Abstract: A programmable transceiver for a network element includes a programmable circuit including internal logic and control logic. Interfaces connect the programmable circuit to a network and a network element. The control logic facilitates programming of the internal logic responsive to an in-band program signal while the programmable circuit services network traffic received via at least one of the interfaces.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to test-capable pluggable transceivers and network systems and methods using such transceivers. A central test server generates a test request and communicates to a mediation sub-system, which uses a common management protocol to communicate with a plurality of transceivers in the network. The mediation sub-system translates the test request into sub-tests and generates sequences of test-control commands for executing by specific transceivers to configure test logic deployed within the transceivers for testing designated network services, to generate test frames, and/or to process received frames to collect test results.

Abstract: A programmable transceiver for a network element includes a programmable circuit including internal logic and control logic. Interfaces connect the programmable circuit to a network and a network element. The control logic facilitates programming of the internal logic responsive to an in-band program signal while the programmable circuit services network traffic received via at least one of the interfaces.

Abstract: Devices and methods for partially upgrading a programmable pluggable transceiver that is in service using the regular datapaths without degrading the basic transparent, hitless pass-through functionality of the transceiver. The programmable logic gate array can be divided into four generalized parts: core logic for basic transceiver pass-through functionality over the datapaths, upgradeable internal logic, connectivity logic for selectively outputting on the datapaths from the core and internal logics, and control logic for isolating, upgrading and reconnecting the internal logic without affecting the basic transparent hitless pass-through functionality of the transceiver.

Abstract: A pluggable transceiver, and its use, looping back Layer 2 and higher data in an Ethernet network element. The transceiver has upstream and downstream datapaths, a logic array having first and second complimentary latching loopback logic blocks (LLBLBs) connected in series through both datapaths. The first LLBLB receiving an upstream datapath frame, comparing it to loopback conditions and looping back the frame on the downstream datapath if the conditions match. If the conditions did not match, the frame is sent to the other LLBLB. The first LLBLB receiving a frame from the second LLB and transmitting it on the upstream datapath with priority over any loop back frames to maintain the upstream throughput requirements of the pluggable transceiver. The second LLBLB operates in mirror image with respect to the datapaths.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to test-capable pluggable transceivers and network systems and methods using such transceivers. A central test server generates a test request and communicates to a mediation sub-system, which uses a common management protocol to communicate with a plurality of transceivers in the network. The mediation sub-system translates the test request into sub-tests and generates sequences of test-control commands for executing by specific transceivers to configure test logic deployed within the transceivers for testing designated network services, to generate test frames, and/or to process received frames to collect test results.

Abstract: Devices and methods for partially upgrading a programmable pluggable transceiver that is in service using the regular datapaths without degrading the basic transparent, hitless pass-through functionality of the transceiver. The programmable logic gate array can be divided into four generalized parts: core logic for basic transceiver pass-through functionality over the datapaths, upgradeable internal logic, connectivity logic for selectively outputting on the datapaths from the core and internal logics, and control logic for isolating, upgrading and reconnecting the internal logic without affecting the basic transparent hitless pass-through functionality of the transceiver.

Abstract: A pluggable transceiver, and its use, looping back Layer 2 and higher data in an Ethernet network element. The transceiver has upstream and downstream datapaths, a logic array having first and second complimentary latching loopback logic blocks (LLBLBs) connected in series through both datapaths. The first LLBLB receiving an upstream datapath frame, comparing it to loopback conditions and looping back the frame on the downstream datapath if the conditions match. If the conditions did not match, the frame is sent to the other LLBLB. The first LLBLB receiving a frame from the second LLB and transmitting it on the upstream datapath with priority over any loop back frames to maintain the upstream throughput requirements of the pluggable transceiver. The second LLBLB operates in mirror image with respect to the datapaths.