Ethernet Stream Monitoring via PCS Layer Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for monitoring Ethernet data streams in dense wavelength division multiplexed networks require significant chip resources, particularly power and area, due to the need for MAC layer implementation, which is not feasible in all devices.
Innovation Solution
A monitoring apparatus that evaluates sync headers and block type fields of line code vectors within the Physical Coding Sublayer (PCS) without implementing a MAC layer, using a counter unit to increment performance counters based on look-up table values and calculate performance parameters like utilization and binning distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If MAC layer implementation is used for monitoring Ethernet data streams, then monitoring capability is improved, but chip resources (power and area) are significantly consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential monitoring functionality from the MAC layer and implements it directly in the Physical Coding Sublayer (PCS). By taking out only the necessary counter functions and performance monitoring capabilities needed for Ethernet data stream monitoring, the invention achieves monitoring capability without requiring full MAC layer implementation, thus reducing power consumption and chip area.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a simplified copy of the monitoring functionality that operates at the PCS layer rather than requiring the complete MAC layer. By copying only the essential counter and performance monitoring features needed for data stream analysis, the invention maintains monitoring capability while avoiding the resource overhead of a full MAC layer implementation.
2Reliability
If MAC layer implementation is used for monitoring Ethernet data streams, then monitoring capability is improved, but chip area is significantly consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential monitoring functionality from the MAC layer and implements it directly in the Physical Coding Sublayer (PCS). By taking out only the necessary counter functions and performance monitoring capabilities needed for Ethernet data stream monitoring, the invention achieves monitoring capability without requiring full MAC layer implementation, thus reducing power consumption and chip area.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a simplified copy of the monitoring functionality that operates at the PCS layer rather than requiring the complete MAC layer. By copying only the essential counter and performance monitoring features needed for data stream analysis, the invention maintains monitoring capability while avoiding the resource overhead of a full MAC layer implementation.
3Measurement precision
If MAC layer implementation is used for monitoring, then performance monitoring accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential monitoring functionality from the MAC layer and implements it directly in the Physical Coding Sublayer (PCS). By taking out only the necessary counter functions and performance monitoring capabilities needed for Ethernet data stream monitoring, the invention achieves monitoring capability without requiring full MAC layer implementation, thus reducing power consumption and chip area.
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus for monitoring a performance of an Ethernet data stream, EDS, said apparatus comprising: an evaluation unit adapted to evaluate sync headers and block type fields of line code vectors of the Ethernet data stream, EDS; and a counter unit adapted to increment at least one performance counter in response to the evaluated sync header and the evaluated block type field of each line code vector of the Ethernet data stream, EDS.