Importance

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Abstract

A network interface is provided for a host computer system that includes a host computer connected to an external computer network via an external network interface. The external network interface includes a host computer physical layer that provides a connection to the external computer network, a host computer media access control layer connected to the host computer through a media independent interface, and an isolation block connected to the media independent interface between the host computer physical layer and the host computer media access control layer. The isolation block is activated when the host computer enters a sleep state such that the host computer media access control layer is disconnected from the host computer physical layer and the network interface is activated. The network interface comprises a network interface media access control layer that is connected to the media independent interface. A network interface buffer manager is coupled to the network interface media access control layer. A network interface buffer memory is coupled to the network interface buffer manager. The network interface buffer manager is configured to transfer frame data between the network interface buffer memory and the media independent interface via the network interface media access control layer.

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First Claim