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Abstract

A network interface device which can communicate with other devices via a local area network (LAN) using various protocols and frame types, and which can be remotely reconfigured to use different protocols and frame types. The network interface device includes a LAN interface that receives packets including address and data information from the LAN and transmits packets to the LAN. The network interface device also includes a processor that (i) executes an initialization routine to load protocol stack modules and to assign a frame type for each of the loaded protocol stack modules based on configuration information regarding the protocols and frame types used on the LAN, (ii) determines whether a packet received from the LAN is a configuration packet by detecting whether the received packet is addressed to a predetermined address, and (iii) alters the configuration information using the data in the configuration packet, in response to a determination that the received packet is a configuration packet, and changes the configuration of at least one of (i) the loaded protocol stacks and (ii) the frame type assignments based on the altered configuration information.

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First Claim