Patent ID: 9148341
Filing Date: 2015-09-29
Classification: H04L

Abstract:
1. A programmable pluggable transceiver for use in a network element of a network, the transceiver comprising: a datapath for relaying frames through the transceiver; a memory for storing upgrade data; a programmable logic gate array connected through the datapath, connected to the memory, and comprising internal logic, core logic, connectivity logic and control logic; the internal logic partitioned from the core logic, connectivity logic and control logic in the programmable logic gate array for upgrading the internal logic while the core logic, control logic and connectivity logic remain operational; the internal logic, core logic, and control logic each connected to the datapath for receiving and processing different frames; the internal logic connected to the connectivity logic via the control logic for, except during a partial upgrade, sending frames on the datapath and sending selection signals to the connectivity logic; the core logic connected to the connectivity logic for forwarding frames through the datapath in accordance with a minimum throughput requirement; the connectivity logic connected to the core logic and the control logic for receiving frames on the datapath and sending those frames on the datapath in accordance with the selection signal received from the control logic; the control logic connected to the internal logic for receiving frames and selection signals from the internal logic; the control logic connected to the connectivity logic for sending frames and selection signals received from the internal logic, except during a partial upgrade; the control logic, in response to receiving a frame on the datapath containing upgrade data, sending the upgrade data to the memory; the control logic, in response to receiving a frame on the datapaths containing a partial upgrade command: