In-band control of network elements
First Claim
1. A method for receiving data by a network element comprising:
- receiving a signal by a network interface of a network element;
determining by the network element if the received signal is a high data rate signal or a low data rate signal;
if the received signal is a high data rate signal, processing the signal into data by high data rate transceiver logic in the network element;
if the received signal is a low data rate signal, processing the signal into data by low data rate transceiver logic in the network element;
determining the intended destination of the data;
if the received signal is a low data rate signal, processing the data by control logic in the network element; and
if the received signal is a high data rate signal, processing the data by switching logic in the network element.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A network element that allows in-band control of the network element includes a plurality of interfaces for connecting to other network elements. The network element includes a high data rate transceiver logic configured for transmitting and receiving communications having a first data rate over a first communication channel. The network element also includes a low data rate transceiver logic configured for transmitting and receiving communications having a second data rate that is substantially lower than the first data rate over a second communication channel. The network element further includes a shared photodiode for receiving optical signals over the first and second communication channels. The shared photodiode also converts received optical signals into electrical signals for processing by one of the high data rate transceiver logic and the low data rate transceiver logic. A shared laser module configured to be driven by the high data rate transceiver logic and the low data rate transceiver logic is also included in the network element to output an optical signal over a fiber optic cable via one of the first and second communication channels.
27 Citations
19 Claims
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1. A method for receiving data by a network element comprising:
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receiving a signal by a network interface of a network element; determining by the network element if the received signal is a high data rate signal or a low data rate signal; if the received signal is a high data rate signal, processing the signal into data by high data rate transceiver logic in the network element; if the received signal is a low data rate signal, processing the signal into data by low data rate transceiver logic in the network element; determining the intended destination of the data; if the received signal is a low data rate signal, processing the data by control logic in the network element; and if the received signal is a high data rate signal, processing the data by switching logic in the network element. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A method for transmitting control plane data to a network element comprising:
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checking for an operational high data rate communication channel between a first network element and a second network element over a physical link; in response to an operational high data rate communication channel being detected, transmitting data addressed to a device other than the first network element and the second network element from the first network element to the second network element via the physical link using the high data rate communication channel; and in response to an operational high data rate communication channel not being detected, transmitting control plane data from the first network element to the second network element over a low data rate communication channel via the physical link. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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Specification