Ethernet MAC-Layer ARQ for Lower Bit Errors Without Added Overhead
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing forward error correction (FEC) solutions in high-speed Ethernet face challenges with insufficient gain capability, leading to increased link overheads and computational complexity, necessitating a more efficient method to reduce link bit error rates without additional overheads.
Innovation Solution
Introduce an automatic repeat-request (ARQ) mechanism into the Ethernet architecture, utilizing a retransmission mechanism by generating a data control subframe within the space of existing MAC packet fields to reduce link bit error rates without modifying the Ethernet standard structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the quantity of check data packets is increased to improve error correction capability, then the link bit error rate is reduced, but the link overheads and computational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an ARQ mechanism as an intermediary layer between the physical layer and higher layers. This mediator handles error correction through retransmission rather than relying solely on FEC check packets, thereby reducing the need for extensive check data and associated computational complexity while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the error correction function into two parts: FEC for handling minor errors and ARQ for handling significant transmission failures. This segmentation allows the system to use minimal FEC check packets combined with selective retransmission, reducing overall computational complexity compared to using only FEC with many check packets
2Reliability
If the quantity of check data packets is increased to improve error correction capability, then the link bit error rate is reduced, but the link overheads increase
Solution Approach 1:
The ARQ mechanism acts as an intermediary that reduces the burden on FEC check packets. By handling retransmission at the MAC layer, the system can use fewer FEC check packets, thereby reducing link overheads while maintaining error correction capability through the combination of FEC and ARQ
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using excessive check packets for all error conditions, the patent applies partial action by using minimal FEC check packets for minor errors and resorting to ARQ retransmission only when necessary. This partial approach to error correction significantly reduces link overheads compared to using full FEC coverage
3Reliability
If an ARQ mechanism is introduced into Ethernet architecture, then the link bit error rate is reduced, but the Ethernet standard structure requires modification
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the ARQ mechanism from the higher layers and places it at the MAC layer, separating it from the Ethernet frame structure. This extraction allows ARQ to operate independently without modifying the core Ethernet standard, maintaining compatibility while improving reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds the ARQ function in a new dimensional space at the MAC layer, rather than modifying the existing Ethernet frame structure. This dimensional addition allows the system to incorporate retransmission capability without altering the fundamental Ethernet standard, preserving adaptability and compatibility
Data Source
AI summary
A data transmission method and a network device are provided. The method includes: obtaining a to-be-transmitted first MAC packet; obtaining a first data control subframe by using field space of a first field of the first MAC packet, and obtaining a first target data subframe based on a second field of the first MAC packet, where the first data control subframe includes a sequence number of the first target data subframe; and transmitting a first frame including the first data control subframe and the first target data subframe to a target network device. A source network device uses space of the first field to generate the first data control subframe used for retransmission control.