MULTI-PORT NETWORK ADAPTOR PROVIDING NETWORK PRINT SERVER FUNCTION AND METHOD FOR TRANSMITTING AND RECEIVING PACKET DATA

摘要

PURPOSE: A multi-port network adaptor providing a network print server function, and a method for transmitting and receiving packet data are provided to easily install various network protocols and reduce the cost for installing a network by simultaneously providing a network print server function and a network adapting function of a PC. CONSTITUTION: A virtual MAC(Media Access Control) layer of a multi-port network adaptor receives packet data from an inner PC interface part or a LAN interface part(200). The virtual MAC layer examines a destination MAC address of the received packet data(204). In the case of a broadcast address, the virtual MAC layer transmits the packet data through transmitting interface parts except receiving interface parts(206). The virtual MAC layer examines the destination MAC address of the received packet data(208). In the case of a printer address, the virtual MAC layer stores the received packet data in a receive ring buffer and reports the receipt of the packet data to an MAC deciding layer(210). The virtual MAC layer examines the destination MAC address of the received packet data(212). In the case of an inner PC address, the virtual MAC layer adds the received packet data in a transmit ring buffer and transmits the packet data to an inner PC through the inner PC interface part(214). In the case of an external PC address, the virtual MAC layer transmits the packet data to a forwarding function(216).