Optical Transceiver Lane Mismatch Detection and Remediation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In computing networks with optical cable connections, identifying and remediating optical cable errors such as misplugs and polarity mismatches is challenging, leading to performance issues and potential prevention of optical communication.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method that detects optical cable mismatch errors by evaluating the operation of optical transceivers, determines lane-mismatched data, and restructuring lane assignments without physical changes to the optical cables, thereby addressing the detected errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If optical cables are used for data transfer in computing networks, then data transfer performance is improved, but optical cable mismatch errors (misplugs, polarity mismatches) can occur and prevent communication
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of optical cable connection status by evaluating transceiver operation before data transfer begins. Lane assignment information is obtained and compared against actual signal reception to identify mismatch errors in advance, allowing remediation before productive work is impacted.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors optical lane signal reception and compares actual reception against expected lane assignments to detect mismatches. This feedback mechanism enables real-time identification of misplugged cables or polarity issues, allowing the system to adapt or alert operators to restore proper communication.
2Measurement precision
If manual detection of optical cable errors is performed, then error identification can be achieved, but the process is time-consuming and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically detects and evaluates optical cable connection status by having transceivers self-test their own lane assignments and signal reception. The evaluation of transceiver operation produces lane mapping information that automatically reveals mismatches, eliminating the need for manual physical inspection or tracer techniques.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical inspection methods with automated electronic evaluation of transceiver operation. By electronically tracking signal paths and comparing against expected lane assignments, the system substitutes human labor with automated detection that is both faster and more precise.
3Reliability
If physical re-cabling is performed to fix optical cable errors, then communication reliability is restored, but system downtime and operational disruption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates a virtual copy or mapping of the physical cable connection status by evaluating transceiver lane assignments electronically. This virtual representation allows the system to detect mismatches and plan remediation without physically touching the cables, enabling error correction through configuration changes rather than physical re-cabling during operational hours.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adapts to detected lane mismatches by updating lane assignment mappings in software. When errors are detected, the system can dynamically reconfigure the logical lane assignments to match the actual physical connections, allowing the system to continue operating correctly even with physically misplugged cables without requiring immediate physical intervention.
4Extent of automation
If lane assignments are restructured without physical changes, then automated remediation is enabled, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lane assignment evaluation and mapping system serves multiple functions: it detects connection status, identifies mismatch errors, determines remediation actions, and manages lane reassignments. By consolidating these functions into a unified system, the patent avoids the complexity of separate detection and remediation tools while enabling comprehensive automated error handling.
Data Source
AI summary
An optical cable mismatch error detection and remediation process is provided which includes detecting, by at least one processor, an optical cable mismatch error in a connection path between optical transceivers of a computing network, where the connection path includes one or more optical cables. The detecting includes evaluating operation of an optical transceiver of the connection path. The evaluating includes determining that data on one or more optical lanes of the optical transceiver is lane-mismatched data. The process further includes restructuring one or more lane assignments of the optical transceiver, based on determining that the data on the one or more optical lanes of the optical transceiver is lane-mismatched data, where the restructuring addresses the detected optical cable mismatch error.