METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR INTEGRATING ETHERNET AND MULTIMEDIA FUNCTIONS INTO A LAN SYSTEM

Abstract

Aspects of a method and system for Ethernet and multimedia functions into a LAN subsystem are provided. In this regard, an integrated network interface which may comprise one or more Ethernet interfaces, and one or more high definition (HD) multimedia interfaces may be enabled to transmit and/or receive HD multimedia content over a network. Audio/Video Bridging and/or Audio/Video Bridging extensions may be utilized for the transmission and/or reception of HD multimedia content over a network. The integrated network interface may be enabled to transmit and/or receive physical layer signals adhering to protocols such as Ethernet and DisplayPort and may be configurable to select the type of signals to be transmitted or received. In this regard, aspects of the invention may enable converting Ethernet frames to DisplayPort micro-packets and visa-versa.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS/INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

This patent application makes reference to, claims priority to and claims benefit from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/917,870 filed on May 14, 2007.

The above stated application is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Certain embodiments of the invention relate to signal processing. More specifically, certain embodiments of the invention relate to a method and system for integrating Ethernet and multimedia functions into a LAN subsystem.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The generation and rendering of high end graphics often involves the movement of large quantities of data. Frequently the data is stored in a server, from which it may be accessed by users at computer workstations via a network. Once the data is received at the computer workstation, the graphics may be displayed on an attached video monitor. In many cases the video monitor is physically separate and has been conventionally attached to the computer workstation via an analog interface, such as a video graphics array (VGA) interface, or a digital interface such as a digital visual interface (DVI). In a typical configuration, an interface in the computer workstation is connected to a compatible interface in the video monitor via an interstitial connector, such as a cable.

The ever increasing amount of multimedia content, and in particular, high quality multimedia content is presenting a number of challenges to designers and administrators of computing platforms and network alike. For example, bandwidth, hardware, and the isochronous nature of multimedia file transfers are all factors limiting the quality and availability of the multimedia content. In this regard a number of standards have been developed for transporting high quality multimedia data for presentation. For example, the digital video interface (DVI) and High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) represent two of the most widely adopted and utilized display interfaces. However, DVI and HDMI each have a number of drawbacks which Video electronics Standards Association (VESA) has attempted to address with the newly emerging DisplayPort (DP) standard. In this regard, DP may offer, for example, increased bandwidth and more advanced copy protection as compared to DVI or HDMI.

Display Port is a digital interface standard, which enables a computer workstation to send graphics and video data to a video monitor, or multimedia display device, via a Display Port interface. In this regard, the Display Port interface standard may describe a point-to-point interface, which is capable of transmitting data from a device connected at one end of a connecting cable to a device connected at the other end of the connecting cable. The graphics and/or video data communicated across the Display Port interface may be sent in mini-packets as described in applicable standards. The mini-packets may contain information comprising instructions on how to render the graphics and/or video data on the video display screen, for example. The mini-packets may be sent via a plurality of data paths referred to as “lanes”. In an exemplary Display Port interface, there may be four (4) such lanes.

In addition to supporting unidirectional data traffic from the workstation to the computer monitor (or other attached video display device), the Display Port standard may also enable the bidirectional transfer of data. For example, the Display Port standard may allow for the exchange of encryption keys to enable the transfer of encrypted digital data across the Display Port interface. This capability may enable protection of digital content transferred across the Display Port interface. In addition, the bidirectional traffic capability of the Display Port interface may enable communication of computer mouse and/or keyboard data to the computer workstation. For example, mouse clicks to specific regions on the screen, or keyboard responses to the screen display may result in the generation of data across the Display Port interface in the direction of the video display device to the computer workstation.

Further limitations and disadvantages of conventional and traditional approaches will become apparent to one of skill in the art, through comparison of such systems with some aspects of the present invention as set forth in the remainder of the present application with reference to the drawings.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A system and/or method is provided for integrating Ethernet and multimedia functions into a LAN subsystem, substantially as shown in and/or described in connection with at least one of the figures, as set forth more completely in the claims.

These and other advantages, aspects and novel features of the present invention, as well as details of an illustrated embodiment thereof, will be more fully understood from the following description and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a diagram illustrating an exemplary system for transfer of high definition multimedia data across a network, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 1B is block diagram illustrating a DP interface, in connection with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary network enabled to communicate HD multimedia content over a network, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary system enabled to transmit and/or receive DP, Ethernet, and/or Ethernet with AVB datastreams, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4A is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary LAN subsystem of a multimedia server, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4B is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary LAN subsystem of a multimedia server, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5A is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary LAN subsystem of a multimedia client, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5B is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary LAN subsystem of a multimedia client, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Certain embodiments of the invention may be found in a method and system for integrating Ethernet and multimedia functions into a LAN subsystem. Various aspects of the invention may extend the point-to-point limitation of conventional display interfaces, to enable transfer of high definition (HD) multimedia data across a network, such as a local area network (LAN). For example, a computer graphics server located in a computing cluster may be able to transfer HD multimedia data across a network, to a destination computing device, for example. The destination computing device may then transfer the received HD multimedia data to one or more multimedia display devices via one or more point-to-point connections between the destination computing device and the attached multimedia display devices. In this regard, various embodiments of the invention may support high performance graphics within low-cost destination computing devices without requiring costly high performance graphics processing hardware and/or software.

Aspects of the invention may comprise an integrated network interface, which may comprise one or more Ethernet interfaces, and one or more high definition (HD) multimedia interfaces to enable transmission and/or reception of HD multimedia content over a network. Audio/Video Bridging and/or Audio/Video Bridging extensions may be utilized for the transmission and/or reception of multimedia content. Exemplary HD multimedia interfaces may comprise DVI, HDMI, and DisplayPort. The integrated network interface may be enabled to transmit and/or receive physical layer signals adhering to protocols such as Ethernet and DisplayPort. Additionally, the integrated network interface may be configurable to select the type of signals to be transmitted or received. In this regard, aspects of the invention may enable packetization of multimedia content into, for example, Ethernet frames and/or DisplayPort micro-packets. Also, aspects of the invention may enable extracting HD multimedia content from DisplayPort micro-packets and/or Ethernet frames. Similarly, aspects of the invention may enable converting Ethernet frames to DisplayPort micro-packets and visa-versa. In various embodiments of the invention, an integrated network interface may be enabled to transmit and/or receive HD multimedia content over a network via a first connector; and transmit and/or receive general Ethernet traffic over a network via a second connector. In other various embodiments of the invention, an integrated network interface may be enabled to transmit and/or receive HD multimedia content and/or general Ethernet traffic over a single connector.

FIG. 1A is a diagram illustrating an exemplary system for transfer of HD multimedia data across a network, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Referring to FIG. 1A, there is shown a computing cluster 152, a network 162, a computing device 122 and a multimedia monitor 124. The computing cluster 152 may comprise a multimedia server 154, a file server 156, a database server 158 and a network management server 160.

The computing cluster 152 may comprise a plurality of servers, each of which may perform one or more specific tasks, or execute one or more specific applications. Each server may store data which may be accessible to users at computing devices 122, which are attached to the network 162. The servers within the computer cluster 152 may communicate with each other, and/or with the network 162 via Ethernet interfaces. The video server 154 may store computer graphics data in addition to storing video, audio and/or multimedia programs. The multimedia monitor 124 may enable the rendering and display of visual images comprising video and/or graphics, for example.

The video server 154 may comprise hardware and/or software, which enables processing of graphics, video, audio and/or multimedia data. The computer multimedia, graphics, video, and/or audio (collectively referred to herein as multimedia) stored at the video server 154 may be accessible via the network 162. The file server 156 may store one or more files. The file server 156 may be utilized, for example, to store files from various users. The database server 158 may store one or more database programs, applications and/or files. The network management server 160 may store information pertaining to the configuration and/or availability of various network communications devices and/or interfaces. The network management server 160 may utilize a protocol such as the simple network management protocol (SNMP). The computing device 122 and multimedia monitor 124 may communicate via a display interface such as DVI, HDMI, or DisplayPort. The computing device 122 may communicate with the network 162 via an Ethernet interface.

In an exemplary operation, the video server 154 may encapsulate HD multimedia data in one or more Ethernet frames. The format of the Ethernet frames may be specified in applicable standards, such as IEEE 802 standards. The Ethernet frames may contain an address (for example, in a destination address field within the Ethernet frames), which indicates that the Ethernet frames are to be transported across the network 162, and delivered to the computing device 122. The Ethernet frames may comprise a designation (for example, in an EtherType field of the Ethernet frames), which indicates that the Ethernet frame is being utilized to encapsulate HD multimedia in a particular format. Exemplary formats may comprise, for example, HDMI and DisplayPort. The Ethernet frames may also comprise a traffic class identifier, which may enable the network 162 to provide services in accordance with Audio/video Bridging and/or Audio/Video Bridging extensions (any combination of which is referred to herein as “AVB”). These services may comprise prioritized transport of the Ethernet frames across the network 162 to enable the time duration for transport across the network 162 to meet latency targets associated with the specified traffic class.

The video server 154 may transport the Ethernet frames via an Ethernet interface connector 132 to the network 162. The Ethernet frames may subsequently be transported from the network 112 to the computing device 122 via an Ethernet interface connector 134. An exemplary Ethernet interface connector may be a category 5 cable.

Upon receipt of the Ethernet frames, the computing device 122 may determine (for example, based on an identifier in the EtherType field of the received Ethernet frames) that the received Ethernet frames contain HD multimedia content. The computing device 122 may extract the multimedia content and may send it to the multimedia monitor 124 via the display interface connector 136. The display interface connector 136 may enable physical connection between the computing device 122 and the multimedia monitor 124 via a point-to-point connection. The HD multimedia content may then be rendered for display at the multimedia monitor 124.

In various embodiments of the invention, point-to-point oriented traffic, which may not be network aware or contain a means of network identification (such as a network destination address, for example) may be encapsulated in Ethernet frames at a centralized server (such as a video server 154), and transported across a network 162 (such as a LAN, for example). The point-to-point oriented traffic may comprise HD multimedia content such as Display Port micro-packets, or even raw data generated by an application program. The encapsulated traffic may be de-encapsulated at a network destination device (such as the computing device 122) and delivered to a destination multimedia device (such as the multimedia monitor 124). Thus, in various embodiments of the invention, from the perspective of the application(s), which enable the generation of the point-to-point oriented traffic (such as Display Port, for example), the centralized server (such as the video server 154) may transport the point-to-point oriented traffic to the destination multimedia device 124 across a network 162 as though the multimedia device 124 were directly attached to the centralized server via a Display Port interface.

In various embodiments of the invention, the tasks required of the computing device 122 may comprise reception of Ethernet frames via the Ethernet interface connector 134, determination that the Ethernet frames may contain encapsulated HD multimedia content, extraction of the HD multimedia content from the Ethernet frames, and transfer of the content to the multimedia monitor 124 via the display interface connector 136. In this regard, the video server 154 may generate instructions for rendering the video data on the multimedia monitor 124 within the Display Port mini-packets instead of requiring that this task be performed within the computing device 122. Thus, various embodiments of the invention may enable the computing device 122 to be a “thin client” device, which may not require high performance hardware and/or software capabilities to enable the generation of multimedia content for high performance video and/or graphics applications. This in turn may enable the rendering of high performance video and/or graphics on multimedia monitors 124 which are attached to low cost computing devices 122.

FIG. 1B is block diagram illustrating a DisplayPort (DP) system, in connection with an embodiment of the invention. In this regard, DisplayPort is an exemplary display interface that may be utilized for conveying HD multimedia data. Referring to FIG. 1B there is shown a server 102 and a client 106, each comprising a DP interface 104. Although, only a single client is shown, it may be possible for a server to transmit DP data to multiple clients.

The server 102 may comprise suitable logic circuitry, and/or code that may enable generating and/or outputting HD multimedia data. In this regard, the server 102 may comprise a graphics processing unit (GPU) 103 which may generate video data and convey the video data to the DP interface 104a. Similarly, the server 102 may comprise a sound card 105 which may generate audio data and convey the audio data to the DP interface 104a. Accordingly, the DP interface 104a may encapsulate the data into multimedia DP micro-packets and may transmit the micro-packets on one or more of the lanes 108 and 110. In this regard, the DisplayPort micro-packets may contain instructions and/or information, in micro-packet headers for example, to enable rendering of the multimedia data at the client 106.

The client 106 may comprise suitable logic circuitry, and/or code that may enable rendering and/or presenting multimedia data. In this regard, the server 102 may comprise a display 105 which may be enabled to receive video data from the DP interface 104b and present the video information to a user. Similarly, the server 102 may comprise speakers 107 which may be enabled to receive audio data from the DP interface 104b and present the audio information to a user. Accordingly, the DP interface 104b may de-packetize and/or reformat received DP micro-packets and may output audio/video data in a format suitable for rendering or presentation by the display 105 and/or the speakers 107. In this regard, instructions and/or control data contained in the DP micro-packets may be utilized for the rendering/presentation of the multimedia data.

Each of the video lanes 108 may comprise a physical link, such a twisted pair. The number of lanes utilized for any given multimedia content may depend on factors such as resolution, bits per pixel (bpp), and bits per component (bpc). Additionally, each of the lanes may operate at a link rate of 1.62 Gbps or 2.7 Gbps.

The auxiliary data lane 110 may comprise a physical link, such a twisted pair. The auxiliary lane 110 may be utilized to initialize and/or setup a link between the server 102 and the client 106. The auxiliary lane 110 may also carry remote control command data and/or other control data to/from the client 106. For example, the auxiliary lane may carry keyboard and/or mouse commands form the client 106 to the server 102. Additionally, the auxiliary lane may carry audio data from the server 102 to the client 106.

The hot plug detect lane 112 may comprise a physical link, such a twisted pair, the hot plug detect lane 112 may enable the server to detect the connection of a client. Additionally, the hot plug detect lane 112 may enable the client to signal a loss of synchronization or connection to the server.

In operation, the system 100 may be limited in terms of distance between the server 102 and client 106 due to limitations of the DP interface. Additionally, incorporating the DP interface 104a, and 104b into the server 102 and the client 106 may be infeasible with existing platforms and technology due to cost and/or space constraints, for example. Furthermore, DisplayPort may possess limited or no network awareness. In this regard, DisplayPort was designed to carry Audio/Video traffic via an interstitial connector over relatively short distances.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary network enabled to communicate HD multimedia content over a network, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. In this regard, FIG. 2 depicts an exemplary embodiment wherein the HD multimedia content is in the form of DisplayPort micro-packets. Referring to FIG. 2 there is shown a server 202 and a client 206 which may exchange DP traffic via the network 210. Although only a single client 206 is illustrated in FIG. 2, aspects of the invention may enable carrying multimedia content from a server to multiple clients.

The server 202 may comprise suitable logic circuitry, and/or code that may enable generating and/or outputting HD multimedia data. In this regard, the server 202 may be similar to the server 102 of FIG. 1, but may additionally comprise a DP/Ethernet conversion block 204a. In various embodiments of the invention, the server 202 may comprise a computing device such as desktop computer or a laptop computer.

The DP/Ethernet conversion block 204a may comprise suitable logic, circuitry, and/or code that may enable conversion of a DP datastream to an Ethernet datastream. In this manner, a DP datastream may be transmitted across the network 210 to the client 206. In various embodiments of the invention, the server 202 may comprise a computing device such as desktop computer or a laptop computer. Additionally, the display 105 may be integrated into the client 206 or may comprise a collocated monitor connected via a point-to-point connection.

The client 206 may comprise suitable logic circuitry, and/or code that may enable rendering and/or presenting multimedia data. In this regard, the client 206 may be similar to the client 106 of FIG. 1, but may additionally comprise an Ethernet/DP conversion block 208.

The DP/Ethernet conversion block 204b may comprise suitable logic circuitry, and/or code that may enable receiving an Ethernet datastream, and converting the Ethernet datastream to a DP datastream. In this regard, the Ethernet/DP conversion block 204b may enable exchanging a DP datastream with the server 202 via the network 210.

The network 210 may comprise one or more physical links and/or network hardware devices. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention the network 210 may comprise one or more Ethernet switches which may be AVB enabled, and/or one or more unshielded twisted pair cables with 8 position 8 conductor (8P8C) modular connectors on either end.

In an exemplary operation, the display 105 may be detected by the DP interface 104b and the appropriate DisplayPort configuration data (DPCD) may be encapsulated into a DP datastream and conveyed to the DP/Ethernet conversion block 204b. The DP datastream containing the DPCD may thus be converted into an Ethernet datastream and transmitted into the network 210. Upon arriving at the DP/Ethernet conversion block 204a, the Ethernet datastream comprising the DPCD may be converted back to a DP datastream and passed to the DP interface 104a. In this manner, a DP connection may be established across the network 210 as if the DP interfaces 104a and 104b were communicating directly with each other. However, DP is intended as a point to point interface and requires the exchange of time sensitive synchronous and isochronous data. Consequently, converting the DP data stream to an Ethernet datastream and transmitting it across a network with uncertain bandwidth and/or latency may result in the DP interfaces being unable to process the DPCD and/or establish a reliable DP connection. Similarly, even if a DP connection is established over the network 210, network bandwidth and/or latencies may result in poor video quality at the client 105.

Accordingly, AVB may be utilized by the server 202 and the client 206 to establish a network path over which a DP connection may exist. In this regard, prior to establishing a DP connection and/or prior to transmission of data over that connection, an AVB protocol such as IEEE 802.1AS may be utilized to synchronize the client 206 and the server 202. Additionally, an AVB protocol such as IEEE 802.1Qat may be utilized to reserve resources across the network 210. Also, nodes comprising the reserved path may implement IEEE 802.1Qav to govern forwarding and queuing of the time sensitive data. In this manner, AVB may enable timing synchronization and a guarantee of bandwidth and/or latencies for transmitting HD multimedia content across a network.

After synchronization, and establishment of a DP connection, the server 202 may begin transmission of multimedia data into the network 210. For example, the GPU 103 may generate an elementary video stream and may convey the stream to the DP interface 104a. The DP interface 104a may receive the elementary video stream and may packetize it into a DP datastream. Accordingly, the DP micro-packets and associated control/auxiliary data may be conveyed to the Ethernet/DP conversion block 204a which may convert the DP datastream to an Ethernet datastream and may transmit the Ethernet datastream onto a first link 212 comprising the network path reserved via AVB. The Ethernet datastream may be received at the client 206 and may be converted back to a DP datastream by the DP/Ethernet conversion block 204b. Subsequently, the DP datastream may be conveyed to the DP interface 104b which may, in turn, convey to DP datastream to the display 105 for rendering and/or presentation to a user.

In various embodiments of the invention, the tasks required of the client 206 may comprise reception of Ethernet datastreams, determination that the Ethernet datastreams may contain encapsulated DisplayPort micro-packets, de-encapsulation of the DisplayPort micro-packets, and transfer of the de-encapsulated Display Port micro-packets to the display 105 via the Display Port interface 104b. In this regard, the video server 202 may generate instructions for rendering the video data on the display 105 within the Display Port mini-packets instead of requiring that this task be performed within the client 206. Thus, various embodiments of the invention may enable the client 206 to be a “thin client” device, which is not required to comprise high performance hardware and/or software capabilities to enable the generation of Display Port mini-packets for high performance video and/or graphics applications. This in turn may enable the rendering of high performance video and/or graphics on displays, such as the display 105, which are attached to low cost clients 206.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary system enabled to transmit and/or receive DP and/or Ethernet datastreams, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Referring to FIG. 3 the system 300 may comprise a CPU 302, a northbridge 304, a graphics processing unit 306, a memory block 308, a southbridge 310, a LAN subsystem 314, a DP connector 316, and an Ethernet connector 318.

The CPU 302 may comprise suitable logic, circuitry, and/or code that may enable processing data and/or controlling operations of the system 300. In this regard, the CPU 302 may be enabled to provide control signals to the various other blocks comprising the system 300. The CPU 302 may also enable execution of applications programs and/or code. The applications programs and/or code may enable generation of video and/or audio. The CPU 302 may also enable the retrieval of stored video and/or audio. The CPU 302 may be accessed via the northbridge 304.

The GPU 306 may comprise suitable logic, circuitry, and/or code that may enable generating, rendering, [de]compressing, [en/de]crypting, or otherwise manipulating graphics information. The GPU may be enabled to output HD video content to the LAN subsystem 314. In this regard, the HD video content may, for example, comprise raw pixel data, DisplayPort packets, or data formatted according to DVI or HDMI standards.

In various embodiments of the invention the CPU and/or GPU may, for example, each comprise one or more processing elements and/or circuits, or may be integrated into a single processor and/or circuit. In this manner, operations performed by the CPU and/or GPU may be partitioned in a variety of ways without deviating from the scope of the present invention.

The northbridge 304 may comprise suitable logic, circuitry, and/or code that may enable the handling of “high speed” data transfers in the system 300. For example, the northbridge 304 may handle data transfers between the CPU 302, the memory block 308, and the GPU 306.

The display 305 may comprise suitable logic, circuitry, and/or code that may enable rendering and/or presentation of video to a user. In this regard, the display 305 may be enabled to receive a DP datastream and render/present the data contained in the DP datastream. In various embodiments of the invention, the display 305 may be enabled to modify, format, or otherwise manipulate the video prior to displaying it. In various embodiments of the invention, the display 305 may be integrated into the system 300 or may be an external display connected to the system 300 via a connecting cable.

The memory 308 may comprise suitable logic, circuitry, and/or code that may enable storage of data. For example, the memory 308 may be enabled to store video data which may be transferred to/from the GPU via the northbridge 304. The memory 308 may additionally store data, for example, configuration data and/or state variables utilized in controlling/configuring the various blocks of the system 300.

The southbridge 310 may comprise suitable logic, circuitry, and/or code that may enable handling of “lower speed” communications in the system 300. For example, the southbridge 310 may handle communications between the northbridge 304, the LAN subsystem 314 and lower speed peripherals such as a sound card, a hard disk drive, a universal serial bus, a keyboard, and/or a mouse.

The LAN subsystem 314 may comprise suitable logic, circuitry, and/or code that may enable transmission and/or reception of DisplayPort and/or Ethernet data. The LAN subsystem 314 may interface to one or more networks. The LAN subsystem 314 may comprise PHY layer functions and MAC layer functions. In this regard, the LAN subsystem 314 may enable packetization/de-packetization of Ethernet and/or DP datastreams. Also, the LAN subsystem may enable coordination of communications between the system 300 and one or more remote systems. In this regard, the LAN subsystem may enable utilization of AVB. Additionally, the LAN subsystem may be enabled to convert data bits to physical signals and outputting the symbols onto one or more physical links. Similarly, the LAN subsystem may be enabled to receive symbols via a physical link, convert them into bits of data, and assemble the bits into protocol data units (e.g. Ethernet frames and/or DP micro-packets). In this regard, exemplary physical links may include twisted pair cables and/or wireless channels. Additionally, the LAN subsystem 314 may enable transmission and/or reception of Ethernet frames at various transfer rates, such as 10 Mbps, 100 Mbps, 1,000 Mbps (or 1 Gbps), 10 Gbps, 40 Gbps, 100 Gbps, and/or non-standard transfer rates such as 2.5 Gbps and 5 Gbps, for example. In various embodiments of the invention, the LAN subsystem 314 may comprise one or more chips, be implemented on one or more die, be implemented on a motherboard, or in numerous other forms without deviating from the scope of the invention.

The DisplayPort connector 316 may enable physical connection to a DisplayPort physical link which may comprise at least conductors for each of the 4 lanes in the Display Port interface and for an auxiliary (AUX) lane. The 4 video lanes may enable the transmission or reception of Display Port mini-packets containing video data, while the AUX lane may enable transmission and reception of audio signals, control signals, input from peripheral devices such as keyboards and/or mice, and encryption keys. In various embodiments of the invention, the DisplayPort connector 316 may connect the system 300 to a display 305. Although up to 4 lanes are utilized, the invention is not so limited. Accordingly, more than 4 lanes may be utilized without departing from the scope of various embodiments of the invention.

The Ethernet connector 318 may enable physical connection to an Ethernet Physical link which may comprise, for example, one or more twisted pairs. The Ethernet connector 318 may enable physical connection via an 8P8C modular connector such as a RJ-45 connector, for example. In various embodiments of the invention, the Ethernet connector 318 may provide a physical connection to enable communication of general Ethernet traffic, and/or multimedia traffic utilizing AVB between the system 300 and a remote system. In various embodiments of the invention, a single Ethernet connector 318 may be utilized for Ethernet and DP traffic in which case the DP connector 316 may be absent. In various other embodiments of the invention, a single DP connector 316 may be utilized for Ethernet and DP traffic in which case the DP connector 318 may be absent.

In various embodiments of the invention, the system 300 may also be enabled to convert between multimedia formats. For example, the system 300 may be enabled to receive HDMI data via the Ethernet connector 318, convert the data to DP, and transmit the DP data via the DP connector 316.

In an exemplary transmit operation, the system 300 may represent a server, such as the server 202 of FIG. 2 and may transmit data via an Ethernet and/or a DisplayPort connection. For example, the GPU 306 may output a video stream to the LAN subsystem 314. The LAN subsystem 314 may packetize the video stream into an Ethernet datastream and/or a DP datastream. In various embodiments of the invention, the LAN subsystem 314 may convert DP datastreams to Ethernet datastreams similar to the DP/Ethernet conversion block 204A of FIG. 2. Additionally, the LAN subsystem 314 may convert the Ethernet and/or DP datastreams to physical symbols and may output the physical symbols via the DP connector 316 and/or the Ethernet connector 318. In another example, audio and/or combined audio/video may be transmitted in a similar manner.

In an exemplary receive operation, the system 300 may represent a client, such as the client 204 of FIG. 2, and may receive data via an Ethernet and/or a DisplayPort connection. In this regard, the LAN subsystem 314 may receive physical symbols via the DP connector 316 and/or the Ethernet connector 318, and may convert these symbols to bits of data. Additionally, the LAN subsystem 314 may assemble the data into Ethernet and/or DP datastreams accordingly. A DP datastream received via the DP connector 316 may comprise auxiliary data associated with a DP connection to the display 305. In this regard, the LAN subsystem may convey the auxiliary data to an appropriate block comprising the system 300 (e.g. the GPU 306) or may convert the DP datastreams to an Ethernet datastream for transmission to a remote system. An Ethernet datastream received via the Ethernet connector 318 may comprise a DP datastream encapsulated in an Ethernet datastream. In this regard, the LAN subsystem 314 may extract and/or reconstruct the DP datastream from the Ethernet datastream. In this manner, the LAN subsystem may be similar to the DP/Ethernet conversion block 204b of FIG. 2. Accordingly, the DP datastream may be output to the display 305 via the DP connector 316. The display 305 may render or otherwise manipulate the video data contained in the DP datastream for presentation to a user. In another exemplary embodiment of the invention, audio and/or combined audio/video may be received and presented in a similar manner.

FIG. 4A is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary LAN subsystem of a multimedia server, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Although the system 400 in FIG. 4A is illustrated functioning as a server, the invention may not be so limited and in this regard, various embodiments of the invention the system 400 may also be enabled to function as a client. Referring to FIG. 4A, the system 400 may comprise a LAN subsystem 402. The LAN subsystem 402 may comprise a PCI bus interface 404, a video/Ethernet conversion block 406, a PCI/Ethernet conversion block 426, MAC clients 422a and 422b, timing shim 424, a memory 408, a controller 410, a time stamp block 414, a MAC 412, a DisplayPort PHY 418, and an Ethernet PHY 420.

The PCI bus interface 404 may comprise suitable logic, circuitry, and/or code that may enable transmitting and/or receiving data via a PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) bus. In this regard, data from, for example, the southbridge 310 of FIG. 3, may be communicated to a network via the LAN system 402. Accordingly, a PCI bus may provide a means for conveying data received via an Ethernet or DP connection to the various components comprising the server 400. Although a PCI bus is used for illustration, any standardized or proprietary bus may be utilized for communication between the server 400 and the LAN subsystem 402 without deviating form the scope of various embodiments of the invention.

The Video/Ethernet conversion block 406 may comprise suitable logic, circuitry, and/or code that may enable converting multimedia and associated auxiliary data from an Ethernet payload format. Video and associated auxiliary data received by the video/Ethernet conversion block 406 from a GPU, for example, may be packetized, depacketized, encapsulated, decapsulated, or otherwise processed so as to be formatted as one or more Ethernet payloads. Similarly, Ethernet payloads received from a MAC client, for example, may be packetized, depacketized, encapsulated, decapsulated, or otherwise processed so as to be formatted as one or more video or multimedia streams. For example, DP micro-packets, raw video, and/or raw audio/video may be extracted and/or reconstructed from one or more Ethernet payloads. Similarly, video/Ethernet conversion block 406 may receive packetized video data and/or audio data, such as a DisplayPort stream, and may encapsulate and/or format the data into one or more Ethernet payloads. In some instances, audio may be synchronized to video and may be routed via the GPU. In these instances, both audio and video may be formatted into Ethernet payloads by the video/Ethernet conversion block 406. In various embodiments of the invention, the video/Ethernet conversion block 406 may receive control signals and/or data from the controller 410. Additionally, in various embodiments of the invention the Video/Ethernet conversion block 406 may store data to and/or read data from the memory 408. In various embodiments of the invention, the Video/Ethernet conversion block 406 may be implemented in one or more physical and/or functional blocks. In this regard, various functions implemented by the Video/Ethernet conversion block 406 may be shared and/or separated physically and/or functionally without deviating from the scope of the invention

The PCI/Ethernet conversion block 426 may comprise suitable logic, circuitry, and/or code that may enable converting data received to and/or from an Ethernet payload format. In this regard, audio data, for example, received via a PCI bus may be formatted as one or more Ethernet payloads. Similarly, one or more Ethernet payloads may be formatted for transmission via a PCI bus.

In various exemplary embodiments of the invention, the video/Ethernet conversion block 406, the PCI/Ethernet conversion block 404, or other blocks comprising the LAN subsystem 400 may be enabled to perform compression and/or de-compression of video and/or audio content prior to and/or subsequent to packetization, depacketization, encapsulation, decapsulation.

The MAC clients 422a and 422b may each comprise suitable logic, circuitry, and/or code that may enable reception of Ethernet payloads from the video/Ethernet conversion block 406 and/or the PCI/Ethernet conversion block 426 and may enable encapsulating the Ethernet payloads in one or more Ethernet frames. Additionally, the MAC clients 422a and 422b may be enabled to receive Ethernet frames from the MAC 412 and may enable decapsulation of the Ethernet frames to extract Ethernet payloads which may comprise multimedia, auxiliary, control, or general Ethernet data. In this regard, Ethernet payloads may be formatted and/or encapsulated according to one or more protocols. For example Ethernet payloads may comprise DP micro-packets and/or IP datagrams. In this regard, other protocols may be utilized for the packetization and/or conveyance of data without deviating from the scope of the present invention. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, multimedia data destined for a remote client may be first packetized into DP micro-packets. Subsequently, the DP micro-packets may be directly encapsulated into Ethernet frames. In another embodiment of the invention, the DP micro-packets may be encapsulated into one or more IP datagrams which may, in turn, be encapsulated into Ethernet Frames. Also, priority and quality of service properties of higher layer protocols may be mapped to physical layer via AVB. In various embodiments of the invention, the MAC clients 422a and 422b may receive control signals and/or data from the controller 410. Additionally, in various embodiments of the invention the MAC clients 422a and 422b may store data to and/or read data from the memory 408. In various embodiments of the invention, the MAC clients 422a and 422b may be implemented in one or more physical and/or functional blocks. In this regard, various functions implemented by the MAC clients 422a and 422b may be shared and/or separated physically and/or functionally without deviating from the scope of the invention.

The timing shim 424 may comprise suitable logic, circuitry and/or code that may enable reception of Ethernet frames the MAC clients 422a and 422b. The timing shim 424 may append time synchronization information, such as a time stamp, to the Ethernet frames. The time stamp shim 424 may, for example, append a time stamp when the EtherType field indicates that the Ethernet frame is to utilize AV Bridging capabilities for transport across a network. In various embodiments of the invention, the Video/Ethernet conversion block 406 may receive control signals and/or data from the controller 410. Additionally, in various embodiments of the invention the Video/Ethernet conversion block 406 may store data to and/or read data from the memory 408. In various embodiments of the invention, the Video/Ethernet conversion block 406 may be implemented in one or more physical and/or functional blocks. In this regard, various functions implemented by the Video/Ethernet conversion block 406 may be shared and/or separated physically and/or functionally without deviating from the scope of the invention.

The memory 408 may comprise suitable logic, circuitry, and/or code that may enable storage of data. In this regard, the memory 408 may enable buffering received data. Additionally, the memory 408 may enable storage of state variable or other information utilized to control the operations of the LAN subsystem 402.

The controller 410 may comprise suitable logic, circuitry, and/or code that may enable operations of the LAN subsystem 402. In this regard, the controller 410 may be enabled to process data and/or provide control signals/information to enable and/or control operation of the various blocks comprising the LAN subsystem 402.

The MAC 412 may comprise suitable logic, circuitry, and or code that may enable providing addressing and/or access control to a network and may enable the transmission of the Ethernet frames via a network. In this regard, the MAC 412 may be enabled to buffer, prioritize, or otherwise coordinate the transmission and/or reception of data via the Ethernet connector 318 and associated physical link. The MAC 412 may be enabled to perform additional packetization, depacketization, encapsulation, and decapsualtion of data. The MAC 412 may enable generation of header information within the Ethernet frames, which enable the utilization of AVB within a network for transport of the Ethernet frames. The MAC 412 may also enable traffic shaping of transmitted Ethernet frames by determining time instants at which Ethernet frames may be transmitted to a network. The MAC 412 may also enable generation of header information within the Ethernet frames, which utilize conventional Ethernet services. The conventional Ethernet services may not utilize traffic shaping and/or AVB, for example.

The DisplayPort PHY 418 may comprise suitable logic, circuitry, and/or code that may enable transmission and/or reception of data bits over a physical medium. The DisplayPort PHY 418 may be implemented in one or more physical and/or functional blocks. In this regard, various functions implemented by the DisplayPort PHY 418 may be shared and/or separated physically and/or functionally without deviating from the scope of the invention. The DisplayPort PHY 418 may be enabled to convert between digital values and analog symbols impressed on the physical medium. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the physical medium may comprise twisted pair or coaxial cabling, and the transmitted symbols may be as defined by DisplayPort protocols. In this regard, DisplayPort PHY 418 may enable DisplayPort physical layer functionality.

In an exemplary transmit operation, data conveyed to the DP PHY 418 via, for example, a graphics processor or an audio processor, may be packetized into one or more DP micro-packets and may be converted to physical symbols and transmitted onto a physical medium via the DP connector 316. In this manner, audio, video, and/or control/auxiliary data may be transmitted to a local multimedia client or other multimedia rendering device, for example.

In an exemplary receive operation, symbols received via the DP connector 316 may be converted to digital values and assembled into DP micro-packets before being conveyed up to a another block, such as a GPU or audio processor, comprising the system 400. In this manner, DP micro-packets comprising control/auxiliary data, for example, received from a local multimedia client via the DP connector 316 may be de-packetized and the control/auxiliary data may be provided to, for example, the GPU.

The Ethernet PHY 420 may comprise suitable logic, circuitry, and/or code that may enable transmission and/or reception of data bits over a physical medium. The Ethernet PHY 420 may be implemented in one or more physical and/or functional blocks. In this regard, various functions implemented by the Ethernet PHY 420 may be shared and/or separated physically and/or functionally without deviating from the scope of the invention. The Ethernet PHY 420 may be enabled to convert between digital values and analog symbols impressed on the physical medium. Accordingly, received symbols may be converted to digital values and assembled into Ethernet frames before being conveyed up to the MAC 412. Data received from the MAC 412 may be converted to physical symbols and transmitted onto a physical medium. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the physical medium may comprise twisted pair or coaxial cabling, and the transmitted symbols may be as defined by Ethernet protocols. In this regard, the Ethernet PHY 420 may enable Ethernet physical layer functionality.

In an exemplary transmit operation, data conveyed to the MAC client 422a or 422b via, for example, the video/Ethernet conversion block 406 or the PCI/Ethernet conversion block 426, may be packetized into one or more Ethernet Frames. Subsequently, the frames may be conveyed to the MAC 412 which, in turn, may convey the frames to the DP PHY 420. The DP PHY 420 may be convert the data to physical symbols and transmit the symbols onto a physical medium via the Ethernet connector 318. In this manner, multimedia and/or general data may be transmitted to a remote client over a network. Ethernet frames may comprise headers which identify a network path over which they are to be transmitted. In this regard, AVB may be utilized to ensure timely delivery of the frames. Additionally, headers comprising the Ethernet frames may comprise information which may be utilized to extract/reconstruct the multimedia and/or general data from the Ethernet datastream.

In an exemplary receive operation, symbols received via the Ethernet connector 318 may be converted to digital values and assembled into Ethernet frames before being conveyed up to a another block, such as the video/Ethernet conversion block 406 or the PCI/Ethernet conversion block 426. In this manner, Ethernet frames comprising control/auxiliary data received from a remote client via the Ethernet connector 318 may be extracted/reconstructed and the control/auxiliary data may be provided to, for example, a GPU or audio processor. Ethernet frames may comprise headers which identify a network path from which they are received. In this regard, AVB may be utilized to ensure timely delivery of the frames. Additionally, headers comprising the Ethernet frames may comprise information which may be utilized to extract/reconstruct the multimedia and/or general data from the Ethernet datastream.

In various embodiments of the invention logic, circuitry, and/or code may be shared between the DP PHY 418 and the Ethernet PHY 420. For example, one or more line drivers may be configurable to output Ethernet or DP compliant physical layer signals. The DP PHY 418 and/or the Ethernet PHY 420 may thus be programmably configured to enable DP and/or Ethernet functionality. In this regard, one or more control signals from, for example the controller 410 or the MAC 412, may be communicated to the DP PHY 418 and/or the Ethernet PHY 420.

FIG. 4B is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary LAN subsystem of a multimedia server, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Although the system 450 in FIG. 4B is illustrated as functioning as a server, the invention is not so limited, and in this regard, the system 450 may also be enabled to function as a client. Referring to FIG. 4B, the system 450 may be similar to the system 400 of FIG. 4A, but may comprise two MACs 412a and 412b and two Ethernet PHYs 472a and 472b. In this manner, the system 450 may support an additional connection via an Ethernet connector 470. In various embodiments of the invention, various blocks comprising the server 450 and/or the LAN subsystem 452 may be scaled-up versions of the blocks comprising the server 400 and/or the LAN subsystem 402 in order to enable the additional Ethernet connection. Moreover, in various embodiments of the invention, the systems may be further scaled to support an increase number of connections. Additionally, the system 450 may be enabled to convert between multimedia formats. For example, the system 450 may be enabled to receive, for example, HDMI data via one of the connectors 318 or 370, convert the HDMI data to DP, and output the data via the connector 316.

The two Ethernet PHYs 412a and 412b may be enabled o transmit/receive via the additional Ethernet connector 470. For example, PHY 412a may support an Ethernet connection for the transmission of multimedia data utilizing AVB and Ethernet PHY 412b may support an Ethernet connection for the transmission of general and/or non-AVB data. In this regard, the LAN subsystem 452 may support embodiments in which separate physical ports for standard Ethernet, multimedia over Ethernet, and DisplayPort traffic are desired.

The Ethernet connector 470 may be similar to or the same as the Ethernet connector 318. In this regard, the Ethernet connector 470 may enable a second Ethernet connection to the LAN subsystem 452. In one embodiment of the invention, general Ethernet traffic may be transmitted and/or received via the connector 318 and multimedia traffic may be received via the connector 470. In this manner, multimedia data, packetized into Ethernet frames, may be transmitted to a local or remote client via the connector 470. Moreover a DP datastream converted to one or more Ethernet datastreams may be transmitted and/or received via the connector 470. In this regard, AVB may be utilized for the traffic transmitted/received via the connector 470. Thus, the connector 470 may enable a DP connection over a network, as described in FIG. 2, between the system 450 and a remote client, while the connector 318 may handle traditional Ethernet traffic between the system 450 and a remote system.

FIG. 5A is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary LAN subsystem of a multimedia client, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Although the system 500 in FIG. 5A is acting as a client, it is not limited in this regard and in various embodiments the system 500 may also act as a server. Referring to FIG. 5A, the system 500 may be similar to the system 400 of FIG. 4A.

In operation, a DP connection may be established between a remote server, such as the server 400, and a display local to the system 500. Accordingly, the system 500 may be enabled to receive an Ethernet datastream, extract/reconstruct a DP datastream from the received Ethernet datastream, and transmit the DP datastream to a local display via the DP connector 316 or other appropriate block(s) comprising the system 400. In this regard, the system 500 may receive an Ethernet datastream from a remote server which may be transmitting a DP datastream to a display that is local to the system 500.

In one embodiment of the invention, DP micro-packets may be extracted and/or reconstructed directly from received Ethernet frames. Accordingly, the MAC client 422a may extract/reconstruct Ethernet payloads from received Ethernet Frames and convey the payloads to the video/Ethernet conversion block 406 and/or the PCI/Ethernet conversion block 426. In this regard, the video/Ethernet conversion block 406 and/or the PCI/Ethernet conversion block 426 may extract and/or reconstruct the DP micro-packets, and/or audio/video comprising the DP micro-packets, from the Ethernet payloads and convey the multimedia data to an appropriate block(s) comprising the system 500 (e.g. memory or CPU). Additionally, the video/Ethernet conversion block 406 may convey extracted DP micro-packets to the DP PHY 418 for conversion to DP physical layer symbols and transmission via the DP connector 316 to a local display.

In another embodiment of the invention, The Ethernet payloads may comprise IP datagrams. Accordingly, the PCI/Ethernet conversion block 426 and/or the video/Ethernet conversion block 406 may be enabled to determine whether the IP datagrams comprise general Ethernet traffic, or whether the IP datagrams comprise a DP datastream. In this regard, the video/Ethernet conversion block 406 may be enabled to extract/reconstruct multimedia data from the IP datagrams and convey the video data to an appropriate block(s) comprising the system 500 (e.g. memory or CPU). Additionally, the video/Ethernet conversion block 406 may convey the micro-packets to the DP PHY 418 for conversion to DP physical layer symbols and transmission via the DP connector 316 to the local display. Similarly, the PCI/Ethernet conversion block 426 may be enabled to extract general traffic and/or audio data from the IP datagrams and convey the data to the PCI bus interface 404.

Ethernet frames and/or data comprising the Ethernet frames may be encrypted and the system 500 may be enabled to decrypt the frames and/or data. For example, the system 500 may be enabled to decrypt MACsec secured Ethernet frames, IPsec secured datagrams, and/or video protected utilizing high-bandwidth digital content protection (HDCP).

FIG. 5B is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary LAN subsystem of a multimedia client, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. It should be noted that although the system 550 in FIG. 5B is acting as a client, it is not limited in this regard and in various embodiments the system 550 may also act as a server. Referring to FIG. 5B, the system 550 may be similar to the system 450 of FIG. 4B. Accordingly, in various embodiments of the invention, various blocks comprising the server 550 and/or the LAN subsystem 552 may be scaled-up versions of the blocks comprising the server 500 and/or the LAN subsystem 502 in order to enable the additional Ethernet connection. Moreover, in various embodiments of the invention, the systems may be further scaled to support an increase number of connections.

The two Ethernet PHYs 412a and 412b may be enabled o transmit/receive via the additional Ethernet connector 470. For example, PHY 412a may support an Ethernet connection for the transmission of multimedia data utilizing AVB and Ethernet PHY 412b may support an Ethernet connection for the transmission of general and/or non-AVB data. In this regard, the LAN subsystem 452 may support embodiments in which separate physical ports for standard Ethernet, multimedia over Ethernet, and DisplayPort traffic are desired.

The Ethernet connector 470 may be similar to or the same as the Ethernet connector 318. In this regard, the Ethernet connector 470 may enable a second Ethernet connection to the LAN subsystem 452. In one embodiment of the invention, general Ethernet traffic may be transmitted and/or received via the connector 318 and multimedia traffic may be received via the connector 470. In this manner, multimedia data, packetized into Ethernet frames, may be transmitted to a local or remote client via the connector 470. Moreover a DP datastream converted to one or more Ethernet datastreams may be transmitted and/or received via the connector 470. In this regard, AVB may be utilized for the traffic transmitted/received via the connector 470. Thus, the connector 470 may enable a DP connection over a network, as described in FIG. 2, between the system 450 and a client, while the connector 318 may handle traditional Ethernet traffic between the system 450 and a remote system.

Aspects of the invention may comprise an integrated network interface, such as the LAN subsystem 452, which may comprise one or more Ethernet interfaces, and one or more high definition (HD) multimedia interfaces to enable transmission and/or reception of HD multimedia content over a network. Audio/Video Bridging and/or Audio/Video Bridging extensions may be utilized for the transmission and/or reception of multimedia content. Exemplary HD multimedia interfaces may comprise DVI, HDMI, and DisplayPort. The integrated network interface may be enabled to transmit and/or receive physical layer signals adhering to protocols such as Ethernet and DisplayPort. Additionally, the integrated network interface may be configurable to select the type of signals to be transmitted or received. In this regard, aspects of the invention may enable packetization of multimedia content into, for example, Ethernet frames and/r DisplayPort micro-packets. Also, aspects of the invention may enable extracting HD multimedia content from DisplayPort micro-packets and/or Ethernet frames. Similarly, aspects of the invention may enable converting Ethernet frames to DisplayPort micro-packets and visa-versa. In various embodiments of the invention, a integrated network interface may be enabled to transmit and/or receive HD multimedia content over a network via a first connector; and transmit and/or receive general Ethernet traffic over a network via a second connector.

Another embodiment of the invention may provide a machine-readable storage, having stored thereon, a computer program having at least one code section executable by a machine, thereby causing the machine to perform the steps as described herein for integrating Ethernet and DP functions into a LAN subsystem.

Accordingly, the present invention may be realized in hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software. The present invention may be realized in a centralized fashion in at least one computer system, or in a distributed fashion where different elements are spread across several interconnected computer systems. Any kind of computer system or other apparatus adapted for carrying out the methods described herein is suited. A typical combination of hardware and software may be a general-purpose computer system with a computer program that, when being loaded and executed, controls the computer system such that it carries out the methods described herein.

The present invention may also be embedded in a computer program product, which comprises all the features enabling the implementation of the methods described herein, and which when loaded in a computer system is able to carry out these methods. Computer program in the present context means any expression, in any language, code or notation, of a set of instructions intended to cause a system having an information processing capability to perform a particular function either directly or after either or both of the following: a) conversion to another language, code or notation; b) reproduction in a different material form.

While the present invention has been described with reference to certain embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted without departing from the scope of the present invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the present invention without departing from its scope. Therefore, it is intended that the present invention not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed, but that the present invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A system for communication, the system comprising:

an integrated network interface that comprises one or more HD multimedia interfaces, wherein said integrated network interface enables transmission and/or reception of HD multimedia content over a network.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein said integrated network interface comprises one or more Ethernet interfaces.

3. The system according to claim 2, wherein AVB enables said transmission and/or reception of said HD multimedia content over said network via said one or more Ethernet interfaces and said one or more HD multimedia interfaces.

4. The system according to claim 1, wherein said HD multimedia interfaces comprise one or more of DisplayPort, HDMI, and DVI.

5. The system according to claim 1, wherein said integrated network interface enables transmission and/or reception of Ethernet physical layer symbols and DisplayPort physical layer symbols.

6. The system according to claim 2, wherein said integrated network interface is configurable to select said Ethernet and/or HD multimedia interfaces for transmission and/or reception of data.

7. The system according to claim 1, wherein said integrated network interface enables packetization of HD multimedia data into Ethernet frames.

8. The system according to claim 1, wherein said integrated network interface enables de-packetization of Ethernet frames to extract HD multimedia data.

9. The system according to claim 1, wherein said integrated network interface enables the packetization of HD multimedia data into DisplayPort micro-packets.

10. The system according to claim 1, wherein said integrated network interface enables the de-packetization of DisplayPort micro-packets to extract HD multimedia data.

11. The system according to claim 1, wherein said integrated network interface enables conversion of Ethernet frames to DisplayPort mini-packets.

12. The system according to claim 1, wherein said integrated network interface enables conversion of DisplayPort micro-packets to Ethernet frames.

13. The system according to claim 1, wherein said integrated network interface comprises a first Ethernet interface utilized to transmit and/or receive general Ethernet traffic and a second Ethernet interface utilized to transmit and/or receive HD multimedia traffic utilizing AVB.

14. The system according to claim 1, wherein said integrated network interface comprises one or more physical connectors for transmission and/or reception of Ethernet data and said HD multimedia data.

15. The system according to claim 1, wherein said integrated network interface is enabled to convert data formatted for a first HD multimedia interface into data formatted for a second HD multimedia interface.

16. A method for communication, the method comprising:

transmitting and/or receiving of HD multimedia content over a network utilizing an integrated network interface that comprises one or more HD multimedia interfaces.

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein said integrated network interface comprises one or more Ethernet interfaces.

18. The method according to claim 16, wherein AVB enables said transmission and/or reception of said HD multimedia content over said network via said one or more Ethernet interfaces and said one or more HD multimedia interfaces.

19. The method according to claim 16, wherein said HD multimedia interfaces comprise one or more of DisplayPort, HDMI, and DVI.

20. The method according to claim 16, comprising transmission and/or reception of Ethernet physical layer symbols and DisplayPort physical layer symbols via said integrated network interface enables.

21. The method according to claim 16, comprising configuring said integrated network interface to select said Ethernet and/or HD multimedia interfaces for transmission and/or reception of data.

22. The method according to claim 16, comprising packetizing said HD multimedia content into Ethernet frames.

23. The method according to claim 16, comprising de-packetizing Ethernet frames to extract said HD multimedia content.

24. The method according to claim 16, comprising packetizing said HD multimedia content into DisplayPort micro-packets.

25. The method according to claim 16, comprising de-packetizing DisplayPort micro-packets to extract said HD multimedia content.

26. The method according to claim 16, comprising converting Ethernet frames to DisplayPort mini-packets to enable said transmission and/or reception of multimedia content.

27. The method according to claim 16, comprising converting DisplayPort mini-packets to Ethernet frames to enable said transmission and/or reception of multimedia content.

28. The method according to claim 16, wherein said integrated network interface comprises a first Ethernet interface utilized to transmit and/or receive general Ethernet traffic and a second Ethernet interface utilized to transmit and/or receive HD multimedia traffic utilizing AVB.

29. The method according to claim 16, wherein said integrated network interface comprises one or more physical connectors for transmission and/or reception of Ethernet data and said HD multimedia data.

30. The method according to claim 16, wherein said integrated network interface is enabled to convert data formatted for a first HD multimedia interface into data formatted for a second HD multimedia interface.