Transceiver Data Stream Filtering for MACSec Header Insertion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing transceivers face challenges in implementing additional protocol functions due to limitations in functionality and control signals, making it difficult to add protocol information to data transmission units without sufficient time gaps.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus with a filter and protocol module that identifies and removes control data of a predetermined type, such as headers, to create time gaps for adding protocol information, specifically for MACSec security protocols, ensuring efficient implementation of Ethernet security protocols like MACsec.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If control data (headers) are removed from data transmission units, then time gaps between units increase providing time for protocol information addition, but data transmission efficiency decreases due to increased processing time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetime gap between data transmission unitsVSAvoiddata transmission efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The filter identifies and removes control data (headers) from data transmission units before the protocol module processes them. This preliminary action creates the necessary time gaps in advance, allowing the protocol module to add MACSec headers and integrity check values without causing transmission delays or data loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If protocol information is added to data transmission units, then security functionality is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional processing requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata security and integrityVSAvoidprotocol processing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The processing function is segmented into two distinct modules: a filter module that removes control data and a protocol module that adds protocol information. This segmentation allows each module to perform its specific function independently, reducing the complexity burden on any single component while achieving the overall security enhancement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The filter extracts and removes control data (headers) from the data transmission units before they reach the protocol module. This extraction simplifies the subsequent protocol processing by working with cleaner data structures, thereby reducing the complexity of adding security protocols like MACSec.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Adaptability or versatility

If control data is removed to make way for protocol information, then protocol functionality is enhanced, but loss of information occurs due to removal of original headers

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotocol information addition capabilityVSAvoidoriginal control data
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The filter reads information from the control data (headers) before removing them. This feedback mechanism allows the system to capture necessary control information from the original headers, then remove the headers themselves to create time gaps. The captured information can be used to control the protocol module's operations, ensuring that while original headers are removed, their functional information is preserved and utilized.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP4231610B1An apparatus including a transceiver
Publication Date: 2026.01.21 NXP BV
  • EP4231610B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4231610B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4231610B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5

AI summary

An apparatus comprising: an input for receiving a stream comprising a plurality of data transmission units; a filter configured to identify, in the stream, at least one data transmission unit having control data of a predetermined type and remove said control data to generate a second stream; a protocol module configured to receive said second stream and identify, in the second stream, at least one data transmission unit of a predetermined type and add protocol information to the at least one data transmission unit; and wherein the removal of said control data 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.