Ethernet Adapter GFP Header Payload Type Identifier
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Solution Overview
Problem
Long distance connectivity across metropolitan area fiber optic networks using Generic Frame Procedure (GFP) protocols faces compatibility issues with Converged Enhanced Ethernet (CEE) networks due to differences in encoding, such as 64/66B vs. 8/10B, and lacks defined mechanisms for propagating loss of light and synchronization conditions.
Innovation Solution
The system inserts a payload type identifier sequence in the GFP header to denote a CEE network, uses idle sequences to maintain direct current balance and force synchronization loss conditions, and scans for invalid frames to introduce correction codes, enabling compatibility and data rate adaptation between legacy and CEE networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If GFP protocols with 64/66B encoding are used for long distance transmission, then transmission distance is improved, but compatibility with CEE networks using 8/10B encoding deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an adapter as an intermediary device that translates between GFP's 64/66B encoding and CEE's 8/10B encoding. The adapter receives encoded data streams, decodes them to their original form, re-encodes them in the target format, and transmits them, thereby enabling compatibility between the two encoding schemes without requiring changes to the underlying transmission infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the encoding parameters by introducing new payload type identifier sequences in the GFP header to denote CEE networks. This parameter change allows the system to switch between different encoding modes (64/66B for GFP, 8/10B for CEE) while maintaining a unified transmission framework, resolving the compatibility issue through configurable parameter adaptation.
2Stability of the object's composition
If idle sequences are inserted to maintain DC balance, then direct current balance is improved, but data frame structure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic insertion of idle sequences at regular intervals within data frames to maintain DC balance. This periodic action ensures that the cumulative bit pattern maintains electrical balance over time, preventing DC drift while following a predictable, systematic pattern that simplifies implementation compared to random or complex balancing schemes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses predefined idle sequence patterns that are copied and inserted into appropriate positions within the data stream. Rather than generating complex balancing sequences dynamically, the system uses standardized idle patterns that can be easily replicated and inserted, reducing the complexity of the balancing mechanism while maintaining effectiveness.
3Reliability
If loss of synchronization conditions are forced using unrecognized characters, then synchronization error propagation is improved, but data integrity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the synchronization error propagation function from the data payload by using dedicated control sequences and header fields. Rather than embedding synchronization information within the data content, the system separates synchronization control into distinct marker sequences and header structures, allowing synchronization errors to be detected and propagated independently without corrupting the actual data payload.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter acts as an intermediary that monitors data frames for invalid sequences and introduces controlled synchronization loss conditions only when necessary. The adapter scans incoming frames, identifies synchronization issues, and inserts appropriate error markers or control sequences that propagate the synchronization loss condition without altering or losing the actual data information, thereby maintaining data integrity while ensuring proper error propagation.
Data Source
AI summary
An Ethernet adapter system may include a transmitter to insert a payload type identifier sequence in a generic frame procedure header to indicate that a network is a converged enhanced Ethernet network. The transmitter may insert idle sequences in a stream of data frames transmitted along a link. The system may include a receiver to recognize a condition and to force a loss of synchronization condition on the link that will be converted by the receiver into a loss of light condition. The receiver may scan the transmitted stream of data frames for invalid data frames and introduce a code into the stream of data frames whenever an invalid data frame is detected.