Runtime FEC Mode Switching Based on Ethernet Link Quality

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional Ethernet network systems are unable to dynamically adjust Forward Error Correction (FEC) protocols during data mode operations, leading to unnecessary performance degradation, increased latency, and power consumption, as they are enabled or disabled based on channel quality measurements made during the auto-negotiation period rather than in real-time.

Innovation Solution

The network system dynamically enables or disables FEC protocols during the data mode period by determining channel quality parameters and using modified base pages and in-band control codes to adjust FEC modes on a channel-by-channel basis, allowing for asynchronous FEC mode enablement based on current link conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If FEC protocols are enabled during auto-negotiation period, then packet integrity is improved, but system performance degrades and latency increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepacket integrityVSAvoidsystem performance

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic FEC enablement during data mode operation based on real-time channel quality measurements. The system transitions from static auto-negotiation-based FEC configuration to dynamic runtime adjustment, allowing FEC to be enabled or disabled according to actual channel conditions. This resolves the contradiction by making FEC usage adaptive rather than fixed, thereby maintaining packet integrity when needed while preserving system performance when channel conditions are good.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces feedback mechanisms where the network node continuously monitors channel quality parameters during data mode and uses this information to adjust FEC enablement decisions. The system receives feedback about channel conditions and accordingly enables or disables FEC protocols, creating a closed-loop control system that balances packet integrity requirements with system performance considerations based on actual runtime conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If FEC protocols are enabled during data mode, then packet integrity is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepacket integrityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic FEC enablement during data mode operation based on real-time channel quality measurements. The system transitions from static auto-negotiation-based FEC configuration to dynamic runtime adjustment, allowing FEC to be enabled or disabled according to actual channel conditions. This resolves the contradiction by making FEC usage adaptive rather than fixed, thereby maintaining packet integrity when needed while preserving system performance when channel conditions are good.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operational parameters of FEC by enabling runtime adjustment of FEC enablement status based on measured channel quality parameters. Instead of a fixed configuration from auto-negotiation, the system modifies FEC parameters dynamically during data mode, turning FEC on only when channel quality metrics indicate necessity, thus reducing unnecessary power consumption while maintaining integrity when required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If FEC protocols are enabled during data mode, then packet integrity is improved, but latency increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepacket integrityVSAvoidlatency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic FEC enablement during data mode operation based on real-time channel quality measurements. The system transitions from static auto-negotiation-based FEC configuration to dynamic runtime adjustment, allowing FEC to be enabled or disabled according to actual channel conditions. This resolves the contradiction by making FEC usage adaptive rather than fixed, thereby maintaining packet integrity when needed while preserving system performance when channel conditions are good.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operational parameters of FEC by enabling runtime adjustment of FEC enablement status based on measured channel quality parameters. Instead of a fixed configuration from auto-negotiation, the system modifies FEC parameters dynamically during data mode, turning FEC on only when channel quality metrics indicate necessity, thus reducing unnecessary power consumption while maintaining integrity when required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS9258082B2Network system configured for resolving forward error correction during a data mode

Publication Date: 2016.02.09 INTEL CORP

AI summary

Apparatus, systems, and methods for resolving a forward error correction (FEC) protocol include requesting, by a network node element during an auto-negotiation period between the node element and a link partner, to resolve at least one FEC mode during a data mode period, wherein auto-negotiation period occurs before the data mode period. At least one channel quality parameter of at least one channel of a communication link between the network node element and the link partner are determined by the network node element during the data mode period. The network node determines, during the data mode period, whether to enable or disable at least one FEC mode for use by the network node element based on, at least in part, the at least one channel quality parameter.