text:
Patent US20030067884 - Dynamic detection of LAN network protocol - Google PatentsSearch Images Maps Play YouTube News Gmail Drive More »Sign inPatentsA method and apparatus for multi-protocol LAN support, which is applicable to Ethernet, Token-Ring, and Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) protocols. The LAN support is located at a workstation and provides for automatic determination of the LAN protocol type and speed. A common adapter card is provided...http://www.google.com/patents/US20030067884?utm_source=gb-gplus-sharePatent US20030067884 - Dynamic detection of LAN network protocolAdvanced Patent SearchTry the new Google Patents, with machine-classified Google Scholar results, and Japanese and South Korean patents.Publication numberUS20030067884 A1Publication typeApplicationApplication numberUS 10/293,607Publication dateApr 10, 2003Filing dateNov 13, 2002Priority dateNov 21, 1997Also published asUS6504851, US6928086Publication number10293607, 293607, US 2003/0067884 A1, US 2003/067884 A1, US 20030067884 A1, US 20030067884A1, US 2003067884 A1, US 2003067884A1, US-A1-20030067884, US-A1-2003067884, US2003/0067884A1, US2003/067884A1, US20030067884 A1, US20030067884A1, US2003067884 A1, US2003067884A1InventorsJoseph Abler, Francis Noel, Lorrie TomekOriginal AssigneeAbler Joseph Michael, Noel Francis Edward, Tomek Lorrie A.Export CitationBiBTeX, EndNote, RefManPatent Citations (9), Referenced by (124), Classifications (13), Legal Events (5) External Links: USPTO, USPTO Assignment, EspacenetDynamic detection of LAN network protocol
US 20030067884 A1Abstract
A method and apparatus for multi-protocol LAN support, which is applicable to Ethernet, Token-Ring, and Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) protocols. The LAN support is located at a workstation and provides for automatic determination of the LAN protocol type and speed. A common adapter card is provided for use in the workstation to interface the workstation to any of the LANs of interest. A four-step sequential process is taught for determining the protocol type and speed. Images(9) Claims(28)
What is claimed is: 1. A network interface card for interfacing between a processor system and one of a plurality of local area network (LAN) types and LAN speeds, wherein said network interface card comprises: means for automatically determining the LAN type and LAN speed of a LAN to which said network interface card is connected. 2. The network interface card of claim 1, wherein the determined LAN type and LAN speed is automatically selected for subsequent support of data transmission to and from said LAN to which said network interface card is connected. 3. The network interface card of claim 1, wherein said plurality of LAN types and LAN speeds are comprised of one or more of the following: Ethernet operating at either 10 or 100 MHz rates, Token-Ring operating at either 4 or 16 MHz rates, and Asynchronous Transfer Mode operating at either 25.6 or 155 MHz rates. 4. The network interface card of claim 1, wherein said plurality of LAN types and LAN speeds are comprised of one or more of the following: Ethernet using RJ-45 connector contacts 1 and 2 for transmitting frames to a network and RJ-45 connector contacts 3 and 6 for receiving frames from a network, Token-Ring using RJ-45 connector contacts 3 and 6 for transmitting frames to a network and RJ-45 connector contacts 4 and 5 for receiving frames from a network, and Asynchronous Transfer Mode using RJ-45 connector contacts 1 and 2 for transmitting frames to a network and RJ-45 connector contacts 7 and 8 for receiving frames from a network. 5. The network interface card of claim 1, wherein said means for automatically determining the LAN type and LAN speed is performed on a non-disruptive basis that does not affect the operation of the LAN. 6. A network interface card for interfacing between a processor system and one of a plurality of local area network (LAN) types and LAN speeds, wherein said network interface card comprises: means for automatically determining the LAN type and the LAN speed of a LAN to which said network interface card is connected; means for multi-protocol LAN support; and means for automatically adapting the LAN support required for data transmission to conform to a network protocol provided by the LAN type and the LAN speed. 7. The network interface card of claim 6, wherein said plurality of LAN types and LAN speeds are comprised of one or more of the following: Ethernet operating at either 10 or 100 MHz rates, Token-Ring operating at either 4 or 16 MHz rates, and Asynchronous Transfer Mode operating at either 25.6 or 155 MHz rates. 8. The network interface card of claim 6, wherein said plurality of LAN types and LAN speeds are comprised of one or more of the following: Ethernet using RJ-45 connector contacts 1 and 2 for transmitting frames to a network and RJ-45 connector contacts 3 and 6 for receiving frames from a network, Token-Ring using RJ-45 connector contacts 3 and 6 for transmitting frames to a network and RJ-45 connector contacts 4 and 5 for receiving frames from a network, and Asynchronous Transfer Mode using RJ-45 connector contacts 1 and 2 for transmitting frames to a network and RJ-45 connector contacts 7 and 8 for receiving frames from a network. 9. The network interface card of claim 6, wherein said means for automatically determining the LAN type and the LAN speed is performed on a non-disruptive basis that does not affect the operation of the LAN. 10. A network interface card for interfacing between a processor system and one of a plurality of local area network (“LAN”) types and LAN speeds, wherein said network interface card comprises: a plurality of network support functions; and means for determining which said network support functions are selected based on a LAN type and a LAN speed of one of the plurality of LAN types and LAN speeds to which the network interface card is connected. 11. The network interface card of claim 10, wherein each network support function comprises: hardware required to interface with said one of the plurality of LAN types and LAN speeds to which the network interface card is connected. 12. The network interface card of claim 10, further comprising a pico-processor means for providing programmable support or state machine for said selected network support functions based on the LAN type and the LAN speed of said one of the plurality of LAN types and LAN speeds to which the network interface card is connected. 13. A network interface card for interfacing between a processor system and one of a plurality of local area network (“LAN”) types and LAN speeds, comprising: a programmable processor or state machine for supporting a plurality of network protocols; and means for determining which one of the plurality of network protocols to select and support based on the LAN type and the LAN speed of said one of the plurality of LAN types and LAN speeds to which the network interface card is connected. 14. A network interface card for interfacing between a processor system and one of a plurality of local area network (“LAN”) types and LAN speeds, comprising: means for interfacing said processor system to said network interface card, comprising a processor bus, a bus connector, and bus master interface for moving data to and from said processor system; a network interfacing means for each of said plurality of LAN types and LAN speeds, the network interfacing means comprising a network protocol and a data transfer format, wherein data is formatted as frames for transfer over said LAN; a protocol selection means for automatically determining the LAN type and the LAN speed of the LAN to which said network interface card is connected; an intermediate data storage means for speed matching of said processor bus to said LAN for the transfer of data frames in either direction between said processor system and said LAN; a data flow management means for managing the data flow between said processor system and said intermediate data storage means; a status and control means for enabling said processor system to detect a status and to control said network interface card; a pico-processor or state machine means for providing programmable support for said network protocol to be supported based on the type and speed of said one of a plurality of LAN types and LAN speeds to which the LAN is connected; a plurality of media access control means, each providing means for adapting and controlling the network protocols for one of said plurality of LAN types; and a physical connection means for connecting said network interface card to said one of a plurality of LAN types, the physical connection means comprising a line driver and receiver and network connector to interface to said network. 15. The network interface card of claim 14, wherein said plurality of LAN types and LAN speeds are comprised of one or more of the following: Ethernet operating at either 10 or 100 MHz rates, Token-Ring operating at either 4 or 16 MHz rates, and Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) operating at either 25.6 or 155 MHz rates. 16. The network interface card of claim 14, wherein said plurality of LAN types and LAN speeds are comprised of one or more of the following: Ethernet using RJ-45 connector contacts 1 and 2 for transmitting frames to a network and RJ-45 connector contacts 3 and 6 for receiving frames from a network, Token-Ring using RJ-45 connector contacts 3 and 6 for transmitting frames to a network and RJ-45 connector contacts 4 and 5 for receiving frames from a network, and Asynchronous Transfer Mode using RJ-45 connector contacts 1 and 2 for transmitting frames to a network and RJ-45 connector contacts 7 and 8 for receiving frames from a network. 17. The network interface card of claim 14, wherein the protocol selection means further comprises an ordered sequence of steps for determining the LAN type and the LAN speed comprising: an Ethernet protocol detection means for detecting data frames from said LAN to said network interface card; an Ethernet speed detection means for detecting either 10 or 100 MHz data transfer rates for transferring said data frames; an Ethernet not-found detection means for detecting that the LAN to which said network interface card is connected is not Ethernet; a Token-Ring protocol detection means for transmitting data frames to said LAN from said network interface card and detecting the return of same data frames from said LAN to said network interface card; a Token-Ring speed detection means for detecting either 4 or 16 MHz data transfer rates for transferring said data frames; a Token-Ring not-found detection means for detecting that the LAN to which said network interface card is connected is not Token-Ring; a first ATM protocol detection means for detecting data frames from said network to said network interface card; an ATM speed detection means for said first ATM protocol detection means for detecting either 25.6 MHz or 155 MHz data transfer rates for transferring said data frames; a second ATM protocol detection means for detecting the connection of an ATM network operating at 25.6 MHz to said network interface card by transmitting data frames at 25.6 MHz to said LAN from said network interface card and detecting the return of valid frame cells from said LAN to said network interface card; a third ATM protocol detection means for detecting the connection of an ATM network operating at 155 MHz to said network interface card by transmitting data frames at 155 MHz to said LAN from said network interface card and detecting the return of valid frame cells from said LAN to said network interface card; an ATM not-found detection means for determining that the LAN to which said network interface card is connected is not ATM; and an error reporting means for reporting to said processor system that there is no Ethernet, Token-Ring or ATM network connect to said network interface card. 18. The network interface card of claim 14, wherein said protocol selection means is performed on a non-disruptive basis that does not affect the operation of the LAN. 19. A process comprising an ordered sequence of steps for determining a network type and a network speed comprising: an Ethernet protocol detection means for detecting data frames from a network to a network interface card connected to the network; an Ethernet speed detection means for detecting either 10 or 100 MHz data transfer rates for transferring said data frames; an Ethernet not-found detection means for detecting that the network to which said network interface card is connected is not Ethernet; a Token-Ring protocol detection means for transmitting data frames to said network from said network interface card and detecting the return of same data frames from said network to said network interface card; a Token-Ring speed detection means for detecting either 4 or 16 MHz data transfer rates for transferring said data frames; a Token-Ring not-found detection means for detecting that the network to which said network interface card is connected is not Token-Ring; a first ATM protocol detection means for detecting data frames from said network to said network interface card; an ATM speed detection means for said first ATM protocol detection means for detecting either 25.6 MHz or 155 MHz data transfer rates for transferring said data frames; a second ATM protocol detection means for detecting the connection of an ATM network operating at 25.6 MHz to said network interface card by transmitting data frames at 25.6 MHz to said network from said network interface card and detecting the return of valid frame cells from said network to said network interface card; a third ATM protocol detection means for detecting the connection of an ATM network operating at 155 MHz to said network interface card by transmitting data frames at 155 MHz to said network from said network interface card and detecting the return of valid frame cells from said network to said network interface card; an ATM not-found detection means for detecting that the network to which said network interface card is connected is not ATM; and an error reporting means for reporting to said processor system that there is no Ethernet, Token-Ring or ATM network connect to said network interface card. 20. A network interface card for interfacing between a processor system and one of a plurality of local area network (“LAN”) types and LAN speeds, comprising: a means for interfacing said processor system to said network interface card, comprising a processor bus, a bus connector, and bus master interface for moving data to and from said processor system; a network interfacing means for each of said plurality of LAN types and LAN speeds, the network interfacing means comprising a network protocol and a data transfer format, wherein data is formatted as frames for transfer over said LAN; a protocol selection means for automatically determining the LAN type and LAN speed of the LAN to which said network interface card is connected; a plurality of intermediate data storage means, each for supporting one of said plurality of LAN types for speed matching of said processor bus to said LAN for the transfer of data frames in either direction between said processor system and said LAN; a plurality of data flow management means, each for supporting one of said plurality of LAN types for managing the data flow between said processor system and said intermediate data storage means; a plurality of status and control means, each for supporting one of said plurality of LAN types for enabling said processor system to detect status and to control said network interface card; a plurality of media access control means, each providing means for adapting and controlling the network protocols for one of said plurality of LAN types; and a plurality of physical connection means, each for supporting one of said plurality of LAN types for connecting said network interface card to said one of a plurality of LAN types, each further comprising a line driver and receiver. 21. The network interface card of claim 20, wherein said plurality of LAN types and LAN speeds are comprised of one or more of the following: Ethernet operating at either 10 or 100 MHz rates, Token-Ring operating at either 4 or 16 MHz rates, and Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) operating at either 25.6 or 155 MHz rates. 22. The network interface card of claim 20, wherein said plurality of LAN types and LAN speeds are comprised of one or more of the following: Ethernet using RJ-45 connector contacts 1 and 2 for transmitting frames to a network and RJ-45 connector contacts 3 and 6 for receiving frames from a network, Token-Ring using RJ-45 connector contacts 3 and 6 for transmitting frames to a network and RJ-45 connector contacts 4 and 5 for receiving frames from a network, and Asynchronous Transfer Mode using RJ-45 connector contacts 1 and 2 for transmitting frames to a network and RJ-45 connector contacts 7 and 8 for receiving frames from a network. 23. The network interface card of claim 20, wherein said protocol selection means is performed on a non-disruptive basis that does not affect the operation of the LAN. 24. A multi-layer interconnection planar board for mounting electrical components including a processor system and a network interface system comprising: a processor and system memory means; a processor support and card slot means; a network interface control chip, the network interface control chip further comprising: a means for interfacing said processor system to said network interface card, comprising a processor bus and bus master interface for moving data to and from said processor system; a network interfacing means for each of a plurality of local area network (“LAN”) types and LAN speeds, further comprising a network protocol and a data transfer format, wherein data is formatted as frames for transfer over said LAN; a protocol selection means for automatically determining the LAN type and LAN speed of the LAN to which said network interface card is connected; an intermediate data storage means for speed matching of said processor bus to said LAN for the transfer of data frames in either direction between said processor system and said LAN; a data flow management means for managing the data flow between said processor system and said intermediate data storage means; a status and control means for enabling said processor system to detect the status and to control said network interface card; a pico-processor or state machine means for providing programmable support for said network protocol to be supported based on the LAN type and LAN speed of said one of a plurality of LAN types and LAN speeds to which the network interface card is connected; a plurality of media access control means, each providing means for adapting and controlling the network protocols for one of said plurality of LAN types; and a physical connection means for connecting said network interface card to said one of a plurality of LAN types, further comprising a line driver and receiver and network connector to interface to said network. 25. The planar board of claim 24, wherein said plurality of LAN types and LAN speeds are comprised of one or more of the following: Ethernet operating at either 10 or 100 MHz rates, Token-Ring operating at either 4 or 16 MHz rates, and Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) operating at either 25.6 or 155 MHz rates. 26. The planar board of claim 24, wherein said plurality of LAN types and LAN speeds are comprised of one or more of the following: Ethernet using RJ-45 connector contacts 1 and 2 for transmitting frames to a network and RJ-45 connector contacts 3 and 6 for receiving frames from a network, Token-Ring using RJ-45 connector contacts 3 and 6 for transmitting frames to a network and RJ-45 connector contacts 4 and 5 for receiving frames from a network, and Asynchronous Transfer Mode using RJ-45 connector contacts 1 and 2 for transmitting frames to a network and RJ-45 connector contacts 7 and 8 for receiving frames from a network. 27. The planar board of claim 24, wherein the protocol selection means further comprises an ordered sequence of steps for determining the LAN type and LAN speed comprising: an Ethernet protocol detection means for detecting data frames from said network to said network interface card; an Ethernet speed detection means for detecting either 10 or 100 MHz data transfer rates for transferring said data frames; an Ethernet not-found detection means for detecting that the LAN to which said network interface card is connected is not Ethernet; a Token-Ring protocol detection means for transmitting data frames to said LAN from said network interface card and detecting the return of same data frames from said network to said network interface card; a Token-Ring speed detection means for detecting either 4 or 16 MHz data transfer rates for transferring said data frames; a Token-Ring not-found detection means for detecting that the LAN to which said network interface card is connected is not Token-Ring; a first ATM protocol detection means for detecting data frames from said LAN to said network interface card; an ATM speed detection means for said first ATM protocol detection means for detecting either 25.6 MHz or 155 MHz data transfer rates for transferring said data frames; a second ATM protocol detection means for detecting the connection of an ATM network operating at 25.6 MHz to said network interface card by transmitting data frames at 25.6 MHz to said LAN from said network interface card and detecting the return of valid frame cells from said LAN to said network interface card; a third ATM protocol detection means for detecting the connection of an ATM network operating at 155 MHz to said network interface card by transmitting data frames at 155 MHz to said LAN from said network interface card and detecting the return of valid frame cells from said LAN to said network interface card; an ATM not-found detection means for detecting that the LAN to which said network interface card is connected is not ATM; and an error reporting means for reporting to said processor system that there is no Ethernet, Token-Ring or ATM network connect to said network interface card. 28. The planar board of claim 24, wherein said protocol selection means is performed on a non-disruptive basis that does not affect the operation of the LAN.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates to the field of computer networking, specifically to the field of local area networks using Ethernet, Token-Ring, or Asynchronous Transfer Mode protocols. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention is an adapter card for a workstation or personal computer for receiving any of the Ethernet, Token-Ring, or Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) protocols, and automatically determining which protocol is presently active and the speed at which it is operating. [0003] Historically, numerous protocols have evolved for local area networks (LANs). Three of the most popular protocols are Ethernet, Token-Ring, or Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM). The diversity of protocols has created a problem for manufacturers of electronic equipment, such as computers, file servers, hubs, printers, and like equipments that connect to LANs. The problem is how to build hardware to attach workstations to the local area networks that is compatible with a plurality of protocols. In recent years, the problem has been further complicated by the introduction of a second higher performing versions of the Ethernet, Token-Ring, or Asynchronous Transfer Mode protocols. Ethernet now operates at 10 MHz rates (called 10Base-T) and 100 MHz rates (called 100Base-TX), Token-Ring operates at either 4 or 16 MHz rates, and ATM operates at either 25 or 155 MHz rates. [0004] One simple solution to the problem, which has been implemented in the prior art, is to manufacture a different pluggable card type to support each of the different network protocols and speeds. The user would buy the type of pluggable card required to interface with the network protocol that was available in his office or building. This is not an ideal solution, because the vendor requires more development funds and a larger inventory of parts, while the user buys an inflexible solution and also requires a larger inventory of parts. The industry has evolved to more flexible solutions using a single card type that has automatic detection of the protocol type and speed. This is possible, because a standardized connector has evolved which requires the protocols of interest to be standardized to the same physical connector called RJ-45. FIG. 1 shows the RJ-45 contact assignments and how they differ for the protocols of interest. [0005] In U.S. Pat. No. 5,574,722, “Protocol Independent Switch” by Slykhouse et al., Slykhouse teaches a method for automatically determining the network protocol, either Token-Ring or Ethernet, for a network hub or concentrator. Slykhouse uses the RJ-45 pin connections as shown in FIG. 1 and teaches hardware for listening for a frame on specific pins to differentiate between Token Ring or Ethernet. The present invention uses the RJ-45 pins to help in the automatic determination of the LAN protocol being used but, in addition, requires recognizing the media access control (MAC) layer protocol differences. The present invention requires a more complex mechanism for automatic protocol determination because of the additional ATM protocol and additional speed selections allowable for Ethernet and ATM. The present invention is not an obvious extension of Slykhouse's method but involves media speed/encoding detection hardware and active transmission of test frames which loopback to the sender and are non-intrusive in nature. This is vastly different than Slykhouse's passive listening method. The present invention also differs from Slykhouse in the field of application. Slykhouse provides a method for network protocol detection in the networking infrastructure device (hub or concentrator), while the present invention is for an adapter card in a workstation. [0006] In U.S. Pat. No. 5,249,183, “Interfacing Unit for Local Area Networks” by Wong et al., Wong teaches a mechanism for an Ethernet adapter to provide attachment to a traditional Ethernet coaxial network or an Ethernet twisted pair (10Base-T) network. The adapter automatically selects the network that is active by first checking for activity on the 10Base-T network by sensing the presence of link integrity pulses. If the 10Base-T network is inactive, it then uses the coaxial network. The approach for detecting Ethernet activity (presence of link integrity pulses) is the same listening approach used in the present invention. Detection allows the adapter to select the appropriate Ethernet media to use. However, Wong applies only to selection of the appropriate physical media specifically for an Ethernet network, whereas the present invention applies to selection of the appropriate protocol used by the network, that of Token-Ring, Ethernet, or ATM. [0007] Wong's method is passive, but the present invention involves media speed/encoding detection hardware and active transmission of test frames which loop back to the sender and are non-intrusive in nature. [0008] In U.S. Pat. No. 5,142,528, “Protocol Selector and Protocol Selection Method” by Kobayashi et. al., Kobayashi teaches a mechanism for two stations which support multiple protocols to negotiate the protocol to be used. Generically, this is accomplished through the use of an independent communication port over which the protocol to be used by the primary communication port is negotiated. Kobayashi also teaches the specific case of negotiating B channel protocols over the D channel of an Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) link. This does not relate to the present invention in that no independent communication channel exists for determining or negotiating the protocol used by the primary channel. The present invention deals with determining the operational protocol of a LAN network in a non-disruptive manner and then attaching to the network. Negotiation of the operating protocol is not part of the process. [0009] In U.S. Pat. No. 5,497,460, “System and Method for Determining Network Connectivity” by Bailey et al., Bailey teaches a mechanism for providing automated detection of the LAN protocol for a network interface card in a workstation that supports multiple protocols. The automated detection mechanism in the workstation detects the protocol utilized by the networking infrastructure device to which the workstation is attached. This is the same problem solved by the present invention. Bailey's method differs in that the process proposed by Bailey can be disruptive, and the present invention is non-disruptive. Bailey detects the protocol by sending a logical link control (“LLC”) frame—which is a potentially disruptive process. The present invention does not send any frames which may be disruptive during the protocol detection process. In addition, the transmission of LLC frames proposed by Bailey is applicable only to Ethernet and Token-Ring but not for ATM. The present invention provides detection for Ethernet, Token-Ring, and ATM. [0010] In U.S. Pat. No. 5,442,629, Token Ring Speed Detector” by Geyer et al., Geyer teaches a method and apparatus for determining LAN speed for Token-Ring LANs by choosing between the two standard Token-Ring speeds: 4 MHz and 16 MHz. Geyer's method applies only to Token-Ring. Geyer's teachings are applicable to the present invention in that Geyer's method is used directly to supplement the present invention by determining at what speed the Token-Ring is operating after the present invention determines that the connected LAN is Token-Ring. Geyer differs from the present invention in that it does not provide automatic determination of the LAN type from amongst three candidates: Ethernet, Token-Ring, and ATM. [0011] In U.S. Pat. No. 5,530,842, “Generic Backplane System Which Is Configurable to Serve Different Network Access Methods Simultaneously” by Abraham et al., Abraham teaches a mechanism for supporting multiple protocols over a generic backplane of a communications hub or concentrator. Separate modules, which are protocol and physical network specific, are still provided for attaching to the appropriate LAN network. Abraham's invention is specific to the implementation of a hub backplane which, in essence, is a proprietary LAN network. It does not specifically address the attached protocols, i.e., protocols can be translated or encapsulated within the backplane network of Abraham. The backplane network must carry all protocols of the attaching networks, it does not need to specifically and completely conform to any one of the networks. The present invention is for devices attaching to standard LAN networks where the attaching device must specifically and completely conform to the attaching network, and the present invention provides the mechanism for doing so. [0012] In IBM Technical Disclosure Bulletin, Vol 29, No 2,. July 1986, the article, “Method to Establish a Network Connection Dynamically,” teaches a method of connection setup at the Network Layer of the protocols. The article applies to a different protocol layer and has no relation to the present invention which addresses LAN operation at the MAC and physical (PHY) layers. [0013] In IBM Technical Disclosure Bulletin Vol. 29, No. 9, February 1987, the article “ECL Reconfiguration Using a Circuit Switch,” teaches a method for configuring switches for internal port to port connections. It does not provide for the configuration of protocols. It is therefore not related to the present invention but applies to the configuration of LAN hardware. [0014] In U.S. Pat. No. 5,568,525, “System and Method for Connection of Multiple Protocol Terminals” by de Nijs et al., de Nijs teaches a mechanism for automated network configuration. De Nijs differs from the present invention in that de Nijs provides network configuration at the networking infrastructure device. The present invention provides network configuration at the user workstation. In addition, de Nijs uses a mechanism of detection of protocol based on characteristic impedance of the transmission media. This is different from the present invention's detection mechanism, which is based on PHY/MAC layer of Ethernet, Token-Ring, and ATM. [0015] In U.S. Pat. No. 5,586,117, “Method and Apparatus Which Allows Devices with Multiple Protocol Capabilities to Configure to a Common Protocol Configuration” by Edem et al., Edem teaches an automatic determination method for Ethernet only to distinguish between the 10 and 100 MHz versions. Edem teaches a scheme using clock pulses to match configurations between a workstation and a network infrastructure device. Edem's method differs from the present invention in that it does not provide a mechanism to distinguish between differing LAN protocols. [0016] In European Patent 577,435 A1, “Common Interface for a Communication Network” by Hutchison et al., Hutchison teaches a common interface for Ethernet only. Hutchison teaches a mechanism to distinguish between Ethernet interfaces-Attachment Unit Interface (AUI) or 10Base-T. Hutchison differs from the present invention in that Hutchison does not provide a mechanism to distinguish between differing LAN protocols. [0017] Japanese Publication 06-085848 teaches the detection of 10Base-T Ethernet vs. Integrated Services Digital Networks (ISDNs). The scheme taught in the publication is to use a filter to distinguish the signal frequency (10 Mb vs. 56 Kb). The Japanese publication differs from the present invention in that it does not use pin assignments or protocol information. The Japanese publication also differs from the present invention in that it does not consider Token-Ring or ATM. [0018] It is a further object of this invention to provide a LAN adapter that detects whether the network connection of a workstation is Ethernet, Token-Ring, or ATM, and adapts automatically to the type and speed of the attached network. [0019] It is a further object of this invention to provide protocol type and speed detection using active transmission of test frames on a non-disruptive basis that does not affect the operation of the network in relation to other attachments during the protocol search process. [0020] It is an object of this invention to provide a single apparatus for the support of multiple LAN protocols where several different speeds options are supported for each of the multiple protocols and that this detection occurs in an optimal sequence (i.e., most likely conditions are detected first in order to minimize setup time for the user). SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0021] In accordance with the invention, a method and apparatus is provided for multi-protocol LAN support, which is applicable to Ethernet, Token-Ring, and Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) protocols. The LAN support is located at a workstation or personal computer and provides for automatic determination of the LAN protocol type and speed. A standard connector called RJ-45 is used to connect the workstation to the LAN, regardless of the LAN protocol. All of the LANs of interest use the RJ-45 connector but use different contact assignments as shown in FIG. 1. [0022] An adapter card is provided for use in the workstation to interface the workstation to any of the LANs of interest. The card uses the RJ-45 connector to interface to the LAN and contains circuitry to adapt the LAN to the workstation's input/output (I/O) bus. A single LAN having one of the protocols of interest (Ethernet, Token Ring, or ATM) is attached via the RJ-45 connector and the adapter card will automatically detect the LAN type and respond to it. In addition, the adapter detects and supports one or more speeds for each LAN type. For example, the adapter could be structured to support two different speeds for each LAN type as follows: Ethernet operating at 10 MHz rates (called 10Base-T) and 100 MHz rates (called 100Base-TX), Token Ring operating at either 4 or 16 MHz rates, and ATM operating at either 25.6 or 155 MHz rates. The speeds used in this example are used throughout this disclosure, but other speeds which are defined using the RJ-45 connector with the same pin assignments are within the scope of the invention. [0023] The automatic determination of LAN type and speed is accomplished using four sequential steps, with each step providing a unique function. A summary of the four steps is as follows: [0024] Step 1—Ethernet Detection: The Ethernet network will always have detectable activity on the receive line within a maximum time period of 24 ms. RJ-45 contact assignments guarantee that a Token Ring or ATM network do not cause activity on the RJ-45 3/6 pair. Therefore, activity on this pair indicates an operational Ethernet network. Once determined to be Ethernet, the adapter will send messages on the transmit link to differentiate between 10Base-T or 100Base-TX operation. [0025] Step 2—Token-Ring Detection: The adapter transmits and detects the reception of a loopback message at 16 Mbps over the RJ-45 contacts assigned for Token-Ring. If the loopback message returns to the workstation, then the protocol must be Token-Ring. Once determined to be Token-Ring, the normal ring speed listen protocol will determine the correct data rate. [0026] STEP 3—ATM Detection: The process of determining ATM-25 or ATM-155 first involves listening for both media speeds. First, the adapter sets the transceiver for media speed 155 Mbps and listens (receives frames from the network). If properly framed idle cells are received, then the link is ATM-155. If an ATM-155 link is not detected, then the transceiver is set for media speed 25.6 Mbps and the adapter listens. If properly decoded idle characters are received, then the link is ATM-25. If neither listening attempt indicated the ATM media speed, then the workstation adapter will attempt transmission of idle characters at both speeds. If the workstation detects a valid signal being returned, then ATM connection of the associated speed is determined. Transmitting on an ATM link to determine the line speed is non-disruptive to the network because ATM is a point-to-point switched network. [0027] STEP 4: No LAN Detected: In the event that the first three steps have failed to determine the network protocol, then the workstation detects an error event and makes appropriate notification to the user. [0028] The network adapter of the present invention is provided as either a planar embedded function of the workstation or as network interface card which is mounted on the adapter card. [0029] The advantages of this invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the presently preferred embodiments of the invention, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0030] [0030]FIG. 1 is a table showing the contact assignment differences for the standard RJ-45 connector when connecting to Ethernet, Token-Ring, or ATM according to the prior art. [0031] [0031]FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the topology of the standard LAN network and the automatic determination decision of the active LAN protocol type as made by the network interface card of the workstation according to the preferred embodiments of this invention. [0032] [0032]FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the topology of the standard LAN network and the connection to three workstations, wherein each workstation connects to a different LAN protocol and each has a network interface card implementing the automatic determination method according to the preferred embodiments of this invention. [0033] [0033]FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing the details of the protocol type and speed selection algorithm according to the preferred embodiment of this invention. [0034] [0034]FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the typical implementation of the network interface adapter function according to the prior art. [0035] [0035]FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a first functional implementation of the network interface adapter card for determining the protocol type and speed of the LAN connected to the workstation according to the embodiment of this invention. [0036] [0036]FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a second functional implementation of the generic network interface adapter card for determining the protocol type and speed of the LAN connected to the workstation according to the preferred embodiment of this invention. [0037] [0037]FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an alternative functional implementation of the network interface adapter for determining the protocol type and speed using a chip mounted on the processor planar according to the embodiment of this invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION [0038] In accordance with the invention, a method and apparatus is provided for multi-protocol LAN support, which is applicable to Ethernet, Token-Ring, and Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) protocols. Referring to FIG. 2, a typical LAN network 100 is shown that has the end-stations 205 (workstations) attached to wall-outlets 140 in each office. The wall-outlets 140 provide a connector for attaching end-stations 205 to a LAN link that has wire or cable laid throughout a building, for instance, in the walls, floor, or ceiling. The wall-outlets 140 are each connected to a port of network 100 and to network interface card (NIC) 200 via links 147. NIC 200 receives and transmits messages configured in frames to network 100. The interface provided by network 100 to NIC 200 is any of the three most popular LANs, which are Ethernet, Token-Ring, or ATM. [0039] NIC 200 is a LAN adapter card which is plugged into an adapter card slot in workstation 205. NIC 200 automatically detects whether the NIC 200 is connected to Ethernet, Token-Ring, or ATM. NIC 200 provides LAN support with automatic determination of the LAN protocol type and speed, i.e., wall outlet 140 can be attached to Ethernet 110, Token-Ring 120, or ATM 130 and NIC 200 will automatically determine which one of the LANs 110, 120, 130 is active. NIC 200 responds only to the one active LAN type 110, 120, 130. FIG. 2 shows three wall outlets 140 each attached to a different LAN 110, 120, 130; the meaning here is that each wall outlet 140 attaches to one and only one LAN type 110, 120, 130. The question marks 145 indicate that NIC 200 questions the type of LAN 110, 120, 130 to which it is attached and automatically determines the LAN support required from the three LAN candidate types 110, 120, 130. FIG. 2 does NOT mean that NIC 200 and workstation 205 attach simultaneous to three wall outlets 140, nor does a single NIC 200 simultaneously communicate with all three LANs 110, 120, 130. FIG. 2 is meant to show that NIC 200 and workstation 205 attach to any one of the LANs 110, 120, 130, and nothing more. [0040] Referring to FIG. 3, normal LAN to end-station attachments are shown, where each wall outlet 140 connects to a different copy of NIC 200 incorporated into different workstations 205 a, 205 b, and 205 c. The same LAN adapter card type 200 is used in each workstation 205, such that NIC 205 a automatically configures itself to communicate with Ethernet 110, NIC 205 b automatically configures itself to communicate with Token-Ring 120, and NIC 205 c automatically configures itself to communicate with ATM 130. [0041] Wall outlets 140 are implemented using a standard connector called RJ-45 which is used to connect the workstation 205 to the LAN 110, 120, 130, regardless of the LAN protocol. All of the LANs of interest use the RJ-45 connector but use different contact assignments as shown in FIG. 1. For instance, a Token-Ring 120 operating at either 4 or 16 MHz uses contacts 3 and 6 (3/6) to support transmission of frames to the network 100, and contacts 4 and 5 (4/5) to support the receiving of frames from network 100. In contrast, ATM 130 uses contacts 1 and 2 (1/2) to support transmission of frames to the network 100, and contacts 7 and 8 (7/8) to support the receiving of frames from network 100. Ethernet 110 uses contacts 1 and 2 (1/2) to support transmission of frames to the network 100, and contacts 3 and 6 (3/6) to support the receiving of frames from network 100. The Ethernet contacts are defined in ISO/IEC 8802-3:1996. The Token-Ring contacts are defined in ISO/IEC 8802-5:1995. The ATM contacts are defined in the ATM Forum specification, “Physical Interface Specification for 25.6 Mb/s over Twisted Pair Cable,” af-phy0040.000, Nov. 7, 1995, and “ATM Physical Medium Dependent Interface Specification for 155 Mb/s over Twisted Pair Cable,” af-phy0015.000, September, 1994. [0042] Referring to FIG. 4, the algorithm or logic process used by NIC 200 to detect the active LAN protocol type is shown. The logic provides for a non-disruptive detection of the LAN protocol by carefully ordering the protocol detection steps. First, the adapter tests for Ethernet by listening on the appropriate RJ-45 contacts. If Ethernet is not detected, the adapter tests for Token-Ring using the loopback test defined in the IEEE 802.5 Token-Ring standard. Finally, having determined that the LAN segment is not Ethernet or Token-Ring, the adapter tests for ATM-25 and then ATM-155. The test for ATM is first to listen, and then to transmit. The logic provides for positive detection of the LAN protocol. If none of the tests is successful, then the LAN protocol is unknown or the cable is not attached to the network. [0043] In accordance with the invention, the automatic determination of the LAN type and speed is accomplished using four sequential steps with each step providing a unique function. The four steps are as follows: [0044] Step 1—Ethernet Detection: The Ethernet network will always have detectable activity on the receive contacts 3/6 of FIG. 1 within a maximum time period of 24 ms. RJ-45 contact assignments guarantee that a Token Ring or ATM network do not cause activity on the RJ-45 3/6 pair. Therefore, activity on the 3/6 pair indicates an operational Ethernet network. The activity is comprised of either data frames being transmitted or link test pulses (LTP) being sent in the absence of data transmission. For Ethernet, a physical layer function called the MAU (Medium Attachment Unit) monitors for link integrity by sending a link test pulse (LTP) in the absence of received data. The MAU function for 100-TX extends this capability by using a compatible fast link pulse (FLP) to provide an auto-negotiation of 10/100 function in addition to the link integrity function. [0045] Referring to FIG. 4, the detailed decision sequence associated with step 1 is shown to include flow chart entities 300 to 308. The sequence starts with entity 300. In block 302, the transceiver for network link 147 of FIG. 2 is set to either Ethernet (ENET) speed—10 or 100 Mbps. NIC 200 then listens on the 3/6 contact pair of the RJ-45 connector for (data) activity or the LTP as shown in block 304. NIC 200 determines if a signal is detected on the 3/6 contact pair as shown by block 306. NIC 200 is in listen mode and does not transmit any data frames or LTPs. The same listening procedure 304, 306 is used for either of the Ethernet speeds: 10 or 100 MHz. If (data) activity or LTPs are detected, the unknown LAN type 110, 120, 130 is determined to be ENET 10 or 100. Once the LAN is determined to be Ethernet 110, the NIC 200 will send FLP messages on the transmit link to negotiate between 10Base-T or 100Base-TX operation as shown by block 308. The auto-negotiation procedure is defined in IEEE Std 802.3u-1995 “Media Access Control (MAC) Parameters, Physical Layer, Medium Attachment Units, and Repeater for 100 Mb/s Operation, Type 100 BASE-T,” in clause 28. [0046] If there is no signal detection on the 3/6 contact pair, the network is determined not to be Ethernet 110, and Step 2 (flow chart entities 310 to 316) is invoked. [0047] Although the Ethernet detection step has been described with reference to Ethernet speeds of 10 or 100 Mbps, other speeds that are defined using an RJ-45 connector and the same contact assignments are possible and within the scope of the invention. [0048] Step 2—Token-Ring Detection: Step 2 includes flow chart entities 310 to 316. If the LAN segment is Token-Ring, NIC 200 will not receive any frames initially unless it sends messages to itself. NIC 200 issues a loopback test, i.e., transmits a frame to network 100 over the 3/6 contact pair of the RJ-45 connector, which traverses the network and is addressed to return to the same RJ-45 connector over the receiving contact pair 4/5. If the loop-back message returns to the workstation, then the protocol must be Token-Ring. This is guaranteed since the Token-Ring RJ-45 contacts 4/5 for receive are not used for transmit/receive in ATM. Note that it is first required to verify that the LAN is NOT Ethernet prior to a loop-back test for Token Ring, because if the transmission of the loop-back message is on what is actually an Ethernet network it would disrupt that network. Also note that ATM verification is not yet required because contact assignments for Token Ring and ATM are mutually exclusive such that there is no disruption if the actual network is ATM. [0049] NIC 200 transmits and detects the reception of loopback messages by transmitting one speed at a time over the Token-Ring RJ-45 contacts 3/6 and listening for a return on contacts 4/5. Referring to FIG. 4, in block 310 the transceiver for network link 147 of FIG. 2 is set to Token-Ring (T/R) speed: 16 Mbps. Loopback messages are transmitted over contact pair 3/6 by NIC 200 as shown by block 312. NIC 200 checks for the reception of loopback messages. If the loopback message returns successfully, block 314 selects block 316 to be executed next. Block 316 performs ring insertion and auto-speed detection to determine if the Token-Ring speed is 4 or 16 Mbps. The detection method for determining the Token-Ring media speed is not unique to the present invention. The detection method is disclosed by U.S. Pat. No. 5,442,629, “Token Ring Speed Detector” by Geyer et al., and is used directly for the implementation of block 316. The detection method is well documented, and the details are not included herein. [0050] If the loopback messages transmitted by the workstation are NOT received by that workstation, then the LAN segment is NOT an operational Token Ring. Block 314 selects to go to Step 3. [0051] Although the Token Ring detection step has been described with reference to speeds of 4 or 16 Mbps, other speeds that are defined using an RJ-45 connector and the same contact assignments are possible and within the scope of the invention. [0052] STEP 3—ATM Detection: Step 3 includes flow chart entities 318 to 350. For ATM, it is possible for other ports on the ATM LAN to be in the receive-only state when the link is idle, which is a valid mode of operation. Thus, the process of determining ATM-25 or ATM-155 involves both listening and active transmission. The process of determining an ATM LAN first involves listening for both media speeds. The order of the listening events can be ATM-25 and then ATM-155 or ATM-155 and then ATM-25, and the procedure described in this section will still detect the appropriate protocol media speed. Referring to FIG. 4, NIC 200 first sets the transceiver for media speed 155 Mbps, as shown by block 318, and listens for frames arriving on the RJ-45 connector contacts 7/8 as shown by block 320. If properly framed idle cells are received, then block 322 detects that the LAN is ATM-155 as shown by block 324. If an ATM-155 link is not detected, then block 322 selects block 326, and the transceiver is set for media speed 25.6 Mbps, and the adapter listens on the RJ-45 connector contacts 7/8 as shown by block 328. If properly framed idle characters are received as detected by block 330, then the LAN is ATM-25 as shown by block 332. [0053] If neither listening attempt for ATM indicated the ATM media speed, then NIC 200 transmits idle characters to network 100 in case the LAN is ATM and the other ports are in the receive-only state. This will provide detectable activity if the LAN is ATM. At this point, block 330 controls the further testing by selecting block 333. The transceiver is set for media speed 25.6 Mbps as shown by block 333. NIC 200 transmits idle characters to network 100 on the RJ-45 connector contacts at 1/2 as shown by block 334. NIC 200 then listens for a valid signal on the RJ-45 connector contacts 7/8 as shown by block 336. If NIC 200 detects a valid signal as shown by block 338, then ATM connection is determined to be ATM-25 as shown by block 340. If NIC 200 does NOT detect a valid signal as shown by block 338, block 342 is selected next. [0054] The transceiver is set for media speed 155 Mbps as shown by block 342. NIC 200 transmits idle characters to network 100 on the RJ-45 connector contacts 1/2 as shown by block 344. NIC 200 then listens for a valid signal on the RJ-45 connector contacts 7/8 as shown by block 346. If NIC 200 detects a valid signal as shown by block 348, then ATM connection is determined to be ATM-155 as shown by block 350. If NIC 200 does NOT detect a valid signal as shown by block 348, a failure is detected as none of the LANs of interest were found to be connected to NIC 200. [0055] Transmitting on an ATM link 147 to determine the line speed is non-disruptive to the network 100, because ATM is a point-to-point switched network. For instance, Token-Ring is a loop connection where all end-stations 205 are connected to the loop. Any frame sent over the Token-Ring must traverse the intermediate end-stations to get to the desired destination. However, ATM does not interconnect in a loop but is switched directly from the transmitter to the receiver without having the message pass through other end-stations. Therefore, transmitting on ATM is not disruptive to the other end-stations. [0056] The order of the transmission attempts (ATM-25 and then ATM-155) could be reverse, and the procedure described herein as step 3 would still operate correctly and determine the proper LAN type and speed. [0057] Although the ATM detection step has been described with reference to ATM speeds of 155 or 25.6 Mbps, other speeds that are defined using an RJ-45 connector and the same contact assignments are possible and within the scope of the invention. [0058] STEP 4: No LAN Detected: In the event that steps 1, 2, and 3 fail to determine the network 100 protocol, then NIC 200 detects an error event and makes appropriate notification to the user as shown by block 352 of FIG. 4. The error event can occur due to a failure condition which may be either permanent or transient. NIC 200 declares the failure to the user, and at the option of the user NIC 200 may be commanded to retry the protocol detection process beginning from block 300. [0059] Network Interface Card Description: The Network Interface Card (NIC) 200 uses the RJ-45 connector to interface to the LAN 100 and contains circuitry to adapt the LAN to the workstation's input/output (I/O) bus. A single LAN having one of the protocols of interest (Ethernet, Token Ring, or ATM) is attached via the RJ-45 connector and the adapter card 200 will automatically detect the LAN type 110, 120, 130 and respond to it. In addition the adapter card 200 detects and supports two different speeds for each LAN type. [0060] In general, low cost NICs generally are integrated into a single chip and organized as shown in FIG. 5. NIC 200 resides in workstation 205, which is further comprised of processor 290 and system memory 295. NIC 200 has two interfaces, one to the workstation system 290, 295 and one to network 100. For workstation 205 communications to adapter 200, NIC 200 interfaces with processor 290 and system memory 295 via system bus 292, which is usually the PCI bus. Bus interface connector 210 is used to connect NIC 200 to bus 292, and bus master interface 212 controls the NIC interface to bus 292 by moving data to and from system memory 295. FIFO storage 234 is used for intermediate data storage and speed matching of bus 292 to the network 100. Buffer management 233 is used for managing the data flow between system memory 295 and FIFO storage 234, as the data flows through bus master interface 212. Status and control section 235 provides the hardware control interface for the software device driver running on processor 290. [0061] The NIC 200 interface to network 100 is comprised of media access layer 236 which runs the network protocol and the physical transceiver 238 which is the line driver and receiver to interface to network 100. Physical transceiver 238 is connected to network 100 through transformers and other electrical components and connector block 270 which includes the RJ-45 connector described in FIG. 1. Most NICs today consist of a single chip device of this type mounted on a PC card with a connector for the host bus 210 and a connector 270 for the network interface. The NIC 200 shown in FIG. 5 is consistent with the prior art, where one NIC 200 interfaces to one LAN type 110, 120, 130. Three different cards are required, one card to interface with each of the three LAN types: Ethernet, Token-Ring, and ATM. The three different cards would each contain identical bus connector 210 blocks, bus master interface 212 blocks, FIFO storage 234 blocks, and magnetics and connector 260 blocks. However, each of the three card types would contain different buffer management 233 blocks, Status & control 235 blocks, media access control 236 blocks, and physical transceiver 238 blocks to tailor its operation to one of the LANs: Ethernet, Token-Ring, or ATM. [0062] In contrast, FIG. 6 shows the first embodiment of the present invention where all three of the card types described by FIG. 5 are combined into a single card 200 d comprised of the automatic protocol determination function. The NIC 200 d is a multi-protocol adapter which contains independent physical transceivers 248, 258, 268; independent media access controls (MAC) 246, 256, 266; independent buffer management controls 243, 253, 263; independent status & control sections 245, 255, 265; and independent data movement FIFO storage units 244, 254, 264 for the Ethernet, Token Ring, and ATM protocols. The protocol selection logic 220 performs the logic detailed in FIG. 4. The protocol selection logic 220 individually enables the different adapter entities 240, 250, 260 in the process of determining the network protocol. With this implementation, the protocol selection logic 220 performs more operations in parallel, in particular those operations involving listening for network activity, such as blocks 304 and 320 of FIG. 4. This allows for quicker determination of the network protocol. However, the NIC 200 d of FIG. 6 has the disadvantage of requiring the high cost of providing each of the individual entities 240, 250, and 260. [0063] Referring to FIG. 7, a more cost effective solution is the second and preferred embodiment of the present invention, which provides a multi-protocol NIC 200 e with a configurable, pico-processor or state machine based entities 283, 285. The NIC 200 e contains the same bus connector 210 block, bus master interface 212 block, FIFO storage 234 block, and magnetics and connector 270 block as NIC 200 a, 200 b, and 200 c. However, pico-processor controlled buffer management 283 is a new configurable entity that is capable of doing the same functions provided by all three buffer management entities 243, 253, and 263 of NIC 200 d (FIG. 6). Likewise, pico-processor controlled status & control section 285 is a new configurable entity that is capable of doing the same functions provided by all three status & control sections 245, 255, and 265 of NIC 200 d. The buffer management 283 and status & control 285 are programmable entities that are controlled by a pico-processor, such that blocks 283 and 285 are adaptable to any network specific functions required to support Ethernet, Token-Ring, or ATM networks. NIC 200 e has independent entities 246, 256, 266 for each of the MAC protocols, since they each have very specific requirements. A common physical transceiver 288 is used, as this is considered viable in the state-of-the-art technology. The approach works equally well with independent transceiver entities 248, 258, and 268 of FIG. 6 replacing transceiver 288. The protocol selection logic 224 performs the four step process detailed in FIG. 4. However, the protocol selection logic of NIC 200 e is slightly different than the protocol selection logic 220 of NIC 200 d (FIG. 6) in that it does not perform any operations in parallel. Due to the use of common functions for pico-processor controlled entities 283, 285, the process must be followed in a sequential manner as shown in FIG. 4. [0064] The advantage of the present invention is that a common network interface adapter card is used to interface to any of the popular LANs: Ethernet, Token-Ring and ATM. The common card has the capability to automatically determine the type and speed of the LAN to which it is connected. [0065] It is a further advantage of this invention that protocol type and speed detection is provided using active transmission of test frames on a non-disruptive basis that does not affect the operation of the network in relation to other attachments during the protocol search process. [0066] Alternative Embodiments [0067] An alternative embodiment of the present invention is to provide the LAN interface determination and function as part of the processor planar design. A planar is a multi-layer interconnection board used for mounting the processor, its memory and associated functions and interfaces. [0068] Since the network adapter function implemented in NIC 200 is usually provided as a single chip, it can be mounted on an adapter card as described hereinbefore, or mounted directly on the processor planar as a planar embedded function of the workstation. Referring to FIG. 8, the workstation planar 291 is shown containing processor 290, system memory 295, network adapter 294, other processor support chips or card slots 297, and RJ-45 connector 296 for interfacing to network 100. In this alternate embodiment, no pluggable adapter card 200 is required to interconnect to network 100. Instead, the network adapter chip 294 provides the exact same automatic protocol determination features performed by the NIC 200 for determining the LAN type and speed. [0069] It will be appreciated that, although specific embodiments of the invention have been described herein for purposes of illustration, various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. [0070] Accordingly, the scope of protection of this invention is limited only by the following claims and their equivalents. Patent CitationsCited PatentFiling datePublication dateApplicantTitleUS5436902 *Apr 5, 1994Jul 25, 1995First Pacific NetworksEthernet extenderUS5699350 *Oct 6, 1995Dec 16, 1997Canon Kabushiki KaishaReconfiguration of protocol stacks and/or frame type assignments in a network interface deviceUS5905874 *Apr 22, 1998May 18, 1999Compaq Computer CorporationMethod and system for reducing data transfer latency when transferring data from a network to a computer systemUS6070199 *Nov 13, 1996May 30, 2000Extended Systems, Inc.Apparatus to connect a client computer to a computer data networkUS6072803 *Apr 20, 1998Jun 6, 2000Compaq Computer CorporationAutomatic communication protocol detection system and method for network systemsUS6134678 *Oct 1, 1997Oct 17, 20003Com CorporationMethod of detecting network errorsUS6226680 *Apr 27, 1998May 1, 2001Alacritech, Inc.Intelligent network interface system method for protocol processingUS6393483 *Jun 30, 1997May 21, 2002Adaptec, Inc.Method and apparatus for network interface card load balancing and port aggregationUS6504851 *Nov 21, 1997Jan 7, 2003International Business Machines CorporationDynamic detection of LAN network protocol* Cited by examinerReferenced byCiting PatentFiling datePublication dateApplicantTitleUS6975597 *Feb 11, 2000Dec 13, 2005Avaya Technology Corp.Automated link variant determination and protocol configuration for customer premises equipment and other network devicesUS7117280 *Dec 27, 2000Oct 3, 2006Intel CorporationNetwork based intra-system communications architectureUS7380154 *Oct 12, 2004May 27, 2008Invensys Systems, Inc.Method and apparatus for network fault correction via adaptive fault routerUS7480751Sep 8, 2003Jan 20, 2009Broadcom CorporationSerial data interface system and method using a selectively accessed tone pattern generatorUS7496671Oct 6, 2003Feb 24, 2009Avago Technologies Fiber Ip (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.Self-configuring communications module adaptive to different host system typesUS7675922 *Oct 29, 2004Mar 9, 2010Microsoft CorporationSystem and method for providing a universal communications port with computer-telephony interfaceUS7765294May 31, 2007Jul 27, 2010Embarq Holdings Company, LlcSystem and method for managing subscriber usage of a communications networkUS7808918May 31, 2007Oct 5, 2010Embarq Holdings Company, LlcSystem and method for dynamically shaping network trafficUS7817639 *Dec 6, 2002Oct 19, 2010Noah Joseph BreslowMethod of data transmission in a data communication networkUS7843831May 31, 2007Nov 30, 2010Embarq Holdings Company LlcSystem and method for routing data on a packet networkUS7889660Aug 22, 2007Feb 15, 2011Embarq Holdings Company, LlcSystem and method for synchronizing counters on an asynchronous packet communications networkUS7940735May 31, 2007May 10, 2011Embarq Holdings Company, LlcSystem and method for selecting an access pointUS7948909May 31, 2007May 24, 2011Embarq Holdings Company, LlcSystem and method for resetting counters counting network performance information at network communications devices on a packet networkUS8000318May 31, 2007Aug 16, 2011Embarq Holdings Company, LlcSystem and method for call routing based on transmission performance of a packet networkUS8015294May 31, 2007Sep 6, 2011Embarq Holdings Company, LPPin-hole firewall for communicating data packets on a packet networkUS8024501Jan 5, 2009Sep 20, 2011Broadcom CorporationSerial data interface system and method using a selectively accessed tone pattern generatorUS8040811May 31, 2007Oct 18, 2011Embarq Holdings Company, LlcSystem and method for collecting and managing network performance informationUS8064391May 31, 2007Nov 22, 2011Embarq Holdings Company, LlcSystem and method for monitoring and optimizing network performance to a wireless deviceUS8068425Apr 9, 2009Nov 29, 2011Embarq Holdings Company, LlcSystem and method for using network performance information to determine improved measures of path statesUS8098579May 31, 2007Jan 17, 2012Embarq Holdings Company, LPSystem and method for adjusting the window size of a TCP packet through remote network elementsUS8102770May 31, 2007Jan 24, 2012Embarq Holdings Company, LPSystem and method for monitoring and optimizing network performance with vector performance tables and enginesUS8107366May 31, 2007Jan 31, 2012Embarq Holdings Company, LPSystem and method for using centralized network performance tables to manage network communicationsUS8111692Apr 28, 2010Feb 7, 2012Embarq Holdings Company LlcSystem and method for modifying network trafficUS8125897May 31, 2007Feb 28, 2012Embarq Holdings Company LpSystem and method for monitoring and optimizing network performance with user datagram protocol network performance information packetsUS8130793May 31, 2007Mar 6, 2012Embarq Holdings Company, LlcSystem and method for enabling reciprocal billing for different types of communications over a packet networkUS8144586 *May 31, 2007Mar 27, 2012Embarq Holdings Company, LlcSystem and method for controlling network bandwidth with a connection admission control engineUS8144587May 31, 2007Mar 27, 2012Embarq Holdings Company, LlcSystem and method for load balancing network resources using a connection admission control engineUS8184549May 31, 2007May 22, 2012Embarq Holdings Company, LLPSystem and method for selecting network egressUS8189468Oct 25, 2006May 29, 2012Embarq Holdings, Company, LLCSystem and method for regulating messages between networksUS8194555May 31, 2007Jun 5, 2012Embarq Holdings Company, LlcSystem and method for using distributed network performance information tables to manage network communicationsUS8194643Oct 19, 2006Jun 5, 2012Embarq Holdings Company, LlcSystem and method for monitoring the connection of an end-user to a remote networkUS8196199Oct 19, 2005Jun 5, 2012Airdefense, Inc.Personal wireless monitoring agentUS8199653May 31, 2007Jun 12, 2012Embarq Holdings Company, LlcSystem and method for communicating network performance information over a packet networkUS8213366Sep 7, 2011Jul 3, 2012Embarq Holdings Company, LlcSystem and method for monitoring and optimizing network performance to a wireless deviceUS8213427 *Dec 21, 2009Jul 3, 2012Chelsio Communications, Inc.Method for traffic scheduling in intelligent network interface circuitryUS8223654May 31, 2007Jul 17, 2012Embarq Holdings Company, LlcApplication-specific integrated circuit for monitoring and optimizing interlayer network performanceUS8223655May 31, 2007Jul 17, 2012Embarq Holdings Company, LlcSystem and method for provisioning resources of a packet network based on collected network performance informationUS8224255May 31, 2007Jul 17, 2012Embarq Holdings Company, LlcSystem and method for managing radio frequency windowsUS8228791May 31, 2007Jul 24, 2012Embarq Holdings Company, LlcSystem and method for routing communications between packet networks based on intercarrier agreementsUS8238253May 31, 2007Aug 7, 2012Embarq Holdings Company, LlcSystem and method for monitoring interlayer devices and optimizing network performanceUS8274905May 31, 2007Sep 25, 2012Embarq Holdings Company, LlcSystem and method for displaying a graph representative of network performance over a time periodUS8281392Aug 11, 2006Oct 2, 2012Airdefense, Inc.Methods and systems for wired equivalent privacy and Wi-Fi protected access protectionUS8289965Oct 19, 2006Oct 16, 2012Embarq Holdings Company, LlcSystem and method for establishing a communications session with an end-user based on the state of a network connectionUS8295689 *May 29, 2009Oct 23, 2012Hitachi, Ltd.Contents reproducing apparatus and contents reproducing methodUS8307065May 31, 2007Nov 6, 2012Centurylink Intellectual Property LlcSystem and method for remotely controlling network operatorsUS8339952Mar 6, 2012Dec 25, 2012Chelsio Communications, Inc.Protocol offload transmit traffic managementUS8356112Sep 29, 2011Jan 15, 2013Chelsio Communications, Inc.Intelligent network adaptor with end-to-end flow controlUS8358580Dec 8, 2009Jan 22, 2013Centurylink Intellectual Property LlcSystem and method for adjusting the window size of a TCP packet through network elementsUS8374090Oct 18, 2010Feb 12, 2013Centurylink Intellectual Property LlcSystem and method for routing data on a packet networkUS8407765May 31, 2007Mar 26, 2013Centurylink Intellectual Property LlcSystem and method for restricting access to network performance information tablesUS8472326Jul 5, 2012Jun 25, 2013Centurylink Intellectual Property LlcSystem and method for monitoring interlayer devices and optimizing network performanceUS8477614May 31, 2007Jul 2, 2013Centurylink Intellectual Property LlcSystem and method for routing calls if potential call paths are impaired or congestedUS8488447May 31, 2007Jul 16, 2013Centurylink Intellectual Property LlcSystem and method for adjusting code speed in a transmission path during call set-up due to reduced transmission performanceUS8488495Jun 18, 2012Jul 16, 2013Centurylink Intellectual Property LlcSystem and method for routing communications between packet networks based on real time pricingUS8509082Mar 16, 2012Aug 13, 2013Centurylink Intellectual Property LlcSystem and method for load balancing network resources using a connection admission control engineUS8509139 *Aug 11, 2006Aug 13, 2013Wengen Wireless LlcMethod of data transmission in a data communication networkUS8520603May 23, 2012Aug 27, 2013Centurylink Intellectual Property LlcSystem and method for monitoring and optimizing network performance to a wireless deviceUS8531954May 31, 2007Sep 10, 2013Centurylink Intellectual Property LlcSystem and method for handling reservation requests with a connection admission control engineUS8537695May 31, 2007Sep 17, 2013Centurylink Intellectual Property LlcSystem and method for establishing a call being received by a trunk on a packet networkUS8549405May 31, 2007Oct 1, 2013Centurylink Intellectual Property LlcSystem and method for displaying a graphical representation of a network to identify nodes and node segments on the network that are not operating normallyUS8570872Apr 18, 2012Oct 29, 2013Centurylink Intellectual Property LlcSystem and method for selecting network ingress and egressUS8576722May 31, 2007Nov 5, 2013Centurylink Intellectual Property LlcSystem and method for modifying connectivity fault management packetsUS8589587May 11, 2007Nov 19, 2013Chelsio Communications, Inc.Protocol offload in intelligent network adaptor, including application level signallingUS8619596Jan 27, 2012Dec 31, 2013Centurylink Intellectual Property LlcSystem and method for using centralized network performance tables to manage network communicationsUS8619600May 31, 2007Dec 31, 2013Centurylink Intellectual Property LlcSystem and method for establishing calls over a call path having best path metricsUS8619820Jan 27, 2012Dec 31, 2013Centurylink Intellectual Property LlcSystem and method for enabling communications over a number of packet networksUS8644319Oct 13, 2010Feb 4, 2014Wengen Wireless LlcMethod of data transmission in a data communication networkUS8670313Dec 13, 2012Mar 11, 2014Centurylink Intellectual Property LlcSystem and method for adjusting the window size of a TCP packet through network elementsUS8686838Apr 6, 2011Apr 1, 2014Chelsio Communications, Inc.Virtualizing the operation of intelligent network interface circuitryUS8687614Dec 7, 2010Apr 1, 2014Centurylink Intellectual Property LlcSystem and method for adjusting radio frequency parametersUS8717911May 31, 2007May 6, 2014Centurylink Intellectual Property LlcSystem and method for collecting network performance informationUS8743700May 30, 2012Jun 3, 2014Centurylink Intellectual Property LlcSystem and method for provisioning resources of a packet network based on collected network performance informationUS8743703May 31, 2007Jun 3, 2014Centurylink Intellectual Property LlcSystem and method for tracking application resource usageUS8750158Aug 9, 2012Jun 10, 2014Centurylink Intellectual Property LlcSystem and method for differentiated billingUS8811160Jan 22, 2013Aug 19, 2014Centurylink Intellectual Property LlcSystem and method for routing data on a packet networkUS8879391Sep 30, 2011Nov 4, 2014Centurylink Intellectual Property LlcSystem and method for using network derivations to determine path statesUS8935406Apr 16, 2007Jan 13, 2015Chelsio Communications, Inc.Network adaptor configured for connection establishment offloadUS8976665Jul 1, 2013Mar 10, 2015Centurylink Intellectual Property LlcSystem and method for re-routing callsUS9014204Nov 6, 2013Apr 21, 2015Centurylink Intellectual Property LlcSystem and method for managing network communicationsUS9042370Nov 6, 2013May 26, 2015Centurylink Intellectual Property LlcSystem and method for establishing calls over a call path having best path metricsUS9054915Jul 16, 2013Jun 9, 2015Centurylink Intellectual Property LlcSystem and method for adjusting CODEC speed in a transmission path during call set-up due to reduced transmission performanceUS9054986Nov 8, 2013Jun 9, 2015Centurylink Intellectual Property LlcSystem and method for enabling communications over a number of packet networksUS9094257Aug 9, 2012Jul 28, 2015Centurylink Intellectual Property LlcSystem and method for selecting a content delivery networkUS9094261Aug 8, 2013Jul 28, 2015Centurylink Intellectual Property LlcSystem and method for establishing a call being received by a trunk on a packet networkUS9100349 *Nov 16, 2012Aug 4, 2015Brocade Communications Systems, Inc.User selectable multiple protocol network interface deviceUS9112734Aug 21, 2012Aug 18, 2015Centurylink Intellectual Property LlcSystem and method for generating a graphical user interface representative of network performanceUS9118583Jan 28, 2015Aug 25, 2015Centurylink Intellectual Property LlcSystem and method for re-routing callsUS9154634Oct 21, 2013Oct 6, 2015Centurylink Intellectual Property LlcSystem and method for managing network communicationsUS9225609Oct 9, 2012Dec 29, 2015Centurylink Intellectual Property LlcSystem and method for remotely controlling network operatorsUS9225646Aug 8, 2013Dec 29, 2015Centurylink Intellectual Property LlcSystem and method for improving network performance using a connection admission control engineUS9240906Aug 21, 2012Jan 19, 2016Centurylink Intellectual Property LlcSystem and method for monitoring and altering performance of a packet networkUS9241271Jan 25, 2013Jan 19, 2016Centurylink Intellectual Property LlcSystem and method for restricting access to network performance informationUS9241277Aug 8, 2013Jan 19, 2016Centurylink Intellectual Property LlcSystem and method for monitoring and optimizing network performance to a wireless deviceUS9253661Oct 21, 2013Feb 2, 2016Centurylink Intellectual Property LlcSystem and method for modifying connectivity fault management packetsUS9479341May 31, 2007Oct 25, 2016Centurylink Intellectual Property LlcSystem and method for initiating diagnostics on a packet network nodeUS20030081609 *Dec 6, 2002May 1, 2003Teledesic LlcMethod of data transmission in a data communication networkUS20050050379 *Oct 12, 2004Mar 3, 2005Invensys Systems, Inc.Method and apparatus for network fault correction via adaptive fault routerUS20050053019 *Sep 8, 2003Mar 10, 2005Broadcom CorporationSerial data interface system and method using a selectively accessed tone pattern generatorUS20050060471 *Sep 12, 2003Mar 17, 2005Broadcom CorporationSerial data interface system and method having bilingual functionalityUS20060123133 *Jan 27, 2006Jun 8, 2006Hrastar Scott EDetecting unauthorized wireless devices on a wired networkUS20060165110 *Oct 29, 2004Jul 27, 2006Microsoft CorporationSystem and method for providing a universal communications port with computer-telephony interfaceUS20070058656 *Aug 11, 2006Mar 15, 2007Teledesic LlcMethod of data transmission in a data communication networkUS20080002576 *May 31, 2007Jan 3, 2008Bugenhagen Michael KSystem and method for resetting counters counting network performance information at network communications devices on a packet networkUS20080005156 *May 31, 2007Jan 3, 2008Edwards Stephen KSystem and method for managing subscriber usage of a communications networkUS20080049625 *May 31, 2007Feb 28, 2008Edwards Stephen KSystem and method for collecting and managing network performance informationUS20080049629 *May 31, 2007Feb 28, 2008Morrill Robert JSystem and method for monitoring data link layer devices and optimizing interlayer network performanceUS20080049630 *May 31, 2007Feb 28, 2008Kozisek Steven ESystem and method for monitoring and optimizing network performance to a wireless deviceUS20080049632 *May 31, 2007Feb 28, 2008Ray Amar NSystem and method for adjusting the window size of a TCP packet through remote network elementsUS20080049641 *May 31, 2007Feb 28, 2008Edwards Stephen KSystem and method for displaying a graph representative of network performance over a time periodUS20080049649 *May 31, 2007Feb 28, 2008Kozisek Steven ESystem and method for selecting an access pointUS20080049757 *Aug 22, 2007Feb 28, 2008Bugenhagen Michael KSystem and method for synchronizing counters on an asynchronous packet communications networkUS20080049775 *May 31, 2007Feb 28, 2008Morrill Robert JSystem and method for monitoring and optimizing network performance with vector performance tables and enginesUS20080052393 *May 31, 2007Feb 28, 2008Mcnaughton James LSystem and method for remotely controlling network operatorsUS20080052401 *May 31, 2007Feb 28, 2008Bugenhagen Michael KPin-hole firewall for communicating data packets on a packet networkUS20080095049 *Oct 19, 2006Apr 24, 2008Embarq Holdings Company, LlcSystem and method for establishing a communications session with an end-user based on the state of a network connectionUS20080095173 *Oct 19, 2006Apr 24, 2008Embarq Holdings Company, LlcSystem and method for monitoring the connection of an end-user to a remote networkUS20080279183 *May 31, 2007Nov 13, 2008Wiley William LSystem and method for call routing based on transmission performance of a packet networkUS20090257350 *Apr 9, 2009Oct 15, 2009Embarq Holdings Company, LlcSystem and method for using network performance information to determine improved measures of path statesUS20100074595 *May 29, 2009Mar 25, 2010Chikashi OkamotoContents Reproducing Apparatus and Contents Reproducing MethodUS20110026528 *Oct 13, 2010Feb 3, 2011Wengen Wireless LlcMethod of data transmission in a data communication networkUS20130315256 *Nov 16, 2012Nov 28, 2013Brocade Communications Systems, Inc.User selectable multiple protocol network interface deviceDE102011075604A1 *May 10, 2011Nov 15, 2012Siemens AktiengesellschaftFunctional module e.g. software module, for network component i.e. switch, of automation network for e.g. controlling automation object, extends function of component to another function of field device controllable by automation apparatusWO2012067945A2 *Nov 10, 2011May 24, 2012Intel CorporationIntegrated module for use in network connectivityWO2012067945A3 *Nov 10, 2011Sep 27, 2012Intel CorporationIntegrated module for use in network connectivity* Cited by examinerClassifications U.S. Classification370/252, 370/254International ClassificationH04L29/06, H04L12/56, H04L29/08Cooperative ClassificationH04L69/323, H04L69/18, H04L49/90, H04L29/06, H04L49/9057European ClassificationH04L49/90P, H04L49/90, H04L29/06Legal EventsDateCodeEventDescriptionFeb 7, 2006CCCertificate of correctionJan 22, 2009FPAYFee paymentYear of fee payment: 4Mar 25, 2013REMIMaintenance fee reminder mailedAug 9, 2013LAPSLapse for failure to pay maintenance feesOct 1, 2013FPExpired due to failure to pay maintenance feeEffective date: 20130809RotateOriginal ImageGoogle Home - Sitemap - USPTO Bulk Downloads - Privacy Policy - Terms of Service - About Google Patents - Send FeedbackData provided by IFI CLAIMS Patent Services

value: This website is a search engine provided by Google. Handling over 3.5 billion searches per day, it has a 92% share of the global search engine market.