In-band control of network elements

摘要

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.

主权项

1. A network element comprising:
a high data rate transceiver logic configured for transmitting and receiving communications having a first data rate over a first communication channel; 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; a shared photodiode for receiving optical signals over the first and second communication channels and converting 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 to output an optical signal over a fiber optic cable via one of the first and second communication channels; and logic configured to detect that the first communication channel is non-operational, and in response, monitor signals received at the shared photodiode via the second communications channel for configuration data for facilitating a handshaking process on the first communication channel.