Method and system for a plurality of physical layers for network connection

摘要

Methods and systems for a plurality of physical layers for network connection may include coupling a MAC to one of a plurality of PHYs. The coupling to a specific PHY may be based on auto-detection of network activity, or network devices, via the PHYs. Also, one of the PHYs may be coupled to the MAC as a power-up default. The PHYs may be coupled to a same network, by, for example, cables. A first cable to a first PHY may couple it to a first network switch and a second cable to a second PHY may couple it to a second network switch. The first network switch may be rated to handle, for example, a greater data rate than the second network switch. The first cable may not be able to be used as a cable for the second PHY, and vice versa.

主权项

1. A system, comprising:
a media access controller configured to:
communicate with a first physical layer device, the first physical layer device being communicatively coupled to a first network switch; andcommunicate with a second physical layer device, the second physical layer device being communicatively coupled to a second network switch; and circuitry configured to auto-detect a signal presence of the first physical layer device or a signal presence of the second physical layer device, the circuitry configured to auto-detect by decoding data received by at least one of the first physical layer device or the second physical layer device.