Multi-Pair Ethernet Configuration Over Existing Cabling
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Solution Overview
Problem
The high implementation costs and increased energy consumption associated with deploying next-generation Ethernet data transmission rates pose barriers to adoption, particularly in existing buildings where replacing cabling infrastructure is costly and energy inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A mechanism for multi-pair configuration over existing cabling infrastructure, which involves cable diagnostics to identify channel characteristics, auto-negotiation for capability exchange, and selective activation of physical layer devices to achieve higher data transmission rates without full infrastructure replacement, enabling aggregation of data streams and energy efficiency control policies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If next-generation Ethernet data transmission rates are deployed, then data transmission speed is improved, but implementation cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the cabling infrastructure into multiple independent pairs, allowing selective activation of pairs based on performance needs. This enables incremental upgrades where only necessary pairs are enhanced to next-generation standards while others remain on existing infrastructure, reducing overall implementation cost while achieving high data transmission rates.
2Speed
If next-generation Ethernet data transmission rates are deployed, then data transmission speed is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic pair activation where the number and configuration of active transmission pairs are adjusted based on actual traffic demands and performance requirements. This allows the system to consume energy only when high-speed transmission is needed, rather than continuously operating all pairs at next-generation rates, thereby reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining the capability for high data transmission speeds.
3Speed
If existing cabling infrastructure is replaced to support higher data rates, then data transmission speed is improved, but implementation cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality enhancement by upgrading only specific cabling pairs that require higher performance while leaving other pairs on the existing infrastructure. This selective approach allows different portions of the cabling system to have different quality levels matched to their functional requirements, avoiding the need for complete infrastructure replacement while achieving high data transmission rates where needed.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for multi-pair configuration over existing cabling infrastructure. In one embodiment, a network device is configured through a selective activation of one or more physical layer devices that are coupled to a respective one or more of the conductor pairs that are identified in a diagnostic process. Aggregation can be performed on the data streams carried over the activated conductor pairs.