Multi-speed stack interface dynamic rate adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional stackable network systems face challenges in maintaining high data rates over long cable lengths due to signal degradation, requiring re-design or re-configuration to accommodate varying cable lengths and data capacities.
Innovation Solution
A method for configuring a shared data rate in a stackable interface network by detecting data cable identifiers, propagating and determining appropriate data rates among network devices, and adjusting communication speeds using a single standard clock source, allowing for graduated speed steps without separate clock sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If long cable lengths are used in stackable network interfaces, then installation flexibility and adaptability are improved, but signal degradation increases causing data rate decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the data rate based on the detected cable length. The interface can operate at different data rates (e.g., 2.5 Gbps, 10 Gbps) depending on the cable length, allowing optimal performance for each installation scenario. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by enabling long cable usage while maintaining acceptable signal integrity through rate adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameter (data rate) based on the cable length condition. By detecting the cable length and selecting appropriate data rates from a set of supported rates, the system optimizes the balance between transmission distance and signal quality. This parameter adjustment allows the same interface to support both short and long cables effectively.
2Productivity
If high data rates are used, then productivity and data transmission speed are improved, but the acceptable cable length decreases due to signal degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The interface dynamically selects the appropriate data rate based on cable length detection. For shorter cables, high data rates (e.g., 10 Gbps) are used to maximize productivity. For longer cables, the system automatically switches to lower data rates (e.g., 2.5 Gbps) to maintain signal integrity, thus resolving the contradiction between speed and distance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the data rate parameter according to the cable length condition. By implementing a set of supported data rates and selecting from them based on detected cable length, the system optimizes both productivity and acceptable cable length for each specific installation scenario.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple dedicated clock sources are used for different data rates, then support for various cable lengths and data capacities is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single clock source is designed to perform multiple functions by generating different data rates through frequency division. The same clock source can produce 2.5 Gbps, 10 Gbps, and other supported rates by adjusting the division ratio, eliminating the need for separate dedicated clock sources for each speed. This reduces device complexity while maintaining multi-speed adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple clock source functions into a single clock source that can generate multiple frequencies. By combining the functionality of separate clock sources into one unified component that can operate at different rates, the system reduces complexity while supporting various data rates for different cable lengths.
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments provide an apparatus and method for configuring a shared data rate in a stackable interface network. An example embodiment includes detecting a data cable identifier, the data cable identifier being indicative of a first data rate capacity associated with a data cable identified by the data cable identifier; propagating information indicative of the first data rate capacity to at least one of a plurality of network devices connected via stackable network interfaces; receiving information indicative of a second data rate capacity from at least one of the plurality of network devices; determining an appropriate shared data rate from the information indicative of the first data rate capacity and the information indicative of the second data rate capacity; and configuring at least one of the plurality of network devices to communicate via a stackable network interface at the shared data rate.