Multiport data network switch having a random number generator shared by multiple media access controllers

摘要

A multiport data network switch with each port associated with a media access controller (MAC) that is allocated a time slot in a repetitive sequence of clock cycles. A random number generator is coupled in common to each MAC to output a random number signal thereto. In response to a collision indicating signal, received at a port during a data transmission, the MAC outputs a retransmission retry signal in accordance with the random number signal that represents a number of delay cycles in which said transmission is delayed. The random number signal generator outputs an increasing multibit signal that is periodically reset. The MAC associated with each port is coupled in common to the shared random number signal generator and gains access thereto at a different respective time slot.