 in turn couples to the driver 110 and the receiver 112. The driver 110 is used by the protocol selection mechanism to transmit data through the port 100 onto the network link. Likewise, the receiver 112 accepts data through the network port 100 for the protocol selection mechanism. Both the driver 110 and the receiver 112 connect to the controller 120.

0048The controller 120 includes negotiation logic 122. The negotiation logic is used to select a protocol for transmitting data over a network link. The negotiation logic may include logic for Auto-negotiations so that the network device may select a 100Base protocol in accordance with the IEEE 802.3 standard. In addition, the controller 120 includes an error detection logic portion 124. The error detection logic portion 124 monitors transmitted and received data for errors. As mentioned above, the error detection may include error detection for substandard voltage amplituded, missing carrier signal, such as the clock, or erroneous frame check sequence, or other error indications. The error detection logic 124 further includes error logic which determines when the number of errors received or transmitted exceed a threshold which indicates that the communication link is probably the cause of the errors. Alternatively, the error detection logic may indicate that the rate of errors exceed a threshold level which again indicates an interconnecting cable limitation. In making this determination, the error detection logic uses an error count which may include any of the error count factors discussed above or other measures of erroneous transmission.

0049The controller 120 further includes a protocol controller 126 operationally coupled to the error detection logic 124. The protocol controller upon receiving an indication that the error rate detection has exceeded a threshold, causes the renegotiation logic 122 to renegotiate a protocol. The negotiation logic 122 then begins renegotiation and excludes the first selected protocol. Consequently, the network device implementing the protocol logic shown in <figref idref="f0003">Fig. 4</figref>, will automatically select a second protocol which may be supported over the communication link.

0050The network device of <figref idref="f0003">Fig. 4</figref> further includes logic inside of the controller 120 which includes repeater logic 128. The repeater logic is operationally coupled to a second port 102 through driver 114 and receiver 116. The additional port 102, driver 110, receiver 112 and repeater logic 128 allows the device to be used in this configuration as network repeater hub. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the network device may further include a plurality of additional ports to interconnect to other devices. In addition, the controller 120 is operationally connected to protocol indicator 130 and cable indicator 132. The controller 120 causes the protocol indicator 130 to display an indication of the selected protocol. In addition, the controller 120 uses the cable indicator 132 to indicate that the error detection logic has caused a renegotiation of a network protocol as a result of an expected cable rate limitation.

0051Turning now to <figref idref="f0003">Fig. 5</figref> wherein an example is shown. The device of <figref idref="f0003">Fig. 5</figref> includes a port 140 for connecting to a network. The port is operationally coupled to controller 150. The controller 150 generally controls the operational functions relating to network communication. For example, the controller 150 formats data for the transmit signal and receives incoming signals and may perform related actions.

0052More specifically, the controller 150 includes a negotiation controller 152, detection logic 154, and rate controller 156. The negotiation controller 152 provides the functionality described in IEEE 802.3 for negotiating a network link protocol with another network device. More specifically, the negotiation logic 152 may include Auto-negotiation logic for selecting a protocol with another network device. This negotiation logic selects the highest rate protocol which the network devices are capable of supporting. The detector logic 154 is operationally coupled to the negotiation controller 152. The detector logic 154 is also operationally coupled to the port 140. The detector logic 154 performs error detections as described above, in accordance with the IEEE 802.3 standard. These error detections may include carrier detect, check sum detect, character valid detect, and other error detections. The detector logic 154 then operationally couples to a rate controller 156. The rate controller 156 monitors the error detection status to determine when the error count has exceeded a threshold level to cause the negotiation controller 152 to renegotiate a network protocol.

0053In addition the controller 150 operationally couples to protocol indicator 160 and cable indicator 162. The protocol indicator 160 may indicate the selected network protocol. Likewise, the cable indicator may indicate that the error detection functionality has caused the controller 150 to renegotiate the protocol to a lower rate network protocol.

0054<figref idref="f0004">Fig. 6</figref> illustrates one embodiment of a flowchart for the negotiation and error detection functionalities. The operation begins at start block 200. Here, a network device is powered up and first connected to a network. The network device then begins negotiating with other network devices at block 210. The devices select the best protocol having the highest transmission rate. After selecting a protocol, the device moves to block 220 where the network devices may interexchange data. While exchanging data. the device detects an error count at block 230. The error count may include a count of the number of errors detected or may include a number representing the error rate or other counts related to the errors resulting from the data transmissions. The error count is then used at a decision block 240 to compare the error count to the threshold. Where the error count is less than the threshold value the device returns to block 220 to exchange more data. Where however, the error count is greater than the threshold level the device proceeds to block 250 where it renegotiates a second protocol. At block 250, the device selects a new protocol which typically has a lower bit- rate and which may be supported over the network link. After renegotiating the protocol, the device then returns to exchange block 220 where it may again exchange data with other network devices.

0055The above specification, examples and data provide a complete description of the manufacture and use of the composition of the invention. Since many embodiments of the invention can be made without departing from the scope of the invention, the invention resides in the claims hereinafter appended.