EPOC Auto-Negotiation via Link Info Broadcasting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ethernet Passive Optical Network over Coax (EPOC) systems face challenges in auto-negotiation and link establishment due to the need to determine coaxial link spectrum, bandwidth, and power levels, which are not adequately addressed by existing EPON standards, particularly in hybrid EPON-EPOC network architectures.
Innovation Solution
The method involves broadcasting a link info message over the EPOC network, receiving and processing reply messages from unlinked coaxial network units (CNUs) to adjust transmit power and delay settings, and transitioning to a linked state through dedicated PHY link channels, ensuring compliance with EPON standards and enabling efficient auto-negotiation and link configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing EPON standards are used for auto-negotiation in EPOC systems, then compatibility with Ethernet standards is maintained, but the coaxial link spectrum, bandwidth, and power level determination are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the auto-negotiation process into distinct phases: initial link info message broadcasting, reply message collection from CNUs, and iterative configuration refinement. This segmentation allows each phase to address specific aspects of coaxial link adaptation separately, improving overall reliability while maintaining EPON standard compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary actions by broadcasting link info messages before actual data transmission begins. This preliminary exchange of capability information allows the system to pre-determine appropriate spectrum, bandwidth, and power level configurations, ensuring reliable link establishment before operational traffic flows.
2Productivity
If auto-negotiation messages are broadcast to multiple CNUs, then network configuration efficiency is improved, but message collision and interference may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action through time-division multiplexing of auto-negotiation messages. Link info broadcast messages and reply messages are transmitted in alternating time slots, preventing simultaneous transmissions that would cause interference. This periodic structure maintains high configuration efficiency while eliminating message collisions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms where CNUs send reply messages containing their detected link parameters and capability information. The CLT uses this feedback to adjust subsequent broadcast messages and finalize optimal configurations, resolving interference issues through iterative refinement rather than single-shot broadcasting.
3Reliability
If transmit power and delay settings are adjusted based on CNU responses, then link optimization is improved, but additional message exchanges increase negotiation time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary power and delay measurements during the initial link establishment phase. CNUs transmit test signals at predetermined power levels, and the CLT measures received signal characteristics to determine optimal settings before actual data transmission begins. This preliminary action optimizes link reliability without significantly extending operational negotiation time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses partial action by implementing power and delay adjustments only when necessary based on CNU responses. Rather than continuously adjusting all parameters, the system makes targeted adjustments to specific parameters that need optimization, reducing overall negotiation time while maintaining link reliability.
Data Source
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AI summary
A PHY auto-negotiation and link up procedure for Ethernet Passive Optical Network Over Coax (EPOC) is provided. The procedure is compliant with the Ethernet Passive Optical Network (EPON) standard and can be used to bring an EPOC network to user traffic readiness. In addition, the procedure, or a variation thereof, can be used to enable periodic maintenance of the coaxial link of the EPOC network, thereby maintaining adequate communication conditions.