DSL Transceiver Packet Control Headers for Low-Overhead Links
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing interfaces between link layer and physical layer devices in DSL transceivers, such as ITU-T G.999.1, incur overhead due to additional tags, Ethernet encapsulation headers, and pause frames, which increase complexity and reduce efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A mechanism that transfers identification, priority, and data flow control information without overhead by using a packet control header (PCH) to replace preambles and pause frames, allowing for bit-level synchronization and congestion control, eliminating the need for separate identification tags and Ethernet headers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If additional tags, Ethernet encapsulation headers, and pause frames are used to transfer identification and data flow control information, then the information transfer function is improved, but the overhead increases and implementation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate control mechanisms (identification tags, Ethernet encapsulation headers, and pause frames) into a single integrated Packet Control Header (PCH). This merging eliminates the need for multiple separate overhead structures while maintaining all necessary control functions, thereby reducing implementation complexity without sacrificing information transfer capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The PCH is designed as a universal header structure that performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides packet identification, data flow control, and congestion management. This multi-functionality replaces several specialized control elements, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining comprehensive control capabilities.
2Reliability
If additional tags, Ethernet encapsulation headers, and pause frames are used to transfer identification and data flow control information, then the information transfer function is improved, but the overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate control data structures into a single PCH, thereby consolidating the total amount of overhead bytes. Instead of transmitting separate identification tags, Ethernet headers, and pause frames, all control information is packed into one unified header, reducing the total quantity of overhead transmitted on the wire.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts only the essential control functions from the complex stack of protocols (identification, flow control, congestion management) and implements them in a streamlined PCH. This extraction removes unnecessary overhead elements while retaining the core control capabilities needed for reliable operation.
3Measurement precision
If separate identification tags and Ethernet headers are used, then packet identification is achieved, but the complexity and overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The PCH serves as a universal identification mechanism that provides packet identification, fragment identification, and stream identification all in one structure. This multi-functional approach maintains precise packet identification capabilities while eliminating the need for separate identification tags and Ethernet headers, thereby reducing complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A device and a method for communicating with a link partner device. The device may include a fragmentation unit configured to fragment a packet into multiple fragments if a size of the packet is greater than a maximum fragment size, a packet control header unit configured to generate a packet control header for a packet or each fragment of the packet, and a transceiver configured to send the packet or the fragments of the packet with the packet control header via a connection between the device and the link partner device. The packet control header may include a data flow control field for congestion control between the device and the link partner device, the data flow control field including a configuration parameter indicative of a flow control capability being supported by the device.