Nortel Networks Corporation

Keith S Fischer

Kevin G Smith

Corey A Selby

Robert W Smith

Kenrick M Kutzler

Wilson C W Luk

A system is provided for communicating data between a first device and a second device across a communication link. Data is communicated between the first device and the second device across the communication link using a first protocol. Management information is communicated between the first device and the second device across the communication link using a second protocol. The system is capable of determining whether the first device is capable of communicating management information with the second device. If the first device is capable of communicating management information with the second device, then the system enables the communication of management information between the first device and the second device.

Method and apparatus for communicating data and management information

A method and an apparatus for locating a fault within a token ring network are described. The apparatus comprises a number of detectors, each of which is positioned at a location between a pair of neighboring network stations. Each detector maintains an indication of whether beaconing data is detected at the monitored location. After a period of time, a fault identifier, in the form of a Network Management Module (NMM), can identify the location of a network fault by locating successive indications, maintained by successive detectors, which differ from each other.

Method and apparatus for locating and isolating a fault within a token ring network

A method and an apparatus for isolating a communication fault within a token ring network are described. The token ring network includes a number of stations, each of which is configured to generate or repeat beaconing data indicating a network communication fault. The method requires firstly isolating each station of the token ring network in a closed-loop station ring. A location in each of these isolated station rings is then monitored for the transmission of beaconing data indicating a communication fault within the respective station ring. If the transmission of such beaconing data is not detected, the station is reconnected to the token ring network. On the other hand, should the transmission of such beaconing data be detected, the station is maintained within the closed-loop station ring. In this way, faulty stations are isolated from the token ring network.

A method and apparatus for expanding multiple token rings by interconnecting multiple multi-ring hubs. The computer networking hubs of the present invention are operable to support multiple token ring networks. In addition, the networking hubs of the present invention include a cable interface configured to interconnect the multiple token ring networks to a single cable interconnected with a separate hub, which is also configured to support multiple token rings. As a result, multiple token rings are able to be expanded across multiple networking hubs. In one embodiment, the networking hubs of the present invention are further operable to receive signals from remote nodes via a first signal mode. The signals are converted to a second signal mode to be transmitted internally. To transmit the signals to a separate hub, the signals are re-converted to the first signal mode and transmitted to a separate networking hub via the first signal mode. Transmitting between the separate hubs via the first signal mode helps to preserve the signal integrity and decrease the cross-talk between the wires of the cable interconnecting the hubs.

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Sunnyvale, CA, United States of America

Keith S Fischer