Ethernet network implementing redundancy using a single category 5 cable
EPO Patent 1720293-A1
1720293-A1 is referenced by 2 patents and cites 3 patents.
A method for providing redundancy in a daisy chain local area network employing Category 5 cabling for connecting network devices uses the normally unused twisted wire pairs in the single Cat 5 cable connecting adjacent network devices. The method includes forming in each network device a passive signal path (14a,14b,14c,14z) connecting pins of an upstream port (22U-B) associated with the normally unused twisted wire pairs of the Cat 5 cable to pins of a downstream port (22D-B) associated with the normally unused twisted wire pairs of the Cat 5 cable, forming loop back connections (30,32) at the terminal network devices where the loop back connections connect the normally used twisted wire pairs to the normally unused twisted wire pairs of the Cat 5 cable connected to the terminal network devices,; and implementing a Spanning Tree Protocol in each of the network devices for defining an active signal path through the local area network.
