Network Transmission Rate Adjustment for Backplane Frequency Gaps
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Solution Overview
Problem
The backplane in communications devices often becomes a bottleneck during device capacity expansion and upgrade, as it is difficult to meet future performance requirements due to limitations in frequency support and signal integrity, leading to reduced signal-to-noise ratio and increased crosstalk.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for adjusting transmission rates by adding additional data in specific proportions, using forward error correction codes and bit multiplexing to increase data rates without integer multiples, and optimizing the use of virtual and physical lanes to avoid frequency holes and enhance signal integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the transmission rate is increased to meet future performance requirements, then the device capacity is improved, but the backplane becomes a bottleneck due to frequency holes and signal integrity issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by adjusting the transmission rate to non-integer multiples of the base rate (e.g., 1.2x, 1.5x, 2x) rather than sticking to standard integer multiples. This allows the system to operate at optimized rates that avoid frequency holes while maintaining signal integrity through controlled rate adjustments and corresponding FEC code selections.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces forward error correction (FEC) codes as an intermediary mechanism to bridge the gap between increased transmission rates and maintained signal quality. By selecting appropriate FEC codes with specific overhead ratios, the system compensates for signal degradation at higher rates without requiring physical backplane changes.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the transmission rate is increased to avoid frequency holes, then the adaptability is improved, but the signal-to-noise ratio decreases due to increased crosstalk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms through link training and negotiation processes where the sending and receiving ends exchange information about supported rates and signal quality. This feedback loop enables the system to dynamically select optimal transmission rates that avoid frequency holes while maintaining acceptable signal-to-noise ratios through iterative rate adaptation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by enabling flexible rate adjustment during operation rather than being fixed to predetermined rates. The system can dynamically switch between different transmission rates (e.g., transitioning from 25.6 Gbps to 32 Gbps or 51.2 Gbps) based on real-time signal conditions and frequency availability, allowing adaptive optimization of both adaptability and signal quality.
3Reliability
If additional data is added to compensate for insertion loss, then the signal quality is improved, but the data transmission efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the balance between signal quality and transmission efficiency by carefully selecting FEC code parameters and overhead ratios. Instead of adding maximum possible overhead, the system uses just enough additional data (e.g., 10%-20% overhead) to compensate for insertion loss at the chosen transmission rate, thereby minimizing the impact on data transmission efficiency while maintaining acceptable signal quality.
Data Source
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Figure 3
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AI summary
This application provides a method and an apparatus for adjusting a transmission rate, a processor, a network device, and a system. The method includes: obtaining first data at a first rate; adding additional data to the first data in a specific proportion to obtain second data; and sending the second data at a second rate, where the second rate is greater than the first rate. A transmission rate is increased by adding the additional data to the first data in the specific proportion, to break a limitation of a backplane on device capacity expansion and upgrade during device capacity expansion and upgrade. This can not only avoid a frequency hole, but also can meet a future performance requirement.