Pluggable Transceiver Latching Loopback Logic Blocks

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Solution Overview

Problem

The operational complexity of deploying Ethernet services across networks with varying support for latching loopback functions among different network equipment vendors, leading to difficulties in managing Ethernet networks with a single management system and the need for additional external devices that increase costs and physical constraints.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a pluggable transceiver with upstream and downstream datapaths and logic arrays containing latching loopback logic blocks to provide unified Layer 2 and Layer 3 latching loopback functionality, allowing for efficient looping back of frames within the transceiver without requiring additional external devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If latching loopback functions are implemented by external Network Interface Devices (NIDs), then latching loopback functionality can be added to network elements, but device complexity increases, rack space requirements increase, power consumption increases, and additional networking issues may arise

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelatching loopback functionalityVSAvoidnetwork equipment complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the latching loopback functionality directly into the pluggable transceiver device, combining what was previously a separate external NID function with the existing transceiver. This integration eliminates the need for separate NID boxes while maintaining the latching loopback capability, thereby reducing overall system complexity and device count

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The pluggable transceiver is designed to provide multiple functions including electro-optical conversion and latching loopback testing capabilities within a single unified device. This multi-functionality allows the transceiver to serve both as a standard network interface device and as a testing equipment, eliminating the need for separate specialized NID devices

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If heterogeneous network elements with different latching loopback implementations are used, then network flexibility is maintained, but management complexity increases and unified management becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork element compatibilityVSAvoidnetwork management ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent standardizes the latching loopback implementation by defining specific control parameters and signal protocols that all pluggable transceivers must support. By establishing uniform parameter standards for LLB activation, configuration, and operation across different vendor devices, the system achieves consistent behavior that enables unified management while maintaining hardware diversity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If additional external NIDs are installed between network elements, then latching loopback functions can be enabled, but physical constraints increase and rack space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelatching loopback capabilityVSAvoidrack space

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the latching loopback testing function with the existing pluggable transceiver form factor, merging two previously separate functional blocks into one compact device. This eliminates the need for separate NID boxes that would occupy additional rack space, allowing testing functionality to be enabled within the existing physical infrastructure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS9118601B2Layer 2 and 3 latching loopbacks on a pluggable transceiver

Publication Date: 2015.08.25 VIAVI SOLUTIONS INC(US)

AI summary

A pluggable transceiver, and its use, looping back Layer 2 and higher data in an Ethernet network element. The transceiver has upstream and downstream datapaths, a logic array having first and second complimentary latching loopback logic blocks (LLBLBs) connected in series through both datapaths. The first LLBLB receiving an upstream datapath frame, comparing it to loopback conditions and looping back the frame on the downstream datapath if the conditions match. If the conditions did not match, the frame is sent to the other LLBLB. The first LLBLB receiving a frame from the second LLB and transmitting it on the upstream datapath with priority over any loop back frames to maintain the upstream throughput requirements of the pluggable transceiver. The second LLBLB operates in mirror image with respect to the datapaths.