FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The invention relates to bit stream multiplexing in digital communications networks, and more particularly to the multiplexing of an additional bit stream with a primary bit stream, where the primary bit stream is initially encoded into a q-bit/r-bit (qB/rB) encoded bit stream.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] High-speed digital communications networks typically transmit digital data as a series of 1's and 0's. In order for the digital data to be deciphered at the speeds that are required in today's networks, it is often desirable to transmit a digital data stream with a balanced number of 1's and 0's and a high transition density. A balanced number of 1's and 0's is desired in a digital data stream because a balanced number of 1's and 0's leads to an electronic signal with a balanced number of voltage transitions between a high voltage (typically representing a 1) and a low voltage

(typically representing a 0). An electronic signal with a balanced number of voltage transitions is said to be direct current (DC) balanced. A DC balanced signal with a high transition density is important to prevent transformer core saturation and to ensure correct phase locked loop (PLL) operation when coupling a DC signal into an alternating current (AC) medium.

[0004] Ethernet is an example of a protocol that is widely used to accomplish digital communications. Some of the higher speed generations of Ethernet require DC balanced bit streams with a high transition density. In particular, one gigabit-per- second Ethernet (GbE) is a generation of Ethernet that requires a DC balanced bit stream with a high transition density. In order to achieve DC balance and a high transition density, GbE utilizes an 8-bit to 10-bit (8B/1OB) encoding scheme that is defined by the IEEE in its 802.3 standard (Clause 36, Physical Coding Sublayer (PCS) and Physical Medium Attachment (PMA) sublayer, type 1000BASE-X). Using the 8B/1OB encoding scheme, there are 1,024 (2if) lOB code-words available to represent 256 (28) 8B words. From the 1,024 available lOB code-words, two lOB code-words are selected to represent each 8B word. The 1 OB code-words that are selected to represent each 8B word are the 1 OB code-words that are balanced with respect to the number of 1's and O's (that is, each lOB code-word has the same number of 1's and O's) or the code-words that are nearly balanced with respect to the number of 1's and O's (that is, each 1 OB code-word has six 1's and four O's or four 1's and six O's). The selected lOB code-words are then divided into two categories, one category that tends to exhibit a positive DC balance (i. e. , those lOB code-words that tend to have more 1's than O's) and another category that tends to exhibit negative DC balance (i. e. , those 1 OB code-words that tend to have more O's than 1's). The specific 1 OB code-words within the two categories of 1 OB code-words are identified in Clause 36 of the above-identified Ethernet standard.

[0005] Upon transmitting a series of lOB code-words across a GbE link, a tally is kept as to whether the pattern of codes is leaning towards too many 1's (RD+ or positive disparity) or leaning towards too many O's (RD-or negative disparity). The tally is referred to generally as the running disparity, or RD. The RD is used as the basis for determining from which category the next 1 OB code-word should be selected to represent each subsequent 8B word. For example, if the RD is positive, then a lOB code-word from the category that tends to exhibit more O's than 1's is selected to

represent the next 8B word in the bit stream and if the RD is negative, then a lOB code-word from the category that tends to exhibit more 1's than O's is selected to represent the next 8B word in the bit stream. Fig. 1 is a table that depicts the code selection logic for an example data stream that is represented by a sequence of 8B words. With reference to Fig. 1, column A identifies the sequence numbers of 8B words, column B identifies 8B words of the primary bits stream, column C identifies the 1 OB code name for the respective 8B word, column D identifies the respective lOB code-words from the category of code-words that tends to exhibit positive DC balance, column E identifies the respective 1 OB code-words from the category of code-words that tends to exhibit negative DC balance, and column F identifies the code selection logic that is applied to selecting one of the lOB code-words in the two categories of code-words to represent the respective 8B word. As indicated in column F of Fig. 1, each of the l OB code-words in the bit stream is selected, from the two categories of code-words, to balance the RD of the bit stream. By manipulating the selection of I OB code-words between the two categories, the RD of the transmitted code-words can be tightly controlled, thereby ensuring a DC balanced signal.

[0006] Although 8B/1 OB encoding works well to ensure a DC balanced signal, one disadvantage to 8B/1 OB encoding is that it increases the actual rate at which bits must be transmitted in order to achieve a desired data transfer rate. For example, because 10 bits of coding must be transmitted for each 8 bits of data, bits must be transmitted at a line rate of 1.25 gigabits per second (Gbps) to achieve an effective data transmission rate of 1 Gbps. Utilizing this 8B/1 OB encoding scheme, the transmission efficiency of GbE is approximately 80% (1 Gbps/1.25 Gbps).

[0007] Another disadvantage to Ethernet is that Ethernet is an unsynchronized network protocol that transmits traffic in packet bursts. In leading edge digital communications networks, it is desirable to be able to carry digital voice and data over the same network. Transmitting traffic in bursts in an unsynchronized network is not naturally suited for constant bit rate traffic, such as digital voice traffic, that is sensitive to time delay and jitter.

[0008] In view of the stated shortcomings of xB/yB encoding schemes, and particularly 8B/1 OB encoding for GbE, what is needed is a technique that increases the efficiency of xB/yB encoding, that is well suited for constant bit rate traffic, and that is compatible with widely accepted xB/yB encoding standards, such as the GbE

standard. In addition, the technique should be compatible with other encoded bit streams.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0009] A technique for managing a primary bit stream involves converting a qB/rB encoded bit stream to an xB/yB encoded bit stream and multiplexing an additional bit stream with the xB/yB encoded bit stream at a transmission side of a link. The additional bit stream is then demultiplexed from the xB/yB encoded bit stream and the xB/yB encoded bit stream is converted back to the qB/rB encoded bit stream at the receiver side of the link. The qB/rB encoded bit stream is converted to and from the xB/yB encoded bit stream so that the additional bit stream can be multiplexed with the qB/rB encoded bit stream using multiplexing/demultiplexing systems that are compatible with the xB/yB multiplexing system. In a particular application, at the transmission side of a link, a 4B/5B encoded bit stream is converted to an 8B/1OB encoded bit stream and an additional bit stream is multiplexed with the lOB code-words ofthe 8B/1OB encoded bit stream using code-word manipulation. At the receiver side of the link, the additional bit stream is demultiplexed from the lOB code-words of the 8B/10B encoded bit stream and then the xB/yB encoded bit stream is converted back to the qB/rB encoded bit stream. Performing the conversions between 4B/5B and 8B/1OB encoded bit streams allows an additional bit stream to be multiplexed over 100M Ethernet link using the same application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or ASICs, that is used to multiplex an additional bit stream over a 1 GbE link.

[0010] A technique for multiplexing an additional bit stream with a primary bit stream, where the primary bit stream is encoded into an xB/yB encoded bit stream, involves selecting yB code-words to convey bits of the additional bit stream. In an xB/yB encoding scheme, each xB word of the primary bit stream can be represented by one yB code-word from a corresponding group of yB code-words, with each group of yB code-words including at least one yB code-word that belongs to a category of yB code-words that tends to exhibit positive DC balance and at least one yB code- word that belongs to a category of yB code-words that tends to exhibit negative DC

balance. In an embodiment, the yB code-words in one of the categories are used to represent 1's and the yB code-words in the other category are used to represent O's.

Bits from the additional bit stream are multiplexed with the primary bit stream by selecting yB code-words from one of the two categories to convey 1's and by selecting yB code-words from the other category to convey O's. In an embodiment, when yB code-words are not being selected to convey bits of the additional bit stream, the yB code-words are selected to balance the RD of the encoded bit stream.

[0011] In an embodiment, the selection of yB code-words is alternated between multiplexing a bit of the additional bit with the primary bit stream and balancing the RD of the encoded bit stream. The additional bit stream is demultiplexed from the encoded bit stream by identifying the category of yB code-words to which a multiplexed yB code-word belongs. For example, yB code-words belonging to one category of the yB code-words represent 1's (i. e. , the category of yB code-words that tends to exhibit positive DC balance) and yB code-words belonging to the other category of the yB code-words represent O's (i. e. , the category of yB code-words that tends to exhibit negative DC balance).

[0012] An advantage of the bit multiplexing technique is that additional bandwidth can be provided in an xB/yB encoded bit stream while the overall DC balance of the encoded bit stream is maintained. The additional bandwidth provided by the multiplexing technique does not steal bandwidth from the primary bit stream and as a result, the overall bandwidth efficiency of the xB/yB encoded bit stream is improved.

[0013] Other aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, illustrating by way of example the principles of the invention.

BREIF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0014] Fig. 1 is a table that depicts an example of code selection logic for a sequence of 8B words from a primary bit stream as is known in the prior art.

[0015] Fig. 2 depicts an example of code selection logic that is involved with multiplexing an additional bit stream with a primary bit stream in an 8B/10B encoded GbE bit stream in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0016] Fig. 3 depicts a process flow diagram of a method for multiplexing an additional bit stream with a primary bit stream where the primary bit stream is encoded into an xB/yB encoded bit stream in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0017] Fig. 4 depicts an example of functional elements that constitute opposite end points in a GbE point-to-point link including functional elements for accomplishing bit stream multiplexing and demultiplexing in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0018] Fig. 5 depicts an expanded view of one of the Bit Stream Multiplexers depicted in Fig. 4.

[0019] Fig. 6 depicts an expanded view of one of the Bit Stream Demultiplexers depicted in Fig. 4.

[0020] Fig. 7 depicts a table that details the differences between the encoding of a GbE bit stream according to the prior art and the encoding of a GbE bit stream that includes a multiplexed additional bit stream in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0021] Fig. 8 depicts a process flow diagram of a method for multiplexing an additional bit stream with a primary bit stream in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, where the primary bit stream is encoded into an xB/yB encoded bit stream.

[0022] Fig. 9 depicts a process flow diagram of another method for multiplexing an additional bit stream with a primary bit stream in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, where the primary bit stream is encoded into an xB/yB encoded bit stream.

[0023] Fig. 10 depicts a process flow diagram of another method for multiplexing an additional bit stream with a primary bit stream in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, where the primary bit stream is encoded into an xB/yB encoded bit stream.

[0024] Fig. 11 depicts a network architecture in which media conversion is applied in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0025] Fig. 12 depicts an expanded view of the plant-side media converter from Fig. 11.

[0026] Fig. 13 depicts an expanded view of the converter/multiplexer from Fig.

12.

[0027] Fig. 14 depicts an expanded view of the local-side media converter from Fig. 11.

[0028] Fig. 15 depicts an expanded view of the demultiplexer/converter from Fig. 14.

[0029] Fig. 16 is a process flow diagram of a method for managing a primary bit stream and an additional bit stream in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0030] Fig. 17 is a process flow diagram of a method for managing a primary bit stream and an additional bit stream in accordance with another embodiment of the invention.

[0031] Fig. 18 is a process flow diagram of a method for managing a primary bit stream and an additional bit stream in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0032] Fig. 19 is a process flow diagram of a method for managing a primary bit stream and an additional bit stream in accordance with another embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION [0033] A technique for multiplexing an additional bit stream with a primary bit stream, where the primary bit stream is encoded into an xB/yB encoded bit stream, involves selecting yB code-words to convey the additional bit stream. In an xB/yB encoding scheme, each xB word can be represented by one yB code-word from a corresponding group of yB code-words, with each group of yB code-words including at least one yB code-word that belongs to a category of yB code-words that tends to exhibit positive DC balance and at least one yB code-word that belongs to a category of yB code-words that tends to exhibit negative DC balance. In an embodiment, the yB code-words in one of the categories are used to represent 1's and the yB code-

words in the other category are used to represent O's. Bits from the additional bit stream are multiplexed with the primary bit stream by selecting yB code-words from one of the two categories to convey 1's and by selecting yB code-words from the other category to convey O's. In an embodiment, when yB code-words are not being selected to convey bits of the additional bit stream, the yB code-words are selected to balance the RD of the encoded bit stream.

[0034] In an embodiment, the selection of yB code-words is alternated between multiplexing a bit of the additional bit with the primary bit stream and balancing the RD of the encoded bit stream. The additional bit stream is demultiplexed from the encoded bit stream by identifying the category of yB code-words to which a multiplexed yB code-word belongs. For example, yB code-words belonging to one category of the yB code-words represent 1's (i. e. , the category of yB code-words that tends to exhibit positive DC balance) and yB code-words belonging to the other category of the yB code-words represent O's (i. e. , the category of yB code-words that tends to exhibit negative DC balance).

[0035] Fig. 2 depicts an example of code selection logic that is involved with multiplexing an additional bit stream with a primary bit stream in an 8B/1OB encoded GbE bit stream in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Specifically, Fig.

2 depicts a series of bits of the primary bit stream, with the series of bits being presented as a sequence of 8B words. In the example of Fig. 2, the series of bits of the primary bit stream is the same as the series of bits provided in the example of Fig.

1. The 8B words are identified in column B and the sequence number of each 8B word is identified in column A. Each 8B word is represented by two lOB code- words, as identified in columns D and E, and the corresponding lOB code names of the 1 OB code-words are identified in column C. In the example of Fig. 2, the 8B/10B encoding scheme is defined by the IEEE 802.3 standard at Clause 36 entitled "Physical Coding Sublayer (PCS) and Physical Medium Attachment (PMA) sublayer, type 1000BASE-X,"which is incorporated by reference herein. In the example of Fig. 2, a single bit of the additional bit stream is multiplexed with the primary bit stream at every other 8B word of the primary bit stream. The bits of the additional bit stream that are to be multiplexed with the primary bit stream are identified in column F of Fig. 2. As shown in Fig. 2, a first bit (0) of the additional bit stream is to be multiplexed with the first 8B word (sequence number 1) and a second bit (1) of the

additional bit stream is to be multiplexed with the third 8B word (sequence number 3). As stated above, each 8B word can be identified by at least one 10B code-word from the category of lOB code-words that tends to exhibit positive DC balance (i. e., column D) and by at least one lOB code-word from the category of lOB code-words <BR> <BR> that tends to exhibit negative DC balance (i. e. , column E). The bits of the additional bit stream are multiplexed with the primary bit stream by dictating the category from which the 1 OB code-words are selected. For example, the 1 OB code-words from the category of 1 OB code-words that tends to exhibit positive DC balance are selected to multiplex Fs (i. e.,"high"bits) with the primary bit stream and the 10B code-words from the category of lOB code-words that tends to exhibit negative DC balance are <BR> <BR> selected to multiplex O's (i. e. ,"low"bits) with the primary bit stream. When bits are not being multiplexed with the primary bit stream, the lOB code-words are selected to balance the RD of the encoded bit stream.

[0036] In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the 1 OB code-word selection logic for each 8B word is identified in column G of Fig. 2. Referring to column G, the first lOB code-word is selected to multiplex a bit of the additional bit stream (see sequence number 1) and the next lOB code-word is selected to balance the RD of the encoded bit stream (see sequence number 2). In the example of Fig. 2, the additional bits are multiplexed in an alternating fashion such that one 1 OB code-word is selected to multiplex a bit with the primary bit stream and the next lOB code-word is selected to balance the RD of the encoded bit stream. The process is repeated as necessary to convey the additional bit stream. While the code selection logic depicted in Fig. 2 alternates at each 8B word between selecting a 1 OB code-word to multiplex a bit and selecting a 1 OB code-word to balance the RD, the code selection logic that is known in the prior art and that is depicted in Fig. 1 is focused solely on balancing the RD of the encoded bit stream.

[0037] Although the example described with reference to Fig. 2 involves additional bits being multiplexed with every other lOB code-word, the interval of bit multiplexing can be different. For example, every nth 1 OB code-word can be manipulated to multiplex a bit of data, where n is an integer of two or greater (n zut 2).

In addition, a pattern of 10B code-words other than a constant interval can be used to multiplex bits as long as the pattern is known by the receiving end device. The

particular distribution of multiplexed bits is not critical as long as the distribution is known by the receiving end device.

[0038] Although additional bits can be multiplexed every nth yB code-word, where n is an integer of two or greater (n 2 2), or in other known patterns, additional bits should not be multiplexed at every yB code-word over an extended series of code-words. Additional bits should not be multiplexed at every yB code-word over an extended series of code-words because it would interfere with the ability to ensure that the encoded bit stream exhibits a balanced RD. That is, if none of the yB code- words in an extended series of code-words are selected to balance the RD of the encoded bit stream, then the RD of the encoded bit stream would drift as a function of the additional bit stream with no assurance that the RD of the encoded bit stream would be balanced. Although bits should not be multiplexed at every yB code-word over an extended series of code-words, particular distributions with successive multiplexed bits may be implemented.

[0039] Although the multiplexing scheme is described above with reference to an 8B/1OB encoding scheme for example purposes, the multiplexing scheme is applicable to other xB/yB encoding schemes (i. e., 4B/5B encoding for lOOMbps Ethernet), where x is less than y. In addition, although the multiplexing scheme is described with reference to the IEEE 802.3 GbE standard, the multiplexing scheme can be applied to other transmission techniques or standards that use xB/yB encoding.

[0040] The same encoding scheme can be used with data code groups and/or special code groups (i. e. , the"D"codes and"K"codes as defined in the IEEE 802.3<BR> GbE standard). For example, when there is no in-band traffic (i. e. , D codes) being transmitted across a link, special codes, including ordered sets such as Idle codes, can be manipulated in a similar manner as described above to multiplex an additional bit stream with an encoded bit stream. Multiplexing bits of the additional bit stream using D codes or K codes enables the bits of the additional bit stream to be conveyed at a constant rate regardless of the transmission patterns of the in-band traffic.

[0041] In an embodiment, the additional bit stream that is multiplexed with the primary bit stream conveys constant bit rate (CBR) traffic. For example, the additional bits stream may convey voice traffic such as time division multiplexed (TDM) voice traffic. In an embodiment, the additional bit stream includes CBR traffic, such as E1, Tl, E3, DS-3, OCn, and/or ISDN. In a GbE embodiment in which

an additional bit stream is multiplexed with the primary bit stream at every other 1 OB code-word, the additional bit stream can be conveyed at a rate of 62.5 Mbps.

[0042] Fig. 3 depicts a process flow diagram of a method for multiplexing an additional bit stream with a primary bit stream, where the primary bit stream is encoded into an xB/yB encoded bit stream. At block 302, a first xB word of the primary bit stream is identified. At decision block 304, a determination is made as to whether or not a bit from the additional bit stream is to be multiplexed with the respective xB word. If a bit from the additional bit stream is to be multiplexed with the respective xB word, then at block 306, the bit of the additional bit stream is identified. At block 308, a yB code-word is selected to represent the bit of the additional bit stream, wherein the yB code-word is selected from a group of yB code- words that are used individually to represent the xB word. If a bit from the additional bit stream is not to be multiplexed with the respective xB word, then at block 310, a yB code-word is selected to balance the running disparity, RD, of the encoded bit stream, wherein the yB code-word is selected from a group of yB code-words that are used individually to represent the xB word. After the selection at block 308 or 310 is completed, the process returns to block 302.

[0043] According to the 8B/1 OB encoding scheme of the IEEE 802. 3 GbE standard, 72 of the 256 possible 8B words are represented by a single 1 OB code-word.

That is, the lOB code-words in the two categories of lOB code-words are identical.

Because it would be impossible to decipher whether a selected lOB code-word is supposed to represent a one or a zero in the above-described multiplexing scheme, in an embodiment of the invention, 8B words that are identified by a single 10B code- word under the given GbE standard are provided with two 1 OB code-words that are unique to each other and to the rest of the 1 OB code-words that are utilized in the IEEE 802.3 GbE standard. In an embodiment, one of the two code-words is established as belonging to the category of code-words that tends to exhibit positive DC balance and the other of the two code-words is established as belonging to the category of code-words that tends to exhibit negative DC balance. For example, with reference to the IEEE 802.3 GbE standard, the code group D17.6, with the octet value D1 (110 10001) is identified by the same lOB code-word (100011 0110) regardless of the category from which the code-word is selected. In order for 1's and O's to be distinguished in the above-described multiplexing scheme, the 8B word should have

two different 10B code-words established. In an embodiment, the translation of codes is accomplished with a pre-established translation table. Although the translated code-words are not specified in the IEEE 802.3 GbE standard, the code-words can be used in conjunction with the 8B/10B encoding standard by translating between the native code-words (i. e. , the 10B code-words that conform to the given standard) and the translated set of unique 10B code-words. Although the code-word translation scheme is described with reference to 8B/10B encoding in a GbE environment, the code-word translation scheme could be applied to other xB/yB encoding schemes.

[0044] In an embodiment, the additional bit stream is multiplexed with the primary bit stream and conveyed across a point-to-point link. Fig. 4 depicts an example of functional elements that constitute opposite end points in a GbE point-to- point link including functional elements for accomplishing bit stream multiplexing and demultiplexing as described above. In the example of Fig. 4, in which an additional bit stream is multiplexed with a GbE primary bit stream, each of the GbE end points includes a media access controller (MAC) 420, an 8B/1OB Encoder 422, an 8B/1OB Decoder 424, a Bit Stream Multiplexer 426, a Bit Stream Demultiplexer 428, a Serializer 430, a Deserializer 432, a Line Driver 434, and a Line Receiver 436. The two end points in the point-to-point link are often connected by a transmission medium such as optical fiber or copper wire. Throughout the description, similar reference numbers may be used to identify similar elements.

[0045] The MACs 420 provide framing, forwarding, and access control logic for packet transmissions between the end points. The functional elements of the two end points are briefly described herein for an example transmission from left to right and from the upper end point to the lower end point as depicted in Fig. 4. On the transmitting end of the point-to-point link (i. e. , the upper group of logical elements), the MAC determines if outgoing packets should be sent on the respective port. On the receiving end of the point-to-point link (i. e. , the lower group of logical elements), the MAC reads the MAC header of incoming frames and determines if the incoming packets should be forwarded within the receiving device.

[0046] On the transmitting end of the point-to-point link, the 8B/1OB Encoder 422 encodes 8B words into 10B code-words and the Bit Stream Multiplexer 426 multiplexes the additional bit stream with the primary bit stream. A more detailed description of the Bit Stream Multiplexer and the multiplexing process is provided

below. The Serializer 430 converts lOB wide parallel data into 1B wide serial data.

The Line Driver 434 converts the 1B wide serial data stream into signals that can be transmitted across the link 440. For example, the Line Driver generates optical signals for transmission over an optical link or electrical signals for transmission over a wire link.

[00471 On the receiving end of the point-to-point link, the Line Receiver 436 converts the received signals into an electrical signal format that can be utilized by the subsequent logical elements and outputs 1B wide serial data. The Deserializer 432 converts the 1B wide serial data back into lOB wide parallel data and the Bit Stream Demultiplexer 428 demultiplexes the additional bit stream from the primary bit stream. A more detailed description of the Bit Stream Demultiplexer and the demultiplexing process are provided below. The 8B/1OB Decoder 424 decodes the lOB code-words back to the native 8B words and passes the 8B words to the receiving end MAC 420.

[0048] Fig. 5 depicts an expanded view of one of the Bit Stream Multiplexers depicted in Fig. 4. The Bit Stream Multiplexer 526 depicted in Fig. 5 includes the following functional elements: a Code Manipulator 544, an Additional Bit Stream Code Selector 546, a Code Translator 548, a Running Disparity Balance Code Selector 550, and a Running Disparity Monitor 552. In general, the Bit Stream Multiplexer receives native 1 OB code-words and an additional bit stream for multiplexing and outputs selected lOB code-words that include the multiplexed additional bit stream. Each functional element of the Bit Stream Multiplexer is described in more detail below.

[0049] The Code Manipulator 544 receives native 10B code-words (that is, the original 1 OB code-words from an 8B/1OB Encoder) and determines whether the lOB code-words will be processed via the Additional Bit Stream Code Selector 546 or the Running Disparity Balance Code Selector 550. In an embodiment, the native lOB code-words are received from an 8B/1OB Encoder 522, with the 8B/1OB Encoder having selected the 10B code-words, according to the given standard, to represent the respective 8B words. The lOB code-words that are used to convey the bits of the additional bit stream are processed by the Additional Bit Stream Code Selector and the 1 OB code-words that are used to balance the RD are processed by the Running Disparity Balance Code Selector. In an embodiment, the lOB code-words are

processed by the two functional elements on an every other lOB code-word interval, however, as noted above, other multiplexing intervals or patterns are possible. Once a lOB code-word has been selected by either the Additional Bit Stream Code Selector or the Running Disparity Balance Code Selector, the Code Manipulator ensures that the output code-word reflects the selected code-word. In an embodiment, the Code Manipulator may include the 8B/10B encoding functions such that the Code Manipulator receives the 8B word stream and outputs the selected lOB code-words.

[0050] The Additional Bit Stream Code Selector 546 selects a 10B code-word from the available group of code-words that are used individually to represent the respective 8B word in response to the bit value of the next bit in the additional bit stream. That is, the additional bit stream that is being multiplexed with the primary bit stream dictates which 1 OB code-word is selected to represent the respective 8B word. In an embodiment, the lOB code-words are selected from the category of code- words that tends to exhibit positive DC balance or from the category of code-words that tends to exhibit negative DC balance. In an embodiment, the code-words in the category that tends to exhibit positive DC balance are selected to represent 1's of the additional bit stream and the code-words in the category that tends to exhibit negative DC balance are selected to represent O's of the additional bit stream. An indication of the selected code-words is communicated from the Additional Bit Stream Code Selector to the Code Manipulator 544.

[0051] The Code Translator 548 manages the translation of lOB code-words in the case of the 8B words that are represented by a single 1 OB code-word. As described above, according to the IEEE 802. 3 GbE standard, 72 of the 256 possible 8B words are represented by a single 1 OB code-word. When an 8B word is represented by a single lOB code-word, provisions are made to represent the 8B word by at least two different lOB code-words, with one of the l OB code-words belonging to the category of 1 OB code-words that tends to exhibit positive DC balance and one of the code-words belonging to the category of lOB code-words that tends to exhibit negative DC balance. In the embodiment of Fig. 5, the Code Translator contains all of the translated code-words for the 8B words that are represented by a single 1 OB code-word according to the IEEE 802.3 GbE standard. When a native lOB code-word that is one of the 72 single-code words is encountered, the Additional Bit Stream Code Selector 546 refers to the Code Translator to determine which translated code-

word should be selected to represent the respective bit from the additional bit stream.

In an embodiment, the selected code-word is identified by accessing a code translation table that includes the translation rules for all 72 of the 8B words that are represented by a single lOB code-word. An indication of the selected code-word is provided to the Code Manipulator 544 and the selected 10B code-word is output from the Bit Stream Multiplexer 526. The selected lOB code-word conveys a bit from the additional bit stream.

[0052] The Running Disparity Balance Code Selector 550 selects 10B code- words from the available group of code-words that are used individually to represent the respective 8B word in response to the current RD. In an embodiment, the 10B code-words are selected to balance the RD of the encoded bit stream. As is known in the field, if the current RD is negative, then a 10B code-word from the category of code-words that tends to exhibit a positive DC balance is selected to represent the respective 8B word and if the current RD is positive, then a 10B code-word from the category of code-words that tends to exhibit a negative DC balance is selected to represent the respective 8B word. The RD balancing rules for GbE are described in the"Clause 36"document that is referred to above.

[0053] In the example of Fig. 5, the Running Disparity Balance Code Selector 550 receives an indication of the current RD of the encoded bit stream from the Running Disparity Monitor 552. In an embodiment, the Running Disparity Monitor includes a single bit of information that indicates whether the encoded bit stream is leaning towards too many 1's (positive disparity or RD+) or leaning towards too many O's (negative disparity or RD-).

[0054] Once the Code Manipulator 544 receives an indication of the selected 10B code-word for the respective native 10B code-word, the Code Manipulator ensures that the output 10B code-word reflects the selected lOB code-word. If the selected lOB code-word remains unchanged from the native code-word, then the 10B code-word is forwarded from the Bit Stream Multiplexer 526 as is. If the selected l OB code-word is different than the native code-word, then the selected 1 OB code- word is generated and output from the Bit Stream Multiplexer. In an embodiment, the selected 10B code-word is generated by manipulating the native lOB code-word. For example, changing the native 1 OB code-word from one category to the other may involve inverting the bits of the 10B code-word. The selected lOB code-words are

output from the Bit Stream Multiplexer to subsequent functional units such as the Serializer.

[0055] Fig. 6 represents an expanded view of one of the Bit Stream Demultiplexers 428 depicted in Fig. 4. The Bit Stream Demultiplexer 628 depicted in Fig. 6 includes the following functional elements: a Manipulated Code Reader 656 and a Code Normalizer/Translator 658. The Manipulated Code Reader reads the multiplexed bit stream by identifying the value of the lOB code-words that carry the multiplexed bits. That is, in the example of Fig. 2, the Manipulated Code Reader <BR> <BR> reads every other 1 OB code-word (i. e. , sequence numbers 1 and 3) to determine if the manipulated lOB code carries a one or a zero. The code-words from sequence numbers 2 and 4 are disregarded. The determination of whether the manipulated 1 OB code-words carries a one or a zero involves determining the category to which the 10B code-word belongs. For example, if the 10B code-word belongs to the category of 10B code-words that tends to exhibit positive DC balance, then the 1 OB code-word carries a"1"and if the 10B code-word belongs to the category of 10B code-words that tends to exhibit negative DC balance, then the 1ûB code-word carries a"O." [0056] In an embodiment, after reading the 10B code-words to demultiplex the additional bits from the primary bit stream, the manipulated 10B code-words are normalized. That is, all of the 10B code-words that have been changed from the native 1 OB code-word stream are returned back to their native state. In addition, any 10B code-word that has been translated to a unique 10B code-word is translated back to the lOB code-word that is recognized by the 8B/1OB encoding standard. In the embodiment of Fig. 6, normalization and translation is accomplished by the Code Normalizer/Translator 658. The normalized and translated lOB code stream can then be forwarded to the 8B/10B Decoder 624 for decoding to the original 8B code stream.

[0057] Figs. 4-6 depict functional elements for description purposes. It should be understood that these functional elements may or may not be embodied in corresponding distinct physical devices. Specifically, the functional elements may be separate from each other, integrated with each other or any combination thereof. In an embodiment, the functional elements described above are embodied in a combination of hardware and software, however, the functional elements can be embodied primarily in hardware or software. In an embodiment, many of the functional elements of the Bit Stream Multiplexer and the Bit Stream Demultiplexer

are embodied in one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICs) as indicated by dashed boxes 427.

[0058] Fig. 7 depicts a table that details the differences between the encoding of a GbE bit stream according to the prior art and the encoding of a GbE bit stream that includes a multiplexed additional bit stream in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The example described with reference to Fig. 7 involves a primary bit stream, in a GbE environment, that is encoded according to the 8B/10B encoding scheme specified in the IEEE 802.3 GbE standard. In the example, column A identifies a sequence number of 8B words of a primary bit stream and column B identifies the sequence of 8B words of the example GbE bit stream. Column C identifies the byte value of the respective 8B words and column D identifies the code group name for the respective 8B words (as defined by the IEEE 802.3 standard, Clause 36, Physical Coding Sublayer (PCS) and Physical Medium Attachment (PMA) sublayer, type 1000BASE-X). Columns E and F represent the two lOB code-words, according to the IEEE 802.3 GbE standard, for the respective 8B word that is provided in column B. The lOB code-words in column E are identified herein as (+) because they belong to the category of code-words that tends to exhibit a positive DC balance (bias) and the lOB code-words in column F are identified herein as (-) because they belong to the category of code words that tends to exhibit a negative DC balance (bias). It should be noted that the lOB code-words that have an equal number of 1's and 0's actually have a neutral bias. Column G identifies whether the lOB code-words that represent the respective 8B words cause the RD of an encoded bit stream to stay the same (as indicated by an"S") or to flip (as indicated by an"F"). A 10B code-word causes the RD of an encoded bit stream to stay the same if the number 0'and 1's in the 1 OB code-word is balanced and the 10B code-word causes the RD of the encoded bit stream to flip if the number of 0's and 1's in the 10B code-word is unbalanced. Column H identifies an example current RD that may result from the example primary bit stream of column B. In the example column H, the RD is either positive (+) or negative (-) and it is assumed, for example purposes, that the initial RD is negative (i. e. , RD-).

[0059] Column I identifies the 1 OB code-words that are selected to represent the respective 8B word in column B (assuming an initial negative RD), as is known in the prior art where the 1ûB code-words are selected solely to balance the RD. In

accordance with the prior art, the 1ûB code-word for each 8B word is selected from the two possible code-words in response to the current RD that is depicted in column H. That is, if the current RD in column H is negative (-), then the lOB code-word from column E (the"+"code-word) is selected to represent the 8B word and likewise, if the current RD is positive (+), then the l OB code-word in column F (the"-"code) is selected to represent the 8B word. Column J identifies the RD that results from processing the respective lOB code-words. In the example of Fig. 7, the resulting RD (i. e. , column J) for one sequence number is carried over to the current RD (i. e., column H) for the next sequence number. As is known in the field, the current RD is adjusted in response to each new l OB code-word that is processed. Specifically, if the processed lOB code-word is an"S"code-word, then the current RD stays the same upon processing of the lOB code-word and if the 1ûB code-word is a"F"code-word, then the RD flips from positive to negative or negative to positive upon processing of the 10B code-word. For example, with reference to column H at sequence number 1, the current RD is negative (RD-) and as a result, the lOB code-word from column E is selected. The lOB code-word for sequence number 1 is an"S"and therefore the <BR> <BR> current RD stays the same (i. e. , the RD stays negative). With reference to sequence number 2, the current RD is still negative (RD-) and as a result, the lOB code-word from column E is selected. In contrast to sequence number 1, the l OB code-word for <BR> <BR> sequence number 2 is an"F"and therefore the current RD flips (i. e. , the current RD flips from RD-to RD+).

[0060] The multiplexing of an additional bit stream with the primary bit stream of column B is described with reference to columns K, L, M, and N. Specifically, column K represents an example of an additional bit stream that is to be multiplexed with the primary bit stream of column B. In the example, one bit of data is multiplexed with every other 8B word of the column B bit stream. In the example of Fig. 7, one data bit is sent at each of sequence numbers 1, 3,5, 7,9, 11, and 13.

Column L identifies an example current RD that may result from the multiplexing of the additional bit stream with the primary bit stream, assuming an initial negative RD (RD-). In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, column M represents the l OB code-words that are selected from columns E and F to multiplex the additional bit stream of column K with the primary bit stream of column B. Column N represents the RD of the encoded bit stream given the lOB code-words that are selected in

Column M. In the example of Fig. 7, the resulting RD (i. e. , column N) for one<BR> sequence number is carried over to the current RD (i. e. , column L) for the next sequence number.

[0061] In the example of Fig. 7, it is assumed that the 1 OB code-words from column E are used to represent 1's and the 1 OB code-words from column F are used <BR> <BR> to represent O's, although this is implementation specific (i. e. , the opposite convention could be used). Referring to columns K and M of sequence number 1, it is desired to multiplex a zero bit (a"low"bit) with the primary bit stream of column B, and therefore the lOB code-word from column F (the category of code-words that tend to exhibit negative DC balance) is selected as the lOB code-word that will be used to represent the respective 8B word. That is, the l OB code-word from column F is selected (instead of the lOB code-word from column E) from the two code-words (columns E and F) in order to represent the desired bit from column K that is being multiplexed with the primary bit stream of column B. In the example, the 1 OB code- words for the 8B word of sequence number 1 are"S"code-words and therefore the RD stays the same (assuming an initial negative RD, the RD stays negative after the code selection).

[0062] Referring now to columns K and M of sequence number 2, no additional bit is being multiplexed with the 8B word from column B, and therefore the selection of the lOB code-word is not made in response to a bit of the additional bit stream. In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the l OB code-word at sequence number 2 is selected to balance the RD of the encoded bit stream. That is, when the 1ûB code-word is not used to carry a bit of the additional bit stream, it is used to balance the RD of the encoded bit stream. For example, if the current RD is positive, then a l OB code-word from column F is selected to represent the 8B word and if the current RD is negative, then a lOB code-word from column E is selected to represent the 8B word. In the example of Fig. 7, the current RD at sequence number 2 is negative and therefore the lOB code-word from column E (the"+"code-word) is selected to represent the value of the respective 8B word. In the example, the 10B code-words for the respective 8B word are"F"code-words and therefore the current RD flips from negative (RD-) to positive (RD+). The positive RD is indicated in column N, sequence number 2. The process of selecting the 10B code-words in view

of the additional bit stream and the current RD continues as shown in the example of Fig. 7.

[0063] As can be seen from the 10B code-word selections identified in columns I and M, the multiplexing of an additional bit stream with the primary bit stream causes the selection of 10B code-words to be altered from the code pattern that is generated without bit multiplexing.

[0064] Fig. 8 depicts a process flow diagram of a method for multiplexing an additional bit stream with a primary bit stream in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, where the primary bit stream is encoded into an xB/yB encoded bit stream. At block 802, a first xB word of a primary bit stream is identified. At block 804, a first bit of an additional bit stream is identified. At block 806, a first yB code- word is selected to represent the first bit of the additional bit stream, wherein the first yB code-word is selected from a group of yB code-words that are used individually to represent the first xB word. At block 808, a second xB word of the primary bit stream is identified. At block 810, a second yB code-word is selected to balance the running disparity of the encoded bit stream, wherein the second yB code-word is selected from a group of yB code-words that are used individually to represent the second xB word.

The interval of bit multiplexing determines whether the process returns to the top block, 802, or to the intermediate block, 808, as indicated by the dashed return lines.

[0065] Fig. 9 depicts a process flow diagram of another method for multiplexing an additional bit stream with a primary bit stream in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, where the primary bit stream is encoded into an xB/yB encoded bit stream. At block 902, a first yB code-word that is related to a first xB word of a primary bit stream is received. At block 904, a first bit of an additional bit stream is received. At block 906, the first yB code-word is manipulated to represent the first bit of the additional bit stream, wherein manipulating the first yB code-word includes selecting a yB code-word from a group of yB code-words that are used individually to represent the first xB word. At block 908, a second yB code-word that is related to a second xB word of the primary bit stream is received. At block 910, the second yB code-word is manipulated to balance the running disparity of the encoded bit stream, wherein manipulating the second yB code-word includes selecting a yB code-word from a group of yB code-words that are used individually to represent the second xB word. The interval of bit multiplexing determines whether the process returns to the

top block, 902, or to the intermediate block, 908, as indicated by the dashed return lines.

[0066] Fig. 10 depicts a process flow diagram of another method for multiplexing an additional bit stream with a primary bit stream in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, where the primary bit stream is encoded into an xB/yB encoded bit stream. At block 1002, a first yB code-word that represents an xB word of a primary bit stream is received. At block 1004, a first bit of an additional bit stream is received. At block 1006, a yB code-word is selected to represent the first bit from the additional bit stream, wherein the yB code-word is selected from a group of yB code-words that are used individually to represent the same xB word as the first yB code-word represents. At block 1008, the selected yB code-word is output. At block 1010, a second yB code-word that represents an xB word of the primary bit stream is received. At block 1012, a yB code-word is selected to balance the running disparity of the encoded bit stream, wherein the yB code-word is selected from a group of yB code-words that are used individually to represent the same xB word as the second yB code-word represents. At block 1014, the selected yB code-word is output. The interval of bit multiplexing determines whether the process returns to the top block, 1002, or to the intermediate block, 1010, as indicated by the dashed return lines.

[0067] In some network environments, the primary bit stream is initially encoded in some form other than 8B/10B. For example, a 100M Ethernet bit stream may be encoded into a 4B/5B encoded bit stream (referred to as a qB/rB encoded bit stream). An additional bit stream cannot be multiplexed with the qB/rB encoded bit stream using hardware that is designed to multiplex an additional bit stream with an xB/yB encoded bit stream because the hardware that is designed to multiplex an additional bit stream with an xB/yB encoded bit stream expects to see yB code-words as described above with regard to Fig. 5. In accordance with an embodiment of the invention and in order to be able to multiplex the additional bit stream with a qB/rB encoded bit stream using the same hardware as is used for an xB/yB encoded bit stream, it is desirable to convert a qB/rB encoded bit stream into an xB/yB encoded bit stream before multiplexing takes place. Bits of the additional bit stream are then multiplexed with yB code-words of the xB/yB encoded bit stream. In the particular embodiment that is described in detail below, a 4B/5B encoded bit stream is

converted to an SB/I OB encoded bit stream and an additional bit stream is multiplexed with the 1ûB code-words of the 8B/10B encoded bit stream as described above with regard to Figs. 2-10. In an embodiment, converting a 4B/5B encoded bit stream to an 8B/lOB encoded Ethernet stream involves decoding received 5B code- words to the native 4B words, combing two 4B words to create 8B words, and then encoding the 8B words to lOB code-words.

[0068] Fig. 11 depicts a network architecture in which the"media conversion" technique is applied in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The network architecture of Fig. 11 includes a layer 2 (L2) switch 1160, first and second media converters 1162 and 1164, and end-user devices such as a personal computer 1166 and a legacy device 1168. The L2 switch is a packet-switched device, such as an Ethernet-based switch that forwards traffic based on L2 header information. The L2 switch is typically connected to another network, or networks, such the Internet 1161. Although the L2 switch is described as an Ethernet-based L2 switch, the L2 switch may utilize protocols in addition to or instead of Ethernet to forward traffic.

The L2 switch is connected to the first media converter (referred to herein as the plant-side media converter). In the embodiment of Fig. 11, the L2 switch is connected to the media converter by a 100M Ethernet link 1170 and data is transmitted over the link as a 4B/5B encoded bit stream. The media converter is also connected to a communications network, such as a publicly switched telephone network (PSTN) 1163, which communicates with constant bit rate (CBR) traffic. In the embodiment of Fig. 11, an additional bit stream is provided to the media converter from the PSTN.

[0069] The plant-side media converter 1162 performs the functions of converting the 4B/5B encoded bit stream to an 8B/lOB encoded bit stream and multiplexing bits of an additional bit stream with the 10B code-words of the 8B/l OB encoded bit stream. A more detailed description of the plant-side media converter is provided below with reference to Figs. 12 and 13.

[0070] The plant-side media converter 1162 is connected to the second media converter 1164 (referred to herein as the local-side media converter) by a 100M Ethernet link 1172. The 100M Ethernet link carries an 8B/10B encoded bit stream.

In an embodiment, the 100M Ethernet link is a fiber optic link (100BASE-FX), although the link could be a wire cable link (100BASE-TX) or some other type of link

(e. g. , a wireless link). In addition, although a 100M Ethernet link is described, the link could be of some other speed (e. g., 1 GbE or 1000BASE-X) and/or some other protocol.

[0071] The local-side media converter 1164 performs the functions of demultiplexing the additional bit stream from the 8B/1 OB encoded bit stream and converting the 8B/10B encoded bit stream to a 4B/5B encoded bit stream. A more detailed description of the local-side media converter is provided below with reference to Figs. 14 and 15. In the embodiment of Fig. 11, the local-side media <BR> <BR> converter is connected to a personal computer 1166 and a legacy device 1168 (e. g. , a<BR> private branch exchange (PBX) ). In an embodiment, the legacy device is a device that communicates using unpacketized CBR data streams (e. g. the additional bit stream). The legacy device is connected to an end-user device, such as a telephone 1169. In other embodiments, the legacy device could be a standalone device or a device connected to other types of end-user devices. A 4B/5B encoded bit stream is communicated between the local-side media converter and the personal computer and the additional bit stream is communicated between the local-side media converter and the legacy device although other end-user devices may be connected to the local-side media converter in addition to or instead of the personal computer and the legacy device. In the embodiment of Fig. 11, the link 1174 between the local-side media converter and the personal computer is a packet-based link that utilizes 100M Ethernet and 4B/5B encoding although a different type of link could be utilized. The link 1176 between the local-side media converter and the legacy device is a CBR link that utilizes time division multiplexing (TDM) although a different type of link could be utilized.

[0072] The plant-side and local-side media converters 1162 and 1164 are described below with regard to data streams that flow from the L2 switch 1160 to the end-user devices 1166 and 1168. Under this convention, the plant-side media converter represents the transmission side of the link and the local-side media converter represents the receiver side of the link. Similar processes are performed in the reverse order for data streams that flow from the end-user devices to the plant-side media converter.

[0073] Fig. 12 depicts an expanded view of an example of the plant-side media converter 1162 from Fig. 11. The plant-side media converter 1262 includes a plant-

side physical interface module (PHY) 1278, a converter/multiplexer 1280, and a local-side PHY 1282. The plant-side PHY receives a 4B/5B encoded bit stream (e. g., 100M Ethernet) from the L2 switch. The plant-side PHY converts the received signals of the 4B/SB encoded bit stream into signals that can be manipulated by the plant-side media converter. The plant-side PHY passes 5B code-words to the converter/multiplexer.

[0074] The converter/multiplexer 1280 performs the function of converting a stream of 5B code-words into a stream of 10B code-words and multiplexing the additional bit stream with the stream of 10B code-words. As depicted in Fig. 12, the converter/multiplexer receives 5B code-words from the plant-side PHY 1278 and the additional bit stream from an additional bit stream source. An expanded view of an embodiment of the converter/multiplexer is depicted in Fig. 13. The converter/multiplexer 1380 depicted in Fig. 13 includes a 4B/5B decoder 1384, a 4B/8B combiner 1386, an 8B/10B encoder 1322, and a bit stream multiplexer 1326.

The 4B/5B decoder receives 5B code-words of the 4B/5B encoded bit stream and decodes the 5B code-words into the native 4B words. In an embodiment, the 5B code-words are decoded using standard 100M Ethernet decoding techniques. A stream of 4B words is output from the 4B/5B decoder.

[0075] The 4B/8B combiner 1386 receives the stream of 4B words from the 4B/5B decoder 1384 and combines the 4B words into 8B words. In an embodiment, the 4B/8B combiner is implemented as a shift register that combines two consecutive 4B words into a single 8B word. A stream of 8B words is output from the 4B/8B combiner.

[0076] The 8B/10B encoder 1322 receives the stream of 8B words from the 4B/8B combiner. The 8B/10B encoder encodes the 8B words into 1ûB code-words as described above with reference to Figs. 4 and 5. For example, the 8B words are encoded using the 8B/lOB encoding scheme of the IEEE 802. 3 GbE standard. A stream of lOB code-words is output from the 8B/1OB encoder.

[0077] The bit stream multiplexer 1326 receives the stream of l OB code-words from the 8B/10B encoder 1322 and an additional bit stream from an additional bit stream source such as a PSTN. The bit stream multiplexer multiplexes the additional <BR> <BR> bit stream with the stream of l OB code-words (i. e. , the primary bit stream) using the techniques described above with reference to Figs. 2-10. A stream of 10B code-

words that have been selected to carry the additional bit stream is output from the bit stream multiplexer. After the conversion and multiplexing processes, the converter/multiplexer passes 10B code-words to the local-side PHY 1282.

[00781 Referring back to Fig. 12, the local-side PHY 1282 converts the 10B code-words into signals that are compatible with the communications link 1272. In an embodiment, the local-side PHY supports a 100M Ethernet link that transmits data in lOB code-words. As stated above, the link could alternatively be a 1 GbE link or some other type of link.

[0079] Referring back to Fig. 11, once transmitted across the link 1172, the stream of 1ûB code-words is received at the local-side media converter 1164. Fig. 14 depicts an expanded view of and example of the local-side media converter from Fig.

11. The local-side media converter 1464 includes a plant-side PHY 1478, a demultiplexer/converter 1481, and a local-side PHY 1482. The plant-side PHY receives signals carrying the 10B code-words from the plant-side media converter.

The plant-side PHY converts the received signals into signals that can be manipulated by the local-side media converter. The plant-side PHY passes the lOB code-words to the demultiplexer/converter.

[0080] The demultiplexer/converter 1481 performs the function of demultiplexing the additional bit stream from the 1ûB code-words and converting the lOB code-words to 5B code-words. As depicted in Fig. 14, the demultiplexer/converter receives 1ûB code-words from the plant-side PHY 1478.

The 10B code-words carry the multiplexed additional bit stream as described above with reference to Figs. 2-10. An expanded view of an embodiment of the demultiplexer/converter is depicted in Fig. 15. The demultiplexer/converter 1581 depicted in Fig. 15 includes a bit stream demultiplexer 1528, an 8B/1 ûB decoder 1524, an 8B/4B parser 1588, and a 4B/5B encoder 1590. The bit stream demultiplexer receives 10B code-words from the plant-side PHY 1478. The bit stream demultiplexer demultiplexes the additional bit stream from the 10B code- words using the techniques that are described above with reference to Figs. 2-10. A stream of 1 OB code-words and the additional bit stream are output from the bit stream multiplexer. In the embodiment of Fig. 15, the output lOB code-words are the normalized 10B code-words as described above with reference to Fig. 6.

[0081] The 8B/1OB decoder 1524 decodes the 1OB code-words into the native 8B words. The 8B/1OB decoder is similar to the 8B/1OB decoder 624 described above with reference to Fig. 6. After decoding, a stream of 8B words is output from the 8B/10B decoder.

[0082] The 8B/4B parser 1588 receives the 8B words from the 8B/1OB decoder and divides the 8B words into 4B words. In an embodiment, 8B/4B parsing is accomplished with a shift register that divides each 8B word into two 4B words. A stream of 4B words is output from the 8B/4B parser.

[0083] The 4B/5B encoder 1590 encodes native 4B words into 5B code-words.

In the embodiment of Fig. 15, the 4B/5B encoder uses standard 100M Ethernet encoding as specified by the IEEE 802. 3 standard. A stream of 5B code-words is output from the 4B/5B encoder. Referring back to Fig. 14, after the demultiplexing and conversion processes, the demultiplexer/converter 1481 passes 5B code-words to the local-side PHY 1482 and the additional bit stream to an end-user device such as a telephone.

[0084] Although the technique of converting and multiplexing/demultiplexing is described with regard to a 4B/5B encoded bit stream and an 8B/1ûB encoded bit stream, the technique could be applied to another combination of qB/rB and xB/yB encoded bit streams. Although the technique of converting and multiplexing/demultiplexing is described herein in a single direction, the processes can be performed in the other direction to create bidirectional functionality. In addition, although Figs. 12-15 depict distinct functional elements, these functional elements could be integrated onto the same ASIC.

[0085] Fig. 16 is a process flow diagram of a method for managing a primary bit stream and an additional bit stream in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. At step 1602, a q-bit/r-bit (qB/rB) encoded bit stream is converted into an x-bit/y-bit (xB/yB) encoded bit stream. At step 1604, bits of an additional bit stream are multiplexed with yB code-words of the xB/yB encoded bit stream.

[0086] Fig. 17 is a process flow diagram of a method for managing a primary bit stream and an additional bit stream in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. At step 1702, r-bit (rB) code-words of a primary bit stream are received, wherein the primary bit stream is encoded into a q-bit/r-bit (qB/rB) encoded bit stream. At step 1704, the primary bit stream is decoded from the rB code-words to q-

bit (qB) words. At step 1706, x-bit (xB) words of the primary bit stream are identified from the qB words. At step 1708, the xB words of the primary bit stream are encoded into y-bit (yB) code-words to form an x-bit/y-bit (xB/yB) encoded bit stream. At step 1710, the yB code-words are multiplexed with the additional bit stream to form a multiplexed bit stream.

[0087] Fig. 18 is a process flow diagram of a method for managing a primary bit stream and an additional bit stream in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. At step 1802, bits of an additional bit stream are demultiplexed from y-bit (yB) code-words of an x-bit/y-bit (xB/yB) encoded bit stream. At step 1804, the xB/yB encoded bit stream is converted into a q-bit/r-bit (qB/rB) encoded bit stream.

[0088] Fig. 19 is a process flow diagram of a method for managing a primary bit stream and an additional bit stream in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. At step 1902, a multiplexed bit stream that includes y-bit (yB) code-words of a primary bit stream and bits of an additional bit stream is received, wherein the primary bit stream is encoded into an x-bit/y-bit (xB/yB) encoded bit stream. At step 1904, the multiplexed bit stream is demultiplexed into separate streams of yB code- words and bits of the additional bit stream. At 1906, the yB code-words are decoded into x-bit (xB) words. At step 1908, q-bit (qB) words are identified from the xB words. At step 1910, the qB words are encoded into r-bit (rB) code-words to form a q-bit/r-bit (qB/rB) encoded bit stream.

[0089] Although specific embodiments of the invention have been described and illustrated, the invention is not to be limited to the specific forms or arrangements of parts as described and illustrated herein. The invention is limited only by the claims.