Fiber Optic GbE Channelization via PHY Overclocking
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-speed network interfaces, such as gigabit Ethernet over fiber optics, face inefficiencies due to limited faceplate densities and unused bandwidth, as the switching capacity of linecards outpaces physical link elements, leading to wasted bandwidth and inefficiencies in managing multiple lower-speed legacy links.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves interleaving or encoding multiple lower-bandwidth gigabit Ethernet signals onto a single fiber optic link by overclocking the physical layer elements, allowing for increased port density and bandwidth while maintaining compatibility with existing standards, using techniques like bit interleaving and tagging to manage data packets and maintain MAC address accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If multiple 1 GbE links are connected to increase bandwidth, then bandwidth capacity increases, but device complexity and routing overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple 1 GbE links into a single logical interface by implementing link aggregation at the physical layer. Multiple physical fiber optic cables are merged into one logical connection, allowing the system to achieve increased bandwidth capacity while presenting a single interface to higher network layers, thereby eliminating the routing overhead associated with managing multiple separate links.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal interface that can handle multiple data streams simultaneously. The aggregated link functions as both a single logical interface for simplified routing and as multiple physical channels for increased bandwidth, providing multi-functionality that resolves the contradiction between capacity and complexity.
2Productivity
If 10 GbE transceivers are used to increase faceplate density, then bandwidth per port increases, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operational parameters of existing 1 GbE transceivers by aggregating multiple links to achieve effective 10 GbE performance. Instead of deploying expensive 10 GbE transceivers, the system uses parameter changes in link aggregation to achieve the same effective bandwidth with cheaper components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses multiple inexpensive 1 GbE transceivers instead of a single expensive 10 GbE transceiver. By aggregating several low-cost components, the system achieves the functional equivalent of high-speed transceivers while maintaining cost-effectiveness.
3Quantity of substance
If five 1 GbE links are used to provide bandwidth, then bandwidth capacity increases, but the system requires support for multiple links which reduces efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the bandwidth capacity into multiple 1 GbE links while maintaining a unified logical interface. The physical layer is segmented into multiple channels for increased capacity, but the data link layer presents a single interface, ensuring efficient data transmission without the overhead of managing multiple separate logical connections.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, an apparatus, and a system where multiple lower bandwidth optic Ethernet (e.g. 1000Base-FX) signals can be interleaved or encoded onto a single fiber optic link by overclocking the physical layer elements in such a manner as to be transparent to the data link layer and other higher network layers in the Open Systems Interconnection Reference Model (OSI Model) are provided. Such embodiments may provide increased port density over the existing fiber optic gigabit Ethernet (GbE) standards. In embodiments where multiple GbE signals are not channelized, overclocking the physical layer elements may provide increased bandwidth for a single link over existing fiber optic GbE standards.