Ethernet T/L Field Sequence Numbering for Layer 2 Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
The Ethernet protocol lacks efficient mechanisms for guaranteed packet delivery at lower OSI layers, relying on upper protocol layers like TCP, which leads to inefficiencies and interference with legacy systems, unlike Fibre Channel and InfiniBand that provide guaranteed delivery at Layer 2 or Layer 3.
Innovation Solution
Utilizing the underutilized type/length (T/L) field in Ethernet packets to provide sequence numbers for guaranteed delivery by assigning unassigned values for commands and sequence numbers, allowing for transparent operation with legacy systems and efficient packet retransmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If Ethernet protocol relies on upper protocol layers (TCP) for guaranteed delivery, then compatibility with legacy systems is maintained, but delivery efficiency and reliability at Layer 2 deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the guaranteed delivery mechanism from the upper protocol layers (TCP) and implements it directly at Layer 2 by utilizing the Type/Length field in Ethernet frames. This allows Ethernet to provide reliable delivery without depending on higher layers, improving efficiency while maintaining compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the Type/Length field multi-functional by using it for both its traditional purpose (identifying protocol type or frame length) and for carrying sequence numbers and acknowledgment information for guaranteed delivery. This allows the same field to serve multiple functions without requiring additional overhead.
2Adaptability or versatility
If Ethernet uses upper protocol layers for delivery confirmation, then legacy system compatibility is preserved, but protocol overhead and complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reuses the existing Type/Length field for multiple purposes: traditional Ethernet functionality and new guaranteed delivery mechanisms. This eliminates the need for additional fields or protocols, keeping the structure simple and compatible with legacy systems while adding new capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables Ethernet frames to self-manage delivery confirmation using their own inherent fields (Type/Length) without requiring external support from upper protocol layers or additional infrastructure. The frame structure itself provides the mechanism for reliable delivery.
3Reliability
If Fibre Channel and InfiniBand provide guaranteed delivery at Layer 2/3, then delivery reliability improves, but compatibility with standard Ethernet deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the interpretation of the Type/Length field parameters to carry sequence numbers and acknowledgment information. By reinterpreting existing field values rather than adding new fields, the patent achieves Layer 2 guaranteed delivery while maintaining standard Ethernet compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the guaranteed delivery functionality from higher protocol layers and implements it within the Ethernet frame structure itself at Layer 2, similar to how Fibre Channel and InfiniBand provide it at their respective layers, but without requiring proprietary hardware or complex infrastructure.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems are disclosed for providing confirmed delivery of Ethernet packets. The type/length (T/L) field of the standard Ethernet protocol packet is used to provide sequence numbers for guaranteed delivery of Ethernet packets. Sequence numbers are assigned at a transmitting device and read by a receiving device to confirm delivery of the Ethernet packets. If a missing packet is detected by the receiving device, it requests retransmission of the missing packet. Because the T/L field has limited use in legacy Ethernet systems, this use of the T/L field for guaranteed delivery has little, if any, effect on legacy systems.