Abstract: In a network having a first node and a second node, a method of verifying a lane routing between the first node and the second node. The first node and the second node operate according to a protocol in which: (1) a character is converted to code groups, (2) each code group has a corresponding lane, and (3) the code groups are communicated across the lanes in a parallel manner. A first set of code groups is transmitted from the first node. Preferably, the first set of code groups is different from a set of code groups predefined by the protocol. A second set of code groups is received at the second node. The second set of code groups corresponds to the first set of code groups. A determination is made whether the second set of code groups matches the first set of code groups. An identity of the first set of code groups can be preprogrammed within the second node. Preferably, the first set of code groups has a different code group in each lane.

Abstract: In a network having nodes that operate according to a protocol that defines a node as being in an idle mode when the node is not transmitting or receiving a packet, a method of communicating between nodes during the idle mode. A message formatted according to the protocol is generated. The message is different from messages predefined by the protocol for transmission during the idle mode. For example, the message can comprise a first portion that reports a link status condition. The message can further comprise a second portion that reports a cause of the link status condition. The message is transmitted from a first node of the network when the first node is in the idle mode. The message is received at a second node of the network when the second node is in the idle mode.

Abstract: In a network having a first node and a second node, a method of verifying a lane routing between the first node and the second node. The first node and the second node operate according to a protocol in which: (1) a character is converted to code groups, (2) each code group has a corresponding lane, and (3) the code groups are communicated across the lanes in a parallel manner. A first set of code groups is transmitted from the first node. Preferably, the first set of code groups is different from a set of code groups predefined by the protocol. A second set of code groups is received at the second node. The second set of code groups corresponds to the first set of code groups. A determination is made whether the second set of code groups matches the first set of code groups. An identity of the first set of code groups can be preprogrammed within the second node. Preferably, the first set of code groups has a different code group in each lane.

Abstract: In a network having nodes that operate according to a protocol that defines a node as being in an idle mode when the node is not transmitting or receiving a packet, a method of communicating between nodes during the idle mode. A message formatted according to the protocol is generated. The message is different from messages predefined by the protocol for transmission during the idle mode. For example, the message can comprise a first portion that reports a link status condition. The message can further comprise a second portion that reports a cause of the link status condition. The message is transmitted from a first node of the network when the first node is in the idle mode. The message is received at a second node of the network when the second node is in the idle mode.