Thread Links Date Links
Thread Prev Thread Next Thread Index Date Prev Date Next Date Index

Re: [802.3ae] Link Fault Signalling




Ben, all --

Ben Brown wrote:
> 
> > > [BC] Thanks for the replies. My understanding now is as follows:
> > >
> > > 1. If a fault is detected on the receive path, at the PMD or
> > >    the PMA, Local Fault Ordered Sets (LFOS) will be transmitted
> > >    by the PCS to the RS. Consequently, the RS will send Remote
> > >    Fault Ordered Sets (RFOS) to the PCS.
> 
> [BB] This is correct.

Agree 100%, this is the standard behavior and *must* be supported.

However, I recommend that silicon manufacturers implementing
RS consider whether they also wish to support a non-standard
mode in which LF->RF reflection does *not* automatically occur.
This would allow their products to work in application niches
using a *unidirectional* optical link. (The transmit end always
sees a receive LF, but goes on talking anyway.)

I recognize this is outside the scope of 802.3ae, but some
industry segments would value this capability.

Cheers,
  Chuck Harrison
  Far Field Associates, LLC
  member, SMPTE DC28.1 Steering Committee on Digital Cinema