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 apparatus for providing data communication between devices coupled to the switch, comprising:
 a first port interface for receiving and transmitting data in a first protocol;   a second port interface for receiving and transmitting data in a second;   a third port interface for receiving and transmitting data in a third protocol;   processing logic, wherein:
 said processing logic is configured to receive a data packet from the first port interface of the switch and to translate the received data packet from the first port interface of the switch to form a second port interface data packet in a second protocol, or to translate the received data packet from the first port interface to form a third port interface data packet in a third protocol; 
 said processing logic is configured to receive a data packet from the second port interface of the switch and to translate the received data packet from the second port interface to form a first port interface data packet in a first, or translate the received data packet from the second port interface to form a first port interface data packet in a first protocol, then translate said translated received data packet from the first protocol to form a third port interface data packet in the third protocol; and 
 said processing logic is configured to receive a data packet from the third port interface of the switch and to translate the received data packet from the third port interface to form a first port interface data packet in the first protocol, or translate the received data packet from the third port interface to form a first port interface data packet in a first protocol, then translate said translated received data packet from the first protocol to form a second port interface data packet in the second protocol. 
   
     
     
         2 . The switch of  claim 1 , wherein the first protocol packet data frame format, the second protocol packet data frame format and the third protocol packet data frame format are configurable from an external programmable interface connected to said switch. 
     
     
         3 . The switch of  claim 1 , comprising at least one port interface for coupling to a device for receiving and transmitting data in both the first protocol data frame format and the second protocol data frame format. 
     
     
         4 . The switch of  claim 1 , comprising at least one port interface for coupling to a device for receiving and transmitting data in the third protocol data frame format. 
     
     
         5 . The switch of  claim 1 , wherein the first protocol data frame format is in compliance with an industry standard communication protocol. 
     
     
         6 . The switch of  claim 1 , wherein the second protocol data frame format is in compliance with an industry standard communication protocol. 
     
     
         7 . The switch of  claim 1 , wherein the third protocol data frame format is in compliance with an industry standard communication protocol. 
     
     
         8 . The switch of  claim 1 , wherein the first protocol is in compliance with an industry standard protocol, and wherein at least one of the second or third protocol is in non-compliance with an industry standard protocol.