Automatic configuration of a repeater

摘要

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide an in-band process to inform an external repeater of a desired new configuration or mode of operation. After negotiation of rate and other information during an auto-negotiation routine, a network node sends configuration information to a network element, such as an external network repeater.

主权项

1. A network system, comprising:
a plurality of network repeater ports of a network repeater, where a port from among the plurality of network repeater ports sends and receives network data, the network repeater connecting an external network node to a second external network node; and a serial and deserializer (SerDes) of the network repeater associated with the port, wherein the SerDes is operable to identify a configuration setting from incoming data received from the external network node and to automatically determine a mode of operation of the network repeater based on the configuration setting before passing the network data to the second external network node, wherein the configuration setting is generated by the external network node based on auto-negotiation information exchanged between the external network node and the second external network node, wherein the SerDes is further operable to send an acknowledgement to the external network node in response to receiving the configuration setting, and wherein the external network node is operable to switch to the mode of operation after the acknowledgment is received from the SerDes.