Method and apparatus for accounting for delays caused by logic in a network interface by integrating logic into a media access controller

摘要

A method and apparatus for reducing link latency caused by logic in a network interface. A media access controller having a converter, modification logic, a FIFO and a controller reduces the link latency caused when the logic modifies a data packet. The converter receives frame data from a transmit buffer and converts the frame data into a data packet having a prescribed format for transmission onto a network. The logic modifies the data packet. The FIFO buffers the data packet using a plurality of flip-flops. The controller controls the flow of the data packet and determines when to transmit the data packet onto a network via a media access controller.