Reconfigurable Network Card for Multi-Rate Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional network testing equipment is limited in its ability to support multiple data communication rates, requiring separate network cards for different communication standards, which complicates network testing and data analysis.
Innovation Solution
A network card configured in two modes: one mode supports four 10 GHz port units, and the other mode operates as a single 40 GHz port unit, using programmable hardware devices to switch between configurations, allowing for flexible data rate operations and efficient test traffic generation and analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate network cards are used for different communication standards, then each communication rate can be supported, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The network card is designed with programmable hardware devices that can be configured to support multiple communication standards and data rates. A single network card can operate in different modes (e.g., four 10 GHz port units or one 40 GHz port unit) by reconfiguring the programmable hardware, eliminating the need for separate dedicated network cards for each standard.
Solution Approach 2:
The network card employs dynamically reconfigurable hardware that can switch between different operational configurations during operation. The programmable logic allows the network card to adapt its structure and functionality based on the required communication standard, enabling flexible transition between modes without physical hardware changes.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate network cards are used for different communication standards, then each standard can operate independently, but the ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The unified network card provides a single interface for managing multiple communication standards, simplifying operation. Users work with one device rather than multiple separate cards, reducing configuration complexity and improving ease of operation while maintaining support for various standards through programmable reconfiguration.
3Reliability
If multiple network cards are used, then comprehensive test coverage is achieved, but the loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates the functionality of multiple network cards into a single unified device. By merging multiple port units and programmable hardware devices into one network card, the system reduces the time required for test setup and eliminates the need to consolidate data from separate devices, while maintaining comprehensive test coverage through the combined capabilities of all port units.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic reconfiguration capability allows the network card to quickly switch between different test configurations and modes, reducing setup time. The programmable hardware can be reprogrammed on-the-fly to adapt to different communication standards and test requirements without requiring physical hardware changes or multiple static devices.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus, method, and storage medium for testing a network. A network card may include four transmit engines and four receive engines to respectively generate and process packets at a data rate of 10 GHz. The network card may be configured in a first mode to also include four 10 GHz network interface units coupled to respective ones of the four 10 GHz transmit engines and the four 10 GHz receive engines. The network card may be configured in a second mode to also include a coherent multiplexer to combine packets generated by the four 10 GHz transmit engines into test traffic at a 40 GHz data rate, a packet distribution engine to accept packets at a 40 GHz data rate and distribute the accepted packets between the four 10 GHz receive engines, and a 40 GHz network interface unit coupled to the coherent multiplexer and the packet distribution engine.