Multiplexer Link Switching via Alignment Marker Removal
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing data communication systems face challenges in ensuring high-speed data transmission reliability due to inadequate techniques for handling high-bandwidth demands and maintaining data integrity during switching between communication links, particularly in high-speed Ethernet applications where disruption can lead to loss-of-lock and link breakdowns.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a switching mechanism that processes data from multiple communication links by removing and re-inserting alignment markers, calculating figure of merit values to select the best link, and using forward error correction to ensure seamless switching between redundant communication links without causing disruption, thereby maintaining data integrity and system reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If switching is performed between communication links in conventional systems, then link redundancy is achieved, but loss-of-lock and link breakdowns occur during switching
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-removing alignment markers from incoming data streams before switching occurs. This preparation ensures that when switching between communication links, the alignment markers are not disrupted, preventing loss-of-lock events. The alignment markers are removed in advance from both primary and backup link data streams, so the switch can occur without causing alignment disruptions that would lead to link breakdowns.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses alignment marker removal as an intermediary mechanism to enable seamless switching. By removing alignment markers before switching and re-inserting them after switching, the system creates a buffer that allows the switch to occur without directly disrupting the alignment structure of the data stream. This intermediary approach prevents the harmful effect of alignment marker disruption during link switching.
2Reliability
If alignment markers are maintained during switching, then data alignment is preserved, but switching disruption causes loss-of-lock
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary removal of alignment markers from incoming data streams before the switching operation. This advance preparation allows the switching to occur without the alignment markers causing disruption. The alignment markers are removed in advance from both the primary and backup link data streams, enabling a smooth switch without loss-of-lock events.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the state of alignment markers from present to removed during the switching process. By altering this parameter (alignment marker presence) before and during switching, the system enables smooth transitions between links. After switching, alignment markers are re-inserted to restore proper data alignment. This parameter change approach resolves the contradiction between maintaining alignment and avoiding switching disruption.
3Reliability
If figure of merit calculation is implemented for link selection, then optimal link selection is achieved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical or hardware-based link selection mechanisms with a software-based figure of merit calculation system. Instead of using complex hardware switching matrices or manual selection processes, the system uses computational algorithms to calculate figure of merit values based on link quality metrics. This substitution reduces hardware complexity while improving selection accuracy through quantitative evaluation of multiple link parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring link quality parameters and using this information to calculate figure of merit values for link selection. The switching decision is based on real-time feedback from link performance measurements, allowing the system to dynamically select the optimal link. This feedback mechanism improves selection accuracy without requiring complex hardware, as the intelligence is embedded in the control algorithm.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed to data communication. In certain embodiments, the present invention provides switching mechanism for choosing between redundant communication links. Data received from a first set of communication links are processed to have alignment markers removed, and first figure of merit value is determined based on the data without alignment markers. Similarly, a second figure of merit value is determined for the data received from the second set of communication links. A switch selects between the first set of communication links and the second set of communication links based on their respective figure of merit values. Alignment markers are inserted into the data transmitted through the selected set of data links. There are other embodiments as well.