Media Converter Pluggable Module Auto-Configuration

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The complexity of configuring and managing pluggable modules in 10GbE media converter systems, particularly in high-density channels with mixed module types, leads to time-consuming operations and risks of incorrect module insertion, due to vendor-specific ID codes and lack of automation in identifying suitable protocols and vendors.

Innovation Solution

A method and arrangement that automatically enables or disables channels based on correlation between module-specific information from pluggable modules and the media converter system, using protocol, vendor, and log-in identity codes to ensure correct operation modes and vendor authentication, facilitating plug-and-play functionality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If manual configuration of each channel is performed to set up the media converter system with mixed types of pluggable modules, then the system can support multiple protocols and module types, but the configuration process becomes time-consuming and tedious

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesupport for multiple protocols and module typesVSAvoidconfiguration time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically detects the pluggable module type through EEPROM reading and self-configures the channel parameters without operator intervention. The media converter system extracts module-specific information, correlates it with stored vendor codes, and automatically enables or disables channels based on the detected module type, making the system self-configuring.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Vendor-specific identity codes and protocol mappings are pre-stored in the media converter system's memory before operation. When a pluggable module is inserted, the system quickly matches the module's EEPROM data against these pre-stored codes to determine the correct configuration, eliminating the need for manual setup of each channel.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If the same type of module is used for each individual channel to maintain well-defined operating modes, then system stability is ensured, but the risk of incorrect module insertion cannot be completely avoided during module exchange

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperating mode stabilityVSAvoidincorrect module insertion

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system reads the vendor-specific identity code from the pluggable module's EEPROM and provides feedback by comparing it with pre-stored codes. Based on this feedback, the system automatically determines whether to enable or disable the channel, preventing incorrect module insertion from causing system errors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system pre-stores vendor-specific identity codes and protocol mappings to prevent incorrect module insertion. By having the expected vendor codes ready in advance, the system can immediately identify and reject incompatible modules before they cause operational issues.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

3Measurement precision

If vendor-specific ID codes are used in the EEPROM to identify pluggable modules, then module identification precision is improved, but the complexity of interpreting these codes increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemodule identification precisionVSAvoidcode interpretation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The media converter system incorporates a universal database of vendor-specific identity codes that can identify pluggable modules from multiple different vendors. This universal code library allows the system to handle various vendor-specific formats through a single standardized interpretation mechanism, reducing complexity while maintaining precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP2449417B1Method and arrangement handling pluggable modules and operating modes in a media converter system and pluggable module therefore

Publication Date: 2018.10.17 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)

Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4

AI summary

A method handling a pluggable module selectable from a plurality of pluggable modules is executable at a media converter system of a network configuration. The method provides for automatically enabling of a disabled channel or disabling of an enabled channel of the media converter system when the pluggable module is attached to the media converter system, wherein the suggested channel enabling/disabling feature is executed on the basis of a correlation between module specific information extracted from the respective pluggable module and corresponding information extracted via the media converter system. An arrangement for executing the suggested method is also provided.