Network Switch Link Recovery Without Speed Negotiation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing network devices face challenges in efficiently and automatically recovering from signal loss events without requiring speed negotiations between link partners, which can lead to disruptions in data transmission and increased complexity in reestablishing communication links.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of recovery logic within network devices, such as switches, that automatically identify signal loss events and initiate a link restart process by disabling and re-enabling transmitters, allowing for synchronized training protocol communications without exchanging control information, thereby reconfiguring the communication link without speed negotiations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If speed negotiation frames are exchanged to reestablish communication links after signal loss, then link partners can negotiate data rates, but transmission disruptions occur and recovery time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-synchronizing the link restart process between network devices before actual data transmission resumes. Both devices are configured to simultaneously exit idle state and begin training protocol exchange at a predetermined time after signal restoration, eliminating the need for sequential speed negotiation frames and reducing recovery time while maintaining reliability
2Reliability
If traditional link restart protocols are used after signal loss, then communication links can be reestablished, but additional control information exchange and speed negotiations are required, increasing complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the speed negotiation frame exchange from the link restart process. By implementing synchronized restart where both devices independently transition from idle state simultaneously, the patent removes the need for control information exchange and speed negotiations, reducing device complexity while maintaining reliable link reestablishment through training protocol communication
Data Source
AI summary
A switch device can identify when a loss of signal event occurs on a communication link connecting a local link partner and a remote link partner. The switch device may automatically perform a link restart process to restore communication with the remote link partner without performing a speed negotiation with the remote link partner. The link restart process may include disabling a transmitter for a recovery duration and configuring a transmitter and a receiver to an initial configuration state. The link restart process may also synchronize the start of a training protocol communication between the local link partner and remote link partner. The switch device may also perform the link restart process when traffic received from the remote link partner fails a link criteria.