Cisco Technology, Inc.

Robert D Hastings

Robert Gregory Twiss

Gordon Mackay

Gopakumar Parameswaran

Mark Covaro

Santanu Sinha

Gregory Lee DeJager

Van Van Nguyen

John K Chen

D'Miles E Salmon

John R Rossum

A repeater, useable for connecting switches in a data communication network, is provided in a distributed and/or modular fashion. The repeater includes a plurality of separate and distinct components or modules connected to or at least partially housed in, the various switches which the repeater modules couple. Preferably, the repeater autodetects and/or autoconfigures some or all aspects of repeater operations, such as detecting and/or configuring in response to appropriate or approved cable-type connections. A conductive, sealing member on a cable connector substantially reduces or eliminates EMI.

Cable detect and EMI reduction apparatus and method

A repeater, useable for connecting switches in a data communication network, is provided in a distributed and/or modular fashion. The repeater includes a plurality of separate and distinct components or modules connected to or at least partially housed in, the various switches which the repeater modules couple. The distributed and/or modular repeater facilitates accommodating various switching or repeater needs as a network grows or contracts. A light pipe, preferably integral with a module case, conveys indicator lights to a position visible when viewing a switch front panel. A heat spreader unit receives and/or conveys heat and/or protects against undue EMI. A collision-handling state machine transmits modified collision fragments so as to avoid reduction in interpacket gaps, e.g. by downstream repeater modules.

Distributed network repeater module and method

A light pipe for transmitting LED-emitted light from a printed circuit board through an opening in a panel. The light pipe has a first light-transmitting member with a first end for emitting light, a second end connected to a connecting portion for attaching the light pipe to the printed circuit board, and an outer surface. A groove in the outer surface and clip members are used in various combinations to removably fasten the light pipe to the panel. The groove and clip members permit easy insertion and removal of the light pipe. Alternative embodiments include a plurality of light-transmitting members aligned in various configurations.

Light pipe

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Fremont, CA, United States of America

Robert D Hastings