Ethernet Packet Link Layer Error Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for receiving Ethernet packets over synchronous transport networks result in high rates of discarded packets due to bit errors, leading to unacceptable quality of service and increased development costs and complexity for new applications, as error correction mechanisms are typically implemented at the application layer.
Innovation Solution
A method that processes the frame check sequence of Ethernet packets to correct single-bit errors at the link layer, using stored error check sequences and a tree search algorithm to identify and correct errors, thereby reducing the rate of discarded packets and providing a common solution across all applications supported by the same link layer protocol.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If error correction mechanisms are implemented at the application layer, then packet delivery reliability is improved, but device complexity and development costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary error correction mechanism at the link layer that acts between the physical transmission medium and the higher-layer protocols. This intermediary layer processes frame check sequences to detect and correct single-bit errors before packets reach the application layer, thereby maintaining reliability while preventing the need for complex application-layer error handling mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/applicative error correction approaches (retransmission protocols, application-layer checksums) with an automated link-layer correction mechanism that operates transparently. By substituting the error correction function at a lower layer with more direct control over the transmission medium, the system achieves reliability improvement without the complexity overhead of application-layer implementations
2Reliability
If frame check sequences are processed to correct single-bit errors, then the rate of discarded packets is reduced, but processing time and computational resources increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the error correction process into distinct phases: first, the frame check sequence is extracted and processed independently to identify single-bit errors; second, only packets with detected single-bit errors undergo correction processing; third, corrected packets are forwarded while packets with uncorrectable errors are discarded. This segmentation allows the system to minimize processing time for the majority of packets while applying intensive error correction only when necessary
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial error correction action by focusing exclusively on single-bit error correction rather than attempting to correct all possible error types. This selective approach processes only the most common error condition efficiently, achieving significant packet salvage rates without the computational overhead of comprehensive multi-bit error correction algorithms
Data Source
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AI summary
There is described a method for receiving Ethernet packets transported over a synchronous transport network. Each Ethernet packet has a header, a payload and a frame check sequence. The method is characterized in that receiving comprises processing the frame check sequence of the received Ethernet packets for correcting possible single-bit errors affecting the received Ethernet packets.