Transceiver Stream Filtering for In-Line Protocol Header Timing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transceivers face challenges in implementing protocol functions, such as security protocols, due to limitations in functionality and control signals, particularly in full-duplex Ethernet PHYs, where there is insufficient time to add protocol information between data transmission units.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with a filter module identifies and removes specific data transmission units of a first predetermined type to create space for adding protocol information, such as MACsec headers, by generating a second stream with sufficient time gaps, allowing a protocol module to implement security protocols like MACsec.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If data transmission units are transmitted continuously at full data rate, then productivity is maintained, but there is insufficient time to add protocol information between transmission units
Solution Approach 1:
The filter extracts and removes specific data transmission units (of a first predetermined type) from the incoming stream, creating time gaps in the transmitted stream. This allows the protocol module to add protocol information to remaining units without requiring additional time beyond the natural gaps created by filtering out certain units.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the temporal parameters of the data stream by selectively removing units, thereby creating variable time intervals that accommodate protocol information addition. The filter modifies the stream structure to provide sufficient processing time while maintaining overall data transmission productivity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If protocol information is added to every data transmission unit, then protocol functionality is improved, but device complexity increases due to processing overhead
Solution Approach 1:
The filter applies different processing treatments to different data transmission units based on their type. Units of the first predetermined type are filtered out, while units of the second predetermined type receive protocol information addition. This selective approach provides protocol functionality where needed without unnecessarily processing every unit, reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of adding protocol information to all data transmission units, the system applies the protocol information addition partially - only to units of the second predetermined type that remain after filtering. This partial action achieves the necessary protocol functionality while minimizing processing complexity and overhead.
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus comprising: an input for receiving a stream of data transmission units; a filter configured to identify data transmission units of a first predetermined type based on predefined identifying information and generate a second stream of data transmission units comprising said first stream with at least one data transmission unit filtered out; a protocol module configured to identify, based on second predefined identifying information, and in said second stream at least one data transmission unit of a second predetermined type and add protocol information thereto; and wherein the filter being configured to filter out said at least one data transmission unit provides time in said second stream for the addition of the protocol information; and wherein the apparatus includes a transceiver configured to output signals representative of said data transmission units of the second stream with said protocol information added to a transmission medium.