Modified 64b/66b Codec for Ethernet Bandwidth Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
The standardized 64b/66b codec restricts the location of control characters within the codeword, leading to underutilization of payload bandwidth and lower data transmission throughput, and is not compatible with 100G Ethernet forward error correction schemes.
Innovation Solution
A modified 64b/66b codec that allows a start control character to appear within the codeword sequence, using a type control block to determine the location of the first control block and modify it to create a reference block, enabling data blocks to be inserted subsequent to this block, thereby optimizing payload bandwidth usage and ensuring compatibility with 100G Ethernet standards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the standardized 64b/66b codec restricts control character locations to specific positions in the codeword, then the codeword structure remains simple and compatible with IEEE standards, but payload bandwidth is underutilized and data transmission throughput is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the control block location flexible rather than fixed. The type control block dynamically indicates the position of the first control block within the payload, allowing control characters to appear at any location rather than being restricted to specific positions. This dynamic positioning enables more efficient bandwidth utilization while maintaining structured organization through the type control block indicator.
2Loss of energy
If the standardized 64b/66b codec uses fixed control character positions, then the codeword structure is simple and standardized, but bandwidth utilization is inefficient with 12.5% overhead
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of control block positioning from fixed to variable. By introducing a type control block that specifies the location of the first control block, the system transforms the static structure into a dynamic one where control characters can be positioned optimally within the payload, reducing bandwidth wastage from 12.5% to 3.1% overhead.
3Productivity
If control blocks are allowed at any location in the payload, then bandwidth utilization improves and throughput increases, but compatibility with IEEE 802.3 forward error correction schemes is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The type control block serves as an intermediary between the flexible control character positioning and the IEEE 802.3 error correction schemes. It provides the necessary information about control block locations to enable proper decoding and error correction processing, acting as a bridge that maintains compatibility while enabling improved bandwidth utilization.
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the disclosure provide a codec that transforms input data into a codeword. The codeword includes a header portion and a payload portion. The codec modifies the payload portion of the codeword based on a type control block that is included in the payload portion of the codeword. Specifically, the codec modifies a control block in the payload portion to create a reference block, which provisions for data blocks to be inserted in the codeword subsequent to the reference block. Thus, by modifying the payload portion of the codeword, the codec eliminates any wasted data bytes thereby achieving optimal usage of the payload bandwidth.