Ethernet Encapsulation Using Reserved Code Values
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing data transmission technologies face challenges in efficiently encapsulating standardized data, such as ATM cells, within Ethernet frames, particularly in managing encapsulation information and optimizing data rates over Ethernet links.
Innovation Solution
The encapsulation apparatus uses reserved code values in the Ethernet frame's Length/Type field and VLAN TCI field to indicate encapsulated data, allowing for adaptive encapsulation of multiple ATM cells or packets, optimizing data rates by varying the number of cells per frame based on traffic conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If standardized data formats with fixed length are transmitted over Ethernet, then data transmission compatibility is improved, but data rate optimization is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the number of encapsulated ATM cells variable rather than fixed. The encapsulation apparatus dynamically adjusts the number of cells (1-23 cells) based on traffic conditions and Ethernet bandwidth availability, allowing the system to adapt between maintaining compatibility and optimizing data rates according to current network conditions
2Productivity
If multiple ATM cells are encapsulated in a single Ethernet frame, then data transmission efficiency is improved, but complexity of managing encapsulation information increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the Ethernet frame into distinct functional segments: a header portion containing encapsulation information (number of cells, cell types) and a payload portion containing the actual ATM cell data. This segmentation allows efficient multi-cell encapsulation while managing complexity through structured organization of information fields
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by encoding multiple pieces of encapsulation information into specific fields within the Ethernet frame header. The number of encapsulated cells, cell types, and other parameters are represented as changeable values in designated fields, enabling flexible management of multiple cells without requiring complex external control mechanisms
3Reliability
If reserved code values are used in Ethernet fields to indicate encapsulation information, then compatibility with standard Ethernet protocols is maintained, but available fields for encoding information are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by making the reserved code values in the Ethernet frame's Length/Type field multi-functional. These same code values simultaneously indicate both the presence of encapsulated ATM cells and provide information about the number and type of cells encapsulated. This allows a single field to serve multiple encoding purposes, maximizing information transmission within protocol constraints
Data Source
AI summary
An encapsulation apparatus for encapsulating data includes an input to receive the data, a machine to generate information related to the encapsulation of data and a logic coupled to the machine. A processing machine is coupled to the input and the logic.