Extendable point-to-multi-point protocol processor for 10G-EPON MAC SoCs

This paper presents a software-hardware co-operative protocol processor for a 10 gigabit Ethernet passive optical network (10G-EPON), designed with a software-hardware division technique that focuses on the throughput and timing-accuracy requirements. This protocol processor consists of frame-processing hardware to meet the timing requirements, an interface to absorb the speed difference between software and hardware, and software to implement additional protocols. This protocol processor enables network operators to install additional service protocols adaptively for their own services. The 10G-EPON system with this protocol processor properly worked in the experiment.