Ethernet Switch Loopback for Line-Rate Packet Error Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for line-rate Ethernet traffic testing in fiber-to-home networks are inefficient, as they require additional processing power and specialized hardware, and cannot reach line-rate, making it difficult to detect lossy links effectively.
Innovation Solution
The method involves using local Ethernet switches at the OLT to operate in loopback mode and requesting the ONU to enable loopback mode, forming a closed loop to circulate data frames until the link is saturated at line-rate, allowing for packet error-rate determination without CPU processing power or specialized traffic generators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional Ethernet OAM standards are implemented for performance management, then frame loss measurement capability is provided, but additional processing power is required and scalability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the performance management functionality from the traditional CPU-based processing and implements it in dedicated hardware circuits within the Ethernet switch. This separates the measurement function from the main processing unit, providing frame loss measurement capability while minimizing additional processing power requirements on the CPU.
Solution Approach 2:
The Ethernet switch performs self-diagnosis and performance management by monitoring its own traffic and detecting frame loss internally through hardware mechanisms. This self-service approach eliminates the need for external testing equipment and reduces the processing burden on the CPU while maintaining measurement precision.
2Reliability
If OAM traffic is used for testing, then connectivity fault management is achieved, but line-rate testing is not possible and packet-error rate measurement is limited to severe lossy links
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces software-based OAM traffic processing with hardware-based line-rate testing mechanisms. By using dedicated testing circuits and bypassing the software processing stack, the system achieves true line-rate testing capability while maintaining connectivity fault management functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary configuration of testing parameters and establishes testing modes before actual line-rate testing begins. This preparation includes setting up hardware testing circuits and configuring the switch to operate in test mode, enabling subsequent high-speed testing without processing delays.
3Measurement precision
If specialized hardware and additional processing power are used for line-rate testing, then accurate packet error-rate detection is achieved, but testing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The Ethernet switch is designed with multi-functionality, where the same hardware infrastructure serves both normal switching operations and line-rate performance testing. By making the testing capability inherent in the switch itself rather than requiring separate specialized equipment, the patent achieves accurate packet error-rate detection without increasing manufacturing costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the performance testing functionality with the existing Ethernet switch architecture. By combining frame loss measurement, line-rate testing, and packet error-rate detection into the switch's native hardware circuits, the system eliminates the need for separate testing equipment and reduces overall system cost while maintaining measurement precision.
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes receiving user data packets from customer premises equipment (CPE) in communication with a network terminal over a communication link and enabling a network terminal-side loopback mode to establish a closed traffic test loop across the communication link between the network terminal and the CPE. The received user data packets indicate that a CPE-side loopback mode is enabled. The method also includes injecting a number of data bits into the closed traffic test loop until a saturation threshold of the communication link is satisfied, and when the number of data bits injected into the closed traffic test loop satisfies the saturation threshold, determining a packet error-rate of the number of data bits circulating in the closed traffic test loop. After determining the packet error-rate, the method also includes removing the closed traffic test loop across the communication link between the network terminal and the CPE.