L1 Connectivity Abstraction via PLL Clock Reconstruction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for virtual physical layer connectivity between distant computing devices are limited by the requirement for physical co-location and fail to transport or replicate physical properties of data streams, such as errors and clock frequency, restricting scalability and accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that implement Layer 1 (L1) connectivity abstraction using a data buffer state controlled phase lock loop (PLL) mechanism to emulate direct connections between computing devices across a network, ensuring the replication of physical properties like clock frequency and error transport.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If physical co-location is required for connectivity, then connection reliability is improved, but device scalability and deployment flexibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces network devices as intermediaries that establish virtual L1 connectivity between distant computing devices. These network devices act as mediators that replicate physical layer properties (clock frequency, errors, signaling) over network connections, enabling devices to communicate as if physically connected while actually being geographically distributed. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining connection reliability through property replication while enabling deployment flexibility through network-based connectivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs copying by replicating physical layer properties (clock signals, error characteristics, proprietary signaling) from the source device through network devices to the target device. Instead of requiring actual physical connection, the system creates a virtual copy of the physical layer behavior, allowing distant devices to emulate co-located connectivity. This enables both reliability (through accurate property replication) and scalability (through network-based deployment).
2Device complexity
If physical properties are not replicated, then network simplicity is improved, but data stream accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by selectively replicating specific physical layer properties (clock frequency, errors, proprietary signaling) at the appropriate network devices along the data path. Rather than replicating everything or nothing, the system identifies and reproduces only the critical physical properties needed for accurate data stream transmission. This maintains data stream accuracy while avoiding unnecessary complexity by focusing on essential property replication.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes parameters by transforming physical layer characteristics into network-transmittable forms. Clock frequencies are recovered and reconstructed, error patterns are preserved and reproduced, and proprietary signaling is emulated through network protocols. This parameter transformation enables accurate data stream replication over standard network infrastructure, balancing accuracy requirements with network simplicity.
3Device complexity
If clock frequency matching is not implemented, then system complexity is reduced, but data integrity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback through clock rate reconstruction using a data buffer state controlled phase lock loop (PLL) mechanism. The system continuously monitors the data buffer state and adjusts the reconstructed clock frequency accordingly, providing feedback control that ensures accurate clock synchronization. This feedback mechanism maintains data integrity by dynamically adapting the clock frequency to match the incoming data stream, while the use of standardized PLL technology keeps system complexity manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes mechanical/synchronization mechanisms by using a data buffer state controlled PLL instead of requiring direct physical clock synchronization between devices. The PLL mechanism electronically reconstructs the clock signal based on buffer state feedback, replacing what would otherwise require complex mechanical or direct electrical synchronization. This substitution maintains data integrity through accurate clock recovery while reducing system complexity by using established electronic control techniques.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables scalable and accurate emulation of physical layer connectivity between distant devices, effectively replicating data stream properties and maintaining data integrity across networks, thus overcoming the limitations of existing solutions.
Implementation Method 1
clock rate reconstruction using a data buffer state controlled phase lock loop (PLL) mechanism
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for emulating physical layer (L1) connectivity between distant computing devices. Existing solutions require that the computing devices or end points directly connect to a same interconnecting (or network) device and/or employ network devices requiring awareness of the communication protocol used between the end points. Further, existing solutions typically fail to match the ingress and egress clock rates. These restrictions limit scaling of the solutions, confine the end points to a physical co-location, and/or fail to transport or replicate the physical properties (e.g., errors, proprietary signaling, clock frequency, etc.) of the data stream transmitted between the end points. The disclosed method and system overcome these limitations through implementation of a L1 connectivity abstraction between computing devices across a network, and through clock rate reconstruction using a data buffer state controlled phase lock loop (PLL) mechanism.