Ethernet Auto-Negotiation Bits for Higher FEC Signaling Capacity
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Solution Overview
Problem
The efficiency of auto-negotiation is affected due to the limited information capacity of the basic page in the IEEE 802.3 standard, requiring additional pages for new Ethernet interface functions, leading to increased interaction times and reduced efficiency.
Innovation Solution
An auto-negotiation method that utilizes differential Manchester encoding to parse additional bits in the basic page for FEC function indicators and technology ability indicators, allowing multiple meanings to be conveyed by a single bit, thereby enhancing the information capacity of the basic page.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If more pages are used for auto-negotiation to accommodate new Ethernet interface functions, then the information capacity is improved, but the auto-negotiation efficiency deteriorates due to increased interaction times
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensionality change by utilizing the time dimension within the existing basic page structure. Instead of adding more pages (spatial expansion), the invention reuses bits within the basic page across multiple negotiation rounds, allowing each bit to convey different meanings in different contexts. This transforms a single-page limitation into a multi-round negotiation capability, effectively increasing information capacity without adding pages.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action through multi-round auto-negotiation where the same basic page is exchanged repeatedly. In each round, bits are reinterpreted based on the current negotiation state and previously exchanged information. This periodic reuse of the basic page structure allows progressive disclosure of information about new Ethernet interface functions, maintaining efficiency while accommodating expanded functionality.
2Ease of operation
If the basic page structure is kept simple according to IEEE 802.3 standard, then the ease of operation is improved, but the adaptability to new Ethernet interface functions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the meaning of bits in the basic page dynamic rather than static. While the basic page structure itself remains simple and compliant with IEEE 802.3, the interpretation of individual bits changes based on the negotiation round and context. This dynamic reinterpretation allows the same simple structure to adapt to new Ethernet interface functions without requiring structural modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universality by enabling each bit in the basic page to serve multiple functions across different negotiation rounds. A single bit can indicate different capabilities or parameters depending on the current state of negotiation, allowing the basic page to universally handle both traditional and new Ethernet interface functions through the same simplified structure.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The method allows for more efficient auto-negotiation by reducing the need for additional pages, maintaining or improving negotiation speed and efficiency even with new Ethernet interface functions.
Implementation Method 1
utilizes differential Manchester encoding to parse additional bits in the basic page for FEC function indicators and technology ability indicators
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments of this application disclose an auto-negotiation method and apparatus. According to the method, a first interface obtains basic page information from a second interface. The basic page information includes N bits, the N bits include an FEC function indicator bit sequence, and the FEC function indicator bit sequence includes an FEC ability indicator bit and an FEC requested indicator bit. The first interface determines, based on values of a plurality of bits in the N bits, an operation mode supported by the second interface. The FEC function indicator bit sequence includes a first FEC function indicator bit, and the first FEC function indicator bit is used to correspond to m FEC abilities; or the FEC function indicator bit sequence includes a first FEC ability indicator bit, and the first FEC ability indicator bit corresponds to n FEC abilities, where both m and n are greater than or equal to 1. Because one FEC function indicator bit indicates more FEC abilities, N bits in a basic page can carry more information, so that a process of increasing auto-negotiation pages is slowed down, thereby avoiding impact on auto-negotiation efficiency.