Ethernet Repeater Auto-Negotiation for Extended Network Distance

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional repeaters in Ethernet networks are unable to perform auto-negotiation, limiting data rate adjustments and requiring manual changes when nodes switch from 10Base-TX to 100Base-TX, thus restricting network performance beyond 100 meters.

Innovation Solution

A repeater capable of auto-negotiation that selects and compares modes of operation between node devices, determining a common highest performance mode, and transmitting this information to other repeaters to maintain network connectivity and performance across extended distances.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of stationary object

If a conventional repeater is used to extend network distance beyond 100 meters, then network coverage is improved, but data rate adaptability deteriorates because the repeater cannot perform auto-negotiation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork coverage distanceVSAvoiddata rate adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of stationary objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The repeater is enhanced with multi-functionality by integrating auto-negotiation capability alongside its traditional signal amplification function. The repeater can now both extend network distance and adapt to different data rates (10Mbps/100Mbps) by performing auto-negotiation with connected nodes, making it universally compatible with various network configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The repeater performs self-service by automatically determining its operating mode through auto-negotiation with connected nodes. Instead of requiring manual configuration, the repeater autonomously detects the capabilities of connected devices and selects the appropriate data rate and duplex mode, enabling it to serve itself in adapting to network conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If manual adjustment is used to change repeater data rate, then data rate adaptability is improved, but operational complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata rate adaptabilityVSAvoidoperational simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The repeater performs self-service by automatically determining its operating mode through auto-negotiation with connected nodes. Instead of requiring manual configuration, the repeater autonomously detects the capabilities of connected devices and selects the appropriate data rate and duplex mode, enabling it to serve itself in adapting to network conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The auto-negotiation mechanism implements feedback by continuously exchanging capability information between the repeater and connected nodes. Based on the feedback received about node capabilities, the repeater automatically adjusts its operating parameters to achieve optimal performance without manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If auto-negotiation is implemented in the repeater, then data rate adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata rate adaptabilityVSAvoidrepeater complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The repeater is enhanced with multi-functionality by integrating auto-negotiation capability alongside its traditional signal amplification function. The repeater can now both extend network distance and adapt to different data rates (10Mbps/100Mbps) by performing auto-negotiation with connected nodes, making it universally compatible with various network configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS7339902B2Repeater for performing auto-negotiation between two node devices in a network

Publication Date: 2008.03.04 REALTEK SEMICON CORP

AI summary

The present invention provides a repeater and associated method for performing auto-negotiation between two node devices in the Ethernet network. The repeater includes a receiver receiving related information of auto-negotiation of a first node device, a control unit processing the received information and determining a common mode of operation for the first node device and the repeater, and a transmitter transmitting a determining result to a second node device. The associated method includes selecting a first common mode of operation according to respective modes supported by the first node device and the repeater; comparing the first common mode with modes supported by the second node device; and determining a second common mode of operation according to a comparing result, wherein the second common mode is the highest performance common mode of operation for the first and second node devices.