Out of band data transfer over optical connections

摘要

Provided herein are various schemes for transmitting out of band (OOB) signals over optical connections that may not support the transmission of such signals. One scheme may involve converting the OOB signals to different types of signals that are supported by the optical connection, while another scheme may utilize a separate parallel connection that supports the transmission of out of band signals in order to extend the optical connection. Yet another scheme modulates the reference clock of the original (in-band) signal to transmit and receive the OOB information.

主权项

1. A method for communication according to a first protocol, the first protocol providing for in-band and out-of-band signals, the method comprising:
generating in-band and out-of-band signals according to the first protocol by a device; sending the generated in-band signals by the device to a first connection according to the first protocol; and sending the out-of-band signals to a second connection according to a second protocol, wherein the first connection is configured to reliably transmit in-band signals, while the second connection is configured to reliably transmit out-of-band signals.