Optical Auto Negotiation via Control Block in PCS
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing auto-negotiation techniques in networking require a separate communication link, which is not feasible over an optical network interface, limiting the ability to negotiate communication settings directly over the optical interface used for data exchange.
Innovation Solution
Implementing auto-negotiation between physical coding sublayers (PCSs) within the optical network, using a control block with an Optical Auto Negotiation (OAN) field and OAN page, allowing negotiation over the same optical interface used for data transmission, thereby eliminating the need for a separate negotiation link.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a separate communication link is used for auto-negotiation, then negotiation capability is achieved, but device complexity and interface requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the auto-negotiation function with the existing optical data transmission interface. The control block containing auto-negotiation information is transmitted over the same optical network interface used for data exchange, eliminating the need for a separate negotiation link and reducing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The optical network interface is made multi-functional by enabling it to serve both data transmission and auto-negotiation purposes. The control block with OAN field and OAN page allows the interface to perform negotiation functions while maintaining its primary data exchange role
2Productivity
If auto-negotiation is performed at the same speed as data transmission, then negotiation efficiency is improved, but signal integrity and error rates become more challenging to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the optical signal into distinct control blocks containing auto-negotiation information and data blocks containing actual data. This segmentation allows the control blocks to be transmitted at the nominal communication rate for efficient negotiation, while data transmission can proceed independently at the agreed speed, maintaining signal integrity through structured separation
3Device complexity
If control block is transparent to digital signal processor data path, then processing complexity is reduced, but error detection and correction capabilities may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where the control block with auto-negotiation information is transmitted transparently through the existing optical interface without requiring processing by the digital signal processor data path. This intermediary approach allows the control information to pass through while maintaining signal integrity, and the MDIO register primitive serves as another intermediary for managing FEC operations
Data Source
AI summary
Networking devices and optical communication systems are provided. In one example, a system is described to include a first physical coding sublayer (PCS) block that incorporates auto-negotiation information into a control block. The control block is transmitted to a second PCS block and the auto-negotiation information is used to enable negotiation between the first and the second PCS blocks.