Abstract: An encoding system encodes 8-bit data and control characters into 10-bit symbols. The 10-bit symbols have odd parity such that a single bit error results in an illegal code. Each 8-bit character maps either to a 10-bit symbol with balanced disparity or a pair of 10-bit symbols that collectively have balanced disparity. By periodically inserting an idle character that includes a run of seven consecutive like bits, a 1 MHz pilot tone is embedded in the data stream. The boundary of 10-bit symbols can be identified by locating a run of seven consecutive characters. 10-bit control symbols corresponding to 8-bit control characters are transmitted without reducing the bandwidth available for data transmission by replacing some or all of the preamble or idle portions of an Ethernet packet with the 10-bit control symbols.

Abstract: Methods and systems for improving the quality of transmitted data are described. Multiple distinct communication channels are used to transmit segments representing the same pre-transmission block of a data packet. Upon receipt of these segments, a system identifies differences between the segments for those segments that meet a quality threshold. The system selects one of segments for subsequent transmission or re-assembly into a data packet based on the prior performance of the communication channels used to transmit the segments.

Abstract: A mechanism for retrieval of carrier frequency and carrier phase in a received modulated carrier waveform. Retrieval of carrier frequency and carrier phase can be implemented in an analog electrical circuit, using a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or in computer code. Independent of the implementation, the mechanism performs frequency and primary phase recovery by forcing transforms of a pilot tone in the upper and lower sidebands to the same frequency using a feedback loop. The difference-in-magnitudes of the channelized pilot are used by a phase lock loop to perform secondary phase recovery in a manner that also resolves phase sign ambiguity. Benefits of this mechanism include improved phase lock loop tracking performance and a reduction of noise in the data demodulated from the received carrier waveform.

Abstract: A communications networking having reduced transmission latency and improved reliability is described. To reduce signal transmission latency, network management data is removed from a data stream to prioritize the transmission of payload data at higher transmission rates. Management data is returned to the data stream in such a way that it minimizes an impact to payload transmission rates. To improve communications network reliability, the network is configured to form a primary communication path and a redundant communication path. Upon failure of a transceiver at one node, the network engages redundant transceivers on a per-node basis thereby using a segment of the redundant communication path. The data stream is returned to the primary communication path upon circumvention of the failed transceiver.

Abstract: A mechanism for retrieval of carrier frequency and carrier phase in a received modulated carrier waveform. Retrieval of carrier frequency and carrier phase can be implemented in an analog electrical circuit, using a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or in computer code. Independent of the implementation, the mechanism performs frequency and primary phase recovery by forcing transforms of a pilot tone in the upper and lower sidebands to the same frequency using a feedback loop. The difference-in-magnitudes of the channelized pilot are used by a phase lock loop to perform secondary phase recovery in a manner that also resolves phase sign ambiguity. Benefits of this mechanism include improved phase lock loop tracking performance and a reduction of noise in the data demodulated from the received carrier waveform.

Abstract: A communications networking having reduced transmission latency and improved reliability is described. To reduce signal transmission latency, network management data is removed from a data stream to prioritize the transmission of payload data at higher transmission rates. Management data is returned to the data stream in such a way that it minimizes an impact to payload transmission rates. To improve communications network reliability, the network is configured to form a primary communication path and a redundant communication path. Upon failure of a transceiver at one node, the network engages redundant transceivers on a per-node basis thereby using a segment of the redundant communication path. The data stream is returned to the primary communication path upon circumvention of the failed transceiver.

Abstract: Methods and systems for improving the quality of transmitted data are described. Multiple distinct communication channels are used to transmit segments representing the same pre-transmission block of a data packet. Upon receipt of these segments, a system identifies differences between the segments for those segments that meet a quality threshold. The system selects one of segments for subsequent transmission or re-assembly into a data packet based on the prior performance of the communication channels used to transmit the segments.