Transceiver Protocol Module for Inline MACsec Field Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transceivers face challenges in efficiently implementing security protocols like MACsec due to communication limitations between the physical layer module and other devices, leading to difficulties in processing and adding protocol information to data transmission units.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus comprising a transceiver and a protocol module that processes data transmission units according to protocols like MACsec, removes associated fields, and adds protocol information as a header, enabling seamless integration and real-time communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If protocol processing is implemented in the physical layer module, then security functionality is improved, but communication limitations between physical layer and other devices worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the protocol processing functionality into a dedicated protocol module that operates independently within the physical layer module. This module specifically handles MACsec protocol processing, separating security functionality from other physical layer operations, thereby improving security while managing communication complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The protocol module acts as an intermediary between the transceiver and other devices, handling protocol-specific processing internally. This mediator approach allows the physical layer module to process security protocols without requiring complex external communication, as the protocol module translates and processes data internally before passing results to other components
2Reliability
If protocol information is added to data transmission units, then protocol integrity is improved, but processing complexity worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The protocol module performs preliminary processing of data transmission units by pre-calculating and adding necessary protocol information (such as MACsec headers and integrity check values) before the data leaves the physical layer module. This preliminary action ensures protocol integrity is established upfront, reducing the need for complex subsequent processing
Solution Approach 2:
The protocol module is configured to autonomously handle protocol processing tasks including adding security tags, calculating integrity check values, and managing protocol headers without requiring external intervention. This self-service capability maintains protocol integrity while minimizing the processing burden on other system components
3Productivity
If security protocols are processed in real-time, then communication efficiency is improved, but processing requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the protocol processing functionality directly into the physical layer module, combining security protocol handling with existing transceiver operations. This integration allows real-time processing of security protocols without requiring separate processing resources, thereby maintaining communication efficiency while managing processing requirements through resource consolidation
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus comprising: a receive-input for coupling to a transmission medium; a transceiver configured to receive signals representative of one or more data transmission units from the receive-input and output said data transmission units; a protocol module configured to process at least a subset of the one or more data transmission units output from the transceiver according to a protocol, said processing including at least removing one or more fields of information from said subset of data transmission units associated with said protocol; and wherein the apparatus is configured to add at least one field to the subset of data transmission units processed by said protocol module, the at least one field comprising protocol information derived from said processing by the protocol module and provide said data transmission units with the at least one field added to a receive-output of the apparatus.