Multilane Link Rate Negotiation for Mixed Auto-Negotiation Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication systems face challenges in efficiently negotiating link rates among devices capable of multiple data rates, especially when some devices lack auto-negotiation capabilities or are connected through multiple physical medium lanes, leading to complexities in configuring data paths for optimal throughput and power management.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that enables physical layer devices to negotiate link rates over copper or optical links, allowing for automatic pairing of devices with different preferences, even without auto-negotiation capabilities, by transmitting and receiving auto-negotiation messages to configure data paths for either 1 Gbps or 10 Gbps rates using single or multiple lanes, and selecting a default rate based on device capabilities and timeouts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If auto-negotiation messages are transmitted to negotiate link rate, then link rate configuration flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple negotiation protocols and states
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal auto-negotiation system that handles multiple device types (AN-capable, non-AN, single-rate, dual-rate) through a single integrated protocol. The system uses universal AN message formats and state machines that can negotiate with any device type, eliminating the need for separate negotiation protocols for different device categories.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary auto-negotiation message exchange mechanism that mediates between devices with different capabilities. The AN messages act as intermediaries carrying capability information between devices, allowing indirect negotiation and agreement on link parameters without requiring direct device-specific protocols.
2Productivity
If multiple physical medium lanes are used for 10 Gbps transmission, then throughput is improved, but device complexity increases due to lane configuration and synchronization requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the 10 Gbps data stream into multiple parallel lanes (e.g., 4 lanes at 2.5 Gbps each). Each lane operates independently with its own physical medium, allowing the total throughput to be distributed across multiple channels. The auto-negotiation protocol coordinates the segmentation and lane assignment automatically.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic lane configuration where the number of active lanes is negotiated and adjusted based on device capabilities and link conditions. The system can dynamically switch between single-lane and multi-lane modes, and between different data rates, through the auto-negotiation process, making the configuration adaptive rather than fixed.
3Productivity
If link rate is fixed at 10 Gbps, then throughput performance is improved, but power consumption increases and compatibility with lower-rate devices is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic link rate selection where the operating rate (1 Gbps or 10 Gbps) is determined through auto-negotiation based on device capabilities and requirements. Devices can dynamically adjust their transmission rate, allowing them to operate at lower power consumption rates when high throughput is not required, while maintaining the capability to switch to higher rates when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameter (data rate) based on negotiated requirements. The system allows parameter adjustment between 1 Gbps and 10 Gbps modes, enabling optimization of power consumption versus throughput performance according to actual network needs and device capabilities.
4Reliability
If auto-negotiation timeout periods are extended, then negotiation completeness is improved, but link establishment time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic AN message exchanges with defined timeout periods to structure the negotiation process. The negotiation proceeds through periodic challenge-response cycles where devices exchange capability information and agree on parameters within specified time frames, ensuring both completeness and time-bounded operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where devices respond to AN messages with their capability status and negotiation progress. The timeout periods are calibrated based on feedback from the negotiation process, allowing the system to determine when negotiation is complete or when to fallback to default configurations, balancing completeness with time efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method are provided for negotiating a link data rate in a communication system using a plurality of data rates. In a system including a first device network-connected to a second device, auto-negotiation (AN) messages are mutually transmitted. The AN messages indicate rate information such as preferred data rate capabilities, if the device has a dual-rate capability, single data rate capabilities, or is capable of communicating over a plurality of physical medium lanes. If the AN messages are mutually transmitted, a negotiated link data rate is established. However, if one of the devices cannot send AN messages, the other device times-out, and a link data rate is established at the data rate transmitted by the device that is not AN-capable.