Method and system for network communications via a configurable multi-use Ethernet PHY

摘要

Aspects of a method and system for network communications via a configurable multi-use Ethernet PHY are provided. In this regard, an Ethernet PHY may be configured based on characteristics of a network link over which the Ethernet PHY communicates, and a rate at which data is conveyed from a MAC to the Ethernet PHY may be controlled via a carrier sense signal of the MII. The carrier sense signal may be controlled based on a rate at which the Ethernet PHY transmits data over the network link. The Ethernet PHY may be configured based on a length of the network link and/or on a grade of the network link, where exemplary grades may comprise Cat-1 through Cat-7a cable. The Ethernet PHY may be configured into one of a plurality of modes comprising an Ethernet over digital subscriber line (DSL) mode, an extended reach mode, and a standard Ethernet mode.

主权项

1. A method for networking, comprising:
configuring a first physical layer device in a network device for operation in a first operating mode at a first data rate, wherein the first operating mode is selected during operation of the first physical layer device from a plurality of operating modes based on a determined length and type of a communication cable during operation of the first physical layer device, wherein at least one of the plurality of operating modes is an Ethernet over digital subscriber line (DSL) mode; configuring a second physical layer device in the network device for operation in a second operating mode at a second data rate; and controlling a rate at which data is conveyed from a media access controller to the second physical layer device via a media independent interface by controlling a carrier sense signal of the media independent interface, the control based on an impact of a difference in transmission rate between the first physical layer device operating in the first operating mode at the first data rate and the second physical layer device operating in the second operating mode at the second data rate.