Management Interface Handler for Pluggable Optical Module Boot
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pluggable optical modules, especially those with complex functions like coherent modulation, face challenges in achieving a live management interface within the short interval of two seconds required by standards like CMIS, as their boot process takes tens of seconds, necessitating additional hardware resources or power constraints that are uneconomical and reduce module management flexibility.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a management interface handler, referred to as a shim layer, that enables quick read/write access to pluggable optical modules upon insertion, allowing the host device to interact before the module processor boots, and can pause the boot process to remain in a low-power state, thus meeting compliance requirements while supporting advanced functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If complex functions like coherent modulation are implemented in pluggable optical modules, then module functionality and performance are improved, but boot time increases to tens of seconds which violates the two-second management interface availability requirement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the management interface functionality into two distinct components: a minimal early management interface handler that provides basic read/write access within the two-second window, and a full management interface that operates after the complete boot process. This segmentation allows the system to meet the stringent timing requirement while supporting complex coherent modulation functions, as each segment has optimized resource requirements appropriate to its operational context.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by loading and executing a minimal early management interface handler before the complete boot process finishes. This handler is prepared in advance and can immediately respond to management commands within the two-second window, while the rest of the system continues to initialize in the background. This preliminary interface handles time-critical operations without waiting for the full system to be ready.
2Loss of time
If additional hardware resources are allocated to meet the two-second management interface requirement, then management interface availability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of management interface capability from constant full-functionality to variable functionality over time. The early management interface handler operates with reduced functionality and lower resource requirements during the critical two-second window, while the full management interface with complete functionality is activated after boot completion. This temporal parameter change allows the system to meet timing requirements without permanently allocating excessive hardware resources.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the essential management interface functionality needed for the two-second window from the complete management interface. The early management interface handler contains only the minimal subset of functions required for basic read/write access and compliance, separating these time-critical functions from the full-featured management interface that operates later. This extraction eliminates the need for complex hardware to be continuously active or pre-configured for the entire system.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the module remains in low-power state to reduce power consumption, then power efficiency is improved, but access to management interface and configuration is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic power management where the management interface handler operates in a low-power state during the two-second window with minimal resource consumption, and transitions to a full-power state after boot completion when the complete management interface is activated. The system dynamically adjusts its operational mode based on the boot phase, maintaining power efficiency during the critical early period while enabling full functionality when time constraints are no longer applicable.
Data Source
AI summary
A host device is configured to receive a pluggable optical module, and the host device includes circuitry configured to perform steps of, subsequent to insertion of the pluggable optical module into the host device and prior to the pluggable optical module being fully booted, wherein the pluggable optical module includes a plurality of registers, reading from or writing to one or more registers of the plurality of registers; and, responsive to the pluggable optical module being fully booted, operating the pluggable optical module including reading from or writing to any of the plurality of registers.