The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Apr. 05, 2011
Filed:
Sep. 21, 2007
Bruce Conway, Aliso Viejo, CA (US);
Scott Powell, Carlsbad, CA (US);
Bruce Conway, Aliso Viejo, CA (US);
Scott Powell, Carlsbad, CA (US);
Broadcom Corporation, Irvine, CA (US);
Abstract
Aspects of a method and system for low power IDLE signal transmission in Ethernet networks are provided. In this regard, during time periods between transmissions of actual data by a local Ethernet link partner, the local Ethernet Link partner may generate one or more signals, in place of a standard Ethernet IDLE signal, that enable synchronization between Ethernet link partners. In this manner, the generated signals may enable reducing power consumption as compared to standard Ethernet IDLE signals. Accordingly, link activity may be monitored to enable detecting periods when there may be no actual data for transmission and the generated signals may be transmitted. The generated signals may be transmitted at a reduced symbol rate as compared to standard Ethernet IDLE signals. The generated signals may be transmitted via fewer network links as compared to standard Ethernet IDLE signals.