Multi-media-access-controller circuit for a network hub

摘要

A multi-media-access-controller (henceforth "multi-MAC") in accordance with this invention includes a plurality of transmit data path circuits and a plurality of receive data path circuits that respectively transmit and receive data serially on a corresponding plurality of network buses, a single transmit data path controller and a single receive data path controller that monitor status of and control operation of the respective transmit and receive data path circuits. Use of only two data path controllers eliminates the plurality of MACs used in prior art devices and therefore results in significant savings in die area. Use of a single CRC calculator also results in savings in die area.