Patent ID: 7317732
Filing Date: 2008-01-08
Classification: H04L,Y02D

Abstract:
1. An apparatus, comprising: a first device of a plurality of network devices, each one of said plurality of network devices having a receiver function and a transmitter function, said receiver function including a descrambler; a second device of said plurality of network devices; a communications link coupling said first device to said second device such that said first device and said second device are link partners, said link partners operating in a plurality of communication modes, said plurality of communication modes including at least a link suspend mode and a standard protocol mode, said standard protocol mode requiring frequent communication signals between said link partners to maintain said communications link, wherein said link suspend mode comprises sending at least one link suspend packet between periods of silent line state to maintain said communications link between said link partners during periods of no data transmission, said at least one link suspend packet compriing a preamble sequence having a predictable pattern, said preamble sequence unlocking said receiver function's descrambler; a scrambled idle sequence for preparing said receiver function for the silent line state; and a termination sequence for signaling entry into the silent line state.