Ethernet Link Training Refresh for Energy Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional Ethernet networks face challenges in achieving higher data rates while maintaining energy efficiency, as increased data rates often result in significant power consumption and require sophisticated signal processing to mitigate signal attenuation and crosstalk issues.
Innovation Solution
The method involves dynamically determining when to train and refresh Ethernet link partners, allowing for transitions between active and lower power states, using control parameters and adaptive techniques to optimize channel settings based on environmental conditions and prior cycles, thereby reducing energy consumption and ensuring reliable communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If Ethernet link partners continuously train and refresh channel parameters to maintain reliable communication, then communication reliability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic training and refreshing of channel parameters at predetermined intervals rather than continuously. The system determines when training is needed based on operational state transitions (e.g., entering/exiting low-power modes) and performs training only at these periodic opportunities, reducing energy consumption while maintaining communication reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically adjusts training behavior based on real-time operational conditions. The system monitors whether channels are in use and adapts training frequency accordingly - performing full training when channels become inactive or when transitioning between data rates, while reducing or skipping training during continuous active operation to save energy.
2Use of energy by moving object
If training frequency is reduced to save energy, then energy efficiency is improved, but channel parameter accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where link partners exchange information about channel conditions and training history. This feedback allows the system to intelligently determine when training is actually needed based on observed channel stability, ensuring that parameter accuracy is maintained only when necessary while avoiding unnecessary training during stable conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary training and parameter setup during initial link establishment and when entering low-power states. By completing training in advance before critical operations begin, the system ensures channel parameters are accurate when needed without performing continuous training during active data transmission.
3Reliability
If full training is performed for all channels including silent channels, then communication reliability is improved, but time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the training process by treating different channels differently based on their operational state. Silent channels (those not currently carrying data) receive reduced or deferred training compared to active channels. The system performs full training only for channels that are about to become active or have become inactive, while using updated parameters from previous training for channels that remain silently inactive.
Data Source
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AI summary
Training, refreshing and/or updating Ethernet link partners for silent channels and/or silent directions of channels may be determined based on control parameters. This may be used to improve energy efficiency in Ethernet communication. Control parameters may comprise a default value and/or may be determined based on prior training, refreshing and/or updating. New values for the control parameters may be generated based on a magnitude of change between current and prior control parameter values or based on performance such as bit error rate. User input may be utilized to determine when to execute the training, refreshing and/or updating. The training, refreshing and/or updating may be done for one or more of a near-end crosstalk canceller, alien near-end crosstalk canceller, far-end crosstalk canceller, alien far-end crosstalk canceller and echo canceller. After the training, refreshing and/or updating, the silent channels may transition to active and/or may remain silent.