Universal Data Link Physical Layer Translation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication networks face inefficiencies when transitioning data between different communication mediums, such as fiber optic, coaxial, and wireless, due to the need for conversion between physical data symbols and transmission entities, which leads to latency, jitter, and increased complexity.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a universal data link system that converts transmission entities into physical layer bit streams, performs forward error correction, and maps them into physical data symbols, allowing direct translation between different communication mediums without traversing the entire OSI layer stack, using physical-layer translators to modulate and demodulate signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If data is transmitted between different communication mediums using conventional OSI layer conversion, then compatibility between different mediums is achieved, but transmission latency increases and deterministic latency is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the data link layer conversion step from the conventional OSI model path. By removing the intermediate data link layer processing when transmitting between access networks and wireless networks, data can transition directly between physical mediums while maintaining protocol compatibility through preserved packet structures, thereby eliminating conversion latency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the OSI layer processing by allowing data to traverse the physical layer boundary without requiring full re-processing at upper layers. The data link layer packets are preserved as-is during cross-medium transmission, separating the compatibility handling (which remains at the packet level) from the transmission optimization (which occurs at the physical layer level).
2Adaptability or versatility
If full OSI layer stack traversal is used for data transmission between different mediums, then protocol compatibility is maintained, but device complexity and processing overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the redundant data link layer conversion functionality from network devices that perform cross-medium transmission. By extracting this unnecessary processing step, device complexity is reduced while protocol compatibility is maintained through direct physical layer interfacing and preserved packet structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal transmission interface that can handle multiple communication mediums (fiber optic, coaxial, wireless) through a common physical layer framework. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for medium-specific data link layer implementations, simplifying device architecture while maintaining broad compatibility.
3Adaptability or versatility
If intermediate data link conversions are performed between communication mediums, then adaptability is improved, but jitter increases and deterministic latency is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the intermediate data link conversion step that introduces variable processing delays. By removing this conversion layer, the transmission path becomes more deterministic, as data packets traverse a fixed, predictable path between physical mediums without experiencing the jitter inherent in multi-layer protocol conversions.
4Productivity
If multiple communication mediums are supported with separate data link protocols, then medium-specific optimization is achieved, but network management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal physical layer interface that can accommodate multiple communication mediums (fiber optic, coaxial, wireless) through a single standardized framework. This allows the network to maintain medium-specific transmission optimizations while presenting a unified management interface, thereby reducing network management complexity without sacrificing transmission efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for transmitting data through a multi-media communication network includes converting transmission entities into data symbols at a first communication device, transmitting the data symbols from the first communication device to a second communication device through at least two different types of communication media using only lower PHY layers of the at least two different types of communication media, and converting the data symbols into transmission entities at the second communication device. A network implementing a universal data link includes a first communication device configured to convert transmission entities into data symbols, a second communication device configured to convert the data symbols into transmission entities, at least a first communication medium and a second communication medium communicatively coupled between the first communication device and the second communication device, and a first physical-layer translator configured to translate data symbols without converting the data symbols into transmission entities.