Communication switching apparatus for switching data in multiple protocol data frame formats

Abstract

An enhanced Ethernet protocol for computing and telecommunication supports a shortened frame size for communicating data payloads among selected devices within a constrained neighborhood based on a unique identification.

1 . A multiport network communication switch for providing data communication between devices coupled to the switch, comprising:
 plurality of port Interface for coupling to communicating devices to the switch and,   processing logic for receiving data from a port of the switch in a first protocol data frame format configured for the receiving port and,   for transmitting data to another port of the switch in a second protocol data frame format configured for the transmitting port and,   processing logic for identifying the transmitting port of the switch from the received data in the first protocol data frame format, and   processing logic for translating the first protocol data frame format to the second protocol data frame format.   
     
     
         2 . The switch of  claim 1 , comprising;
 an external programmable interface connected to the switch for configuring the first protocol data frame format and the second protocol data format for each port of the switch.   
     
     
         3 . The switch of  claim 2 , comprising;
 at least a port interface for coupling to a device for receiving and transmitting data in both of the first protocol data frame format and the second protocol data frame format.   
     
     
         4 . The switch of  claim 3 , wherein;
 the first protocol data frame format is in compliance of the industry standard Ethernet protocol.   
     
     
         5 . The switch of  claim 3 , wherein;
 the first second protocol data frame format is in compliance of the industry standard protocol data frame format and,   the second protocol data frame format is a non-compliant version of the industry standard protocol data frame format.   
     
     
         6 . The switch of  claim 5 , wherein;
 the first protocol data frame format is in compliance of the industry standard Ethernet protocol.   
     
     
         7 . A bridge device for receiving and transmitting data between two communicating devices coupled to the bridge, comprising:
 an interface port for coupling to a first device to receive and transmit data in one of at least two different protocol data frame formats and,   a second interface port for coupling to a second device to receive and transmit data in the other of the at least two different protocol data frame formats and,   processing logic to receive and transmit data in one of the at least two different protocol data frame format from the first device and,   processing logic to receive and transmit data in the other of the at least two different protocol data frame format from the second device and,   to translate the received protocol data frame one of the at least two different protocol data frame formats to the other of the at least two different protocol data frame format.   
     
     
         8 . The bridge device of  claim 7 , wherein;
 the protocol data frame format of the first device and,   the protocol data frame format of the second device are programmable by an external port connected to the bridge device.   
     
     
         9 . The bridge device of  claim 7 , wherein;
 the protocol data frame format of the first device is preconfigured and,   the protocol data frame format of the second device is programmable by the first device.