Methods and systems for carrying synchronization over Ethernet and optical transport network

[0001] The present invention relates generally to timing distribution in networks. More specifically, the present invention provides timing distribution over Ethernet and Optical Transport Network (OTN) through the use of timing markers in the Ethernet frame or in the OTN header which provide a timing capability, and further a frame decomposition of the Ethernet packet.

[0002] Networks need timing signals to operate, namely a common clock to reference when transmitting sampled data. For example, voice and video transmission and recovery require a common clock. Traditionally, the common clock in telecom networks is a stratum level clock, such as a building integrated timing source (BITS) or the like. Clock distribution, such as with a stratum clock, is the foundation of all telecom networks with stratum levels referring to the quality of the clock. The ANSI Synchronization Interface Standard T1.101 defines profiles for clock accuracy at each stratum level, as does ITU standard G.810, and Telecordia/Bellcore standards GR-253 and GR-1244. These specifications ensure reliability and levels of accuracy of clocks in telecom networks. For example, a stratum 1 clock can be distributed to nodes equipped with a stratum 2 clock which in turn distribute the clock to nodes with a stratum 3 clock, etc.

[0003] Referring to FIG. 1, current timing distribution in an enterprise private network or service provider network 10 flows from a clock source 13 to multiple interconnected nodes, such as switch elements 11 and edge elements 12. Switch elements 11 and edge elements 12 each can include routers, switches, multi-service provisioning platforms (MSPPs), SONET/SDH network elements, and the like. A service requestor 14 can also include the same type of elements as the switch and edge elements 11,12. The clock source 13, such as a stratum clock or the like, can be located outside or within the network 10. The clock source 13 is configured to provide a clock reference signal to elements 11,12,14, which in turn carry the clock reference signal as part of the transmission link, such as within the SONET/SDH frame. In the exemplary network 10 of FIG. 1, the clock source 13 distributes the clock reference signal to the various elements 11,12,14. Further, the network 10 can distribute the clock reference signal outside the network 10 to other elements 14 through the edge elements 12.

[0004] Ethernet is becoming the common transport technology of choice in telecom networks; however it is unable to carry a true clock, such as a stratum clock, since Ethernet is asynchronous. Service providers would like to evolve their network to a unified Ethernet network, without T1/E1's, SONET/SDH, etc. This evolution includes replacing T1/E1 backhauling and cross-connecting, such as in the example application of digital loop carrier (DLC) backhaul over Ethernet, from the current DLC backhaul over T1, or such as cell tower backhaul, or such as enterprise access. Disadvantageously, removing SONET/SDH and T1s/E1s from the network eliminates the current mode of timing distribution using stratum clocks with T1/E1 reference signals.

[0005] Currently, Ethernet can support soft clock distribution through an adaptive clock over pseudowire emulation edge to edge (PWE3). However, not all service providers trust this adaptive clock (especially over Ethernet) since these clocks do not have the quality or reliability of direct clocks. For example, one conventional means of adaptive clock recovery employs adapting a local clock that is based on the level of the receiver's jitter buffer. Disadvantageously, this method requires a long period before it can lock onto a source clock and is susceptible to buffer overflow and underflow conditions.

[0006] Additionally, Optical Transport Network (OTN) multiplexing is an alternative to SONET/SDH multiplexing, and its simplified justification scheme provides a number of advantages when multiplexing 2.5 Gbps signals and above. OTN multiplexing does not, however, address lower-rate signals (such as Gigabit Ethernet (GbE), T1, T3, etc.), which would require multiplexing into SONET/SDH or other frame formats before being handled by an OTN multiplexer. The simplified OTN frame format, multiplexing scheme, and justification methodology provide for a more straightforward and scalable hardware design than SONET/SDH methodologies.

[0007] For service providers wishing to provide wavelength services or Ethernet services, OTN multiplexing provides a simpler, more straightforward, and ultimately more cost-effective, transport mechanism than SONET/SDH. However, OTN multiplexing is limited by the ITU-T specifically excluding network synchronization between network elements (NEs) from OTN specifications.

[0008] Specifically, OTN does not provide for synchronization of network elements. In ITU-T Recommendation G.8251, “The Control of Jitter and Wander within the Optical Transport Network (OTN)”, it states that the OTN physical layer is not required to transport network synchronization. More precisely, neither the ODUk nor any layers below it are required to transport synchronization. Further, it states that OTUk interfaces are not synchronization interfaces. G.8251 states that the transportation synchronization over SDH is adequate for OTN. In the ITU OTN Tutorial (available at www.itu.int/ITU-T/studygroups/com15/otn/OTNtutorial.pdf), Section 13 states that an OTN NE does not require synchronization interfaces, complex clocks with holdover mode or SSM processing.

[0009] OTN does not have mechanisms in place to carry timing without carrying embedded SONET/SDH signals which have an embedded clock. Since Ethernet and OTN are asynchronous media and not configured to carrying synchronization, common clocks are lost. This presents challenges for service providers in evolving their network to a unified Ethernet network without T1's, SONET, etc.

[0010] In various exemplary embodiments, the present invention reserves special Ethernet timing markers to mark timing within Ethernet and OTN, and secondarily creates frames within the Ethernet stream through the timing marker packets. The result is standard Ethernet with timing capability that can be transported over standard Ethernet links and/or OTN links. This timing capability can be utilized to carry synchronization (i.e. a hard clock) over asynchronous Ethernet and OTN streams. Advantageously, enabling Ethernet and OTN to carry solid synchronous information will de-risk switching from SONET/SDH to Ethernet and/or OTN for service providers.

[0011] A secondary result of the present invention includes frame decomposition of the Ethernet stream. Ethernet packets are broken into fixed Ethernet bandwidth and excess Ethernet bandwidth. The fixed bandwidth is subdivided into fixed (negotiated) flits, with each flit corresponding to an end user or a combination of users like a private tunnel and potentially offering increased security by user isolation. By having the Ethernet data pre-divided into flits, circuit design including buffers is simplified. This decomposes the problem set to fixed lower bandwidth circuits that can be multiplexed at higher rates. Further, this offers service providers a method to provide deterministic bandwidth over Ethernet to multiple clients. In one embodiment, timing markers of the present invention are utilized to subdivide the Ethernet stream. Additionally, the stream can be subdivided based of a specific number of bytes or with special characters or sequences.

[0012] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a method for carrying synchronization over Ethernet includes receiving a clock source; inserting a timing marker into an Ethernet stream responsive to an input from the clock source; transmitting the Ethernet stream; and repeating the receiving, inserting, and transmitting steps. Further, the method includes the steps of receiving the Ethernet stream; extracting the timing marker from the Ethernet stream; establishing a timing reference signal responsive to the frequency between timing markers; and repeating the receiving, extracting, and establishing steps. This method is performed by any of an Ethernet switch, a multi-service switch, a computer, a router, and an OTN switch. Optionally, the inserting and extracting steps are done as the highest priority. The clock source is configured to give an input at a user-defined frequency or at 8 kHz.

[0013] Alternatively, the timing markers, a specific number of bytes per frame, or a specific character or sequence provide a decomposition of the Ethernet stream into frames comprising a fixed bandwidth and an excess bandwidth. The fixed bandwidth is subdivided into fixed (negotiated) flits, and the fixed (negotiated) flits each correspond to an end user. The excess bandwidth is dynamically allocated to individual flits on an as-needed basis, such as with the dynamic allocation method.

[0014] In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a method for carrying synchronization over Optical Transport Network includes the steps of receiving a clock source; inserting a timing marker into the header of an Optical Transport Network frame responsive to an input from the clock source; transmitting Optical Transport Network frame; and repeating the receiving, inserting, and transmitting steps. This method further includes the steps of receiving the Optical Transport Network frame; extracting the timing marker from the Optical Transport Network frame; establishing a timing reference signal responsive to the frequency between timing markers; and repeating the receiving, extracting, and establishing steps. The clock source is configured to give an input at a user-defined frequency or at 8 kHz.

[0015] In yet another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a network element capable of synchronization includes a clock source; a plurality of inter-node links each connected to either a de-multiplexer or a multiplexer, wherein the de-multiplexer is configured to de-multiplex packets from each of the plurality of inter-node links, and the multiplexer is configured to multiplex packets to each of the plurality of inter-node links; one or more buffer/queues configured to receive, store, and send packets to the de-multiplexer/multiplexer; timing marker packets sent to one of the one or more buffer/queues responsive to an input from the clock source, and the timing marker packet is inserted by the multiplexer at the highest priority; and a timing reference signal derived from the frequency between extracted timing marker packets, wherein the extracted timing marker packets are extracted from the de-multiplexer at the highest priority. A network includes a plurality of network elements capable of synchronization with each of the plurality of network elements' plurality of inter-node links connected to form the network. The network further includes further comprises network elements without synchronization. The network elements include any of Ethernet switches, multi-service switches, computers, routers, OTN switches.

[0022] In various exemplary embodiments, the present invention reserves special Ethernet timing markers to mark timing within Ethernet and OTN, and secondarily creates frames within the Ethernet stream through the timing marker packets. The result is standard Ethernet with timing capability that can be transported over standard Ethernet links and/or OTN links. This timing capability can be utilized to carry synchronization (i.e. a hard clock) over asynchronous Ethernet and OTN streams. Advantageously, enabling Ethernet and OTN to carry solid synchronous information will de-risk switching from SONET/SDH to Ethernet and/or OTN for service providers.

[0023] A secondary result of the present invention includes frame decomposition of the Ethernet stream. Ethernet packets are broken into fixed Ethernet bandwidth and excess Ethernet bandwidth. The fixed bandwidth is subdivided into fixed (negotiated) flits, with each flit corresponding to an end user or a combination of users like a private tunnel and potentially offering increased security by user isolation. By having the Ethernet data pre-divided into flits, circuit design including buffers is simplified. This decomposes the problem set to fixed lower bandwidth circuits that can be multiplexed at higher rates. Further, this offers service providers a method to provide deterministic bandwidth over Ethernet to multiple clients. In one embodiment, timing markers of the present invention are utilized to subdivide the Ethernet stream. Additionally, the stream can be subdivided based of a specific number of bytes but aligned to the closest packet edge (forward or back), or with special characters or sequences.

[0024] Referring to FIG. 2, an Ethernet packet 20 includes a timing marker 22 pointing to the next occurrence of a timing marker 28, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The Ethernet packet 20 can be Gigabit Ethernet (GbE), 10 Gigabit Ethernet (10 GbE), 100 Gigabit Ethernet (100 GbE), or the like. The timing marker 22 can be a pointer in the Ethernet packet 20. These markers 22,28 can be inserted every number of bytes, and typically 8 kHz (125 μs) which is equivalent to a typical stratum or SONET/SDH clock, but the frequency can be adjusted as required. The frequency between timing markets 22,28 corresponds to the timing reference signal carried in the Ethernet packet 20. Traditionally, 8 kHz is the basic unit of change in any timing network and is used usually for voice sampling, for example, 125 μs is the frame size of SONET/SDH frames. Additionally, timing markers 22,28 such as superframes can also be carried, and typically a superframe marker is 3 ms.

[0025] Ethernet switches and the like are configured to receive, process, and forward the Ethernet packets 20. The present invention includes new functionality on the Ethernet switches and the like to process the timing markers 22,28 to recover a clock. For example, the switches look at the markers 22,28 and count back from the current Ethernet packet by that many bytes. The markers 22,28 point to where actual events occur. Once that point in time is found, the switches correct their clocks to match that clock, usually it is corrected slowly. This is similar to a classical SONET/SDH stratum clock on a classical system such as an MSPP or optical cross-connect (OXC). However, the present invention utilizes markers 22,28 in the Ethernet packet 20, which is different from SONET because SONET the clock is determined by locking to the SONET frame which is 125 μs. Effectively, a timing reference signal is established responsive to the frequency between timing markers 22,28. This timing reference signal can be used to provide a synchronization reference as is typically done with SONET/SDH.

[0026] Since the switches are Ethernet switches, they expect complete Ethernet packets 20. Thus, either the packets 20 are appropriately resized before crossing the link, or more usually the actual timing marker 22 is placed at a closest possible location. The timing marker 22 will thus be located at a variable but close location to the ideal number of bytes and is typically corrected each frame with respect to the ideal position.

[0027] A superframe is a timing marker that covers several Ethernet packets. Superframes are used for larger numbers than the typical 125 μs in frames. For example, superframes are used in wireless cell networks to synchronize multiple cell towers. A superframe can be used to synchronize multiple pieces of equipment that receive data in a way that cannot guarantee all receivers know the same packet. Superframes can be used with the timing markers 22,28 pointing to occurrences in future packets to synchronize, for example, across milliseconds.

[0028] Additionally, the present invention allows for an optional decomposition of the Ethernet packet 20 into fixed Ethernet bandwidth 24 and excess Ethernet bandwidth 26. The fixed bandwidth 24 is subdivided into fixed (negotiated) flits 25. Each flit 25 corresponds to an end user. The end user can be a single user or an enterprise with multiple users, for example, a user can be a person, household, business, or the like corresponding to one tunnel. The flit 25 can be viewed as a private tunnel. The flit 25 comes of use when dealing with high frequency Ethernet, for example 100 GbE. These rates are high enough to cause challenges in designing circuitry dealing with this bandwidth. By having the Ethernet data pre-divided into flits 25, circuit design including buffers is simplified. This decomposes the problem set to fixed lower bandwidth circuits that can be multiplexed at higher rates.

[0029] Furthermore it is possible that excess bandwidth 26 remains in the Ethernet packet 20. This can be dynamically allocated to individual tunnels on an as-needed basis, possibly even dynamically. One can consider a way to handle this excess bandwidth and entire structure in a similar way to the passive optical networking (PON) dynamic bandwidth allocation method (DBA). Note that this is simply a sample method, and in fact does not have to be related to PON, and that many such algorithms can be created for the given purpose by one skilled in the art.

[0030] Advantageously, the timing markers 22,28 of the present invention can be used to create the frame decomposition of the Ethernet packet 20 into the fixed Ethernet bandwidth 24, excess Ethernet bandwidth 26, and the fixed flits 25. Specifically, the timing markers 22,28 can be inserted both for the purposes of carrying a clock in the Ethernet packet 20 and for marking the flits 25 and bandwidths 24,26. Here, each marker 22,28 can be used to signify a frame break for each flit 25 and bandwidth 24,26. Such as a pointer in the same place the timing marker 22,28 is, or part of the same set of bytes or in the timing market 22,28. The pointer to the flits 25 and bandwidths 24,26 may be forward or backward referential (where it has occurred or where it will occur). Additionally, other methods could be utilized in decomposing the packet 20 such as a provisioned depth in frame (e.g., every # of bytes or # flits, but aligned to the closest packet edge, forward or back), or marked with a specific character/sequence, like an HDLC start of frame.

[0031] Referring to FIG. 3, another exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes carrying a clock in Ethernet packets 34 carried within an OTN frame 32 or carrying a clock within the header of the OTN frame 32. Ethernet, such as FE, GE, or 10 GbE or the like, can be carried within optical transmission units of level i (OTUi), where i is currently typically 1, 2, or 3. In one embodiment, the Ethernet packet 34 carries timing markers similar as described in FIG. 2. The packet 34 includes a timing marker 39 in the frame similar to the timing marker 22 in FIG. 2 which points to another timing marker 37 which can be 8 kHz or any other timing reference. Advantageously, this embodiment decouples timing from the OTN network as specified in the OTN specifications and it is fully standard with a single method to carry timing across a network which can include mixed Ethernet and OTN.

[0032] In another embodiment, a timing marker 38 can be included in the header of the OTN frame 32 which points to another timing marker 36 which can be 8 kHz or any other timing reference. Advantageously, this embodiment does not depend on carrying embedded SONET/SDH within the OTN frame 32 as required in OTN to carry synchronization and carrying timing in the OTN header prevents jitter or any other Ethernet/payload issues which can affect the timing.

[0033] Here, the marker 36 is included in either reused bytes or unused bytes in the OTN header. The pointer is adjusted on-the-fly to point to the closest spot depending on the actual transmission of the OTN frame 32. In the example where the OTN frame 32 was somehow transmitted synchronous to 8 kHz, the marker 36 would be constant in subsequent OTN frames 32. Normally, the marker 36 would point to a constant 8 kHz (or other user-selectable frequency) spot, but asynchronously to the OTN frame 32, i.e., namely a marker 32 that is not constant in subsequent OTN frames 32.

[0034] Further, the frame decomposition of bandwidth in the Ethernet packet disclosed in FIG. 2 can be implemented in the Ethernet packet 34. Also, carrying timing within the Ethernet or within the OTN header avoids having to depend on adaptive timing and the related complexities.

[0035] Finally, in order to keep the Ethernet framing standard, the timing markers 22,28,37,39 can be carried inside a standard Ethernet packet. However, these could also be carried out-of-band marked with a special 8 b/10 b symbol, but this would lose the standards-based view of the timing marker, even though it would be more efficient. Maintaining the Ethernet standard has many advantages in general circuit design, including more complex cross-connect cases.

[0036] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, new functionality is added on elements, such as Ethernet switches, multi-service switches, routers, computers, OTN switches, and the like, for extracting the timing markers embedded within Ethernet packets and/or within OTN frames. As described herein, the timing markers comply with the Ethernet standards and OTN standards, and these new clock-capable elements can be deployed with non-clock capable elements which are not configured to extract timing markers, with clock-capable elements of the present invention, or in combinations thereof. The present invention can be utilized over any media, such as optical, wireless, cable, satellite, and the like, where Ethernet and/or OTN is transmitted.

[0037] Referring to FIGS. 4a-4d, network clock distribution includes Ethernet switches 41 configured to extract a clock from an Ethernet signal and clock regeneration nodes 48 configured to regenerate the clock in the Ethernet signal, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. As described herein, the switches 41 utilize embedded timing markers within the Ethernet to recover a clock. FIG. 4a illustrates two switches 41 connected by an inter-node link 44 such as an Ethernet, OTN link, or the like. A clock input 46 from a source is received at the first switch 41 and transported over the inter-node link 44 to a clock output 47 at the second switch 41. FIG. 4a is a one hop, point-to-point network, but could be expanded with more switches 41 all clock-capable according to the present invention. An example of this is depicted in FIG. 4d.

[0038] FIG. 4b illustrates two switches 41 connected together through a network 40 such as an enterprise private network or a service provider network. The network 40 can include other switches (not shown) which are not configured to extract the clock from the Ethernet signal such as existing Ethernet switches and the like. In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 4b, the network 40 includes another switch 41 in the middle of the network 40 configured with a clock regenerator 48 operable to extract the clock from the Ethernet signal and regenerate the clock similarly to what occurs at a stratum 3 clock node in a SONET network. The addition of this switch 41 with the clock regenerator 48 reduces issues with the clock in the Ethernet signal such as jitter and delay degrading the clock. Additionally, more switches 41 can be included in the network 40 as needed to increase the quality of the clock carried in the Ethernet stream.

[0039] FIG. 4c illustrates two switches 41 connected together through the network 40 with no clock regeneration in the network 40. This exemplary network depicts two Ethernet switches 41 of the present invention connected through the network 40 of Ethernet switches without clock capability. In one exemplary embodiment, FIG. 4c can include an Ethernet over OTN network with channelized OTN links that carry a dedicated Ethernet “virtual point-to-point” link across an Ethernet cloud. This would work since the link is a virtual point-to-point and thus intermediate jitter is not introduced. Additionally, the timing reference signal in the Ethernet stream should be set to the highest priority through the network 40, if the network 40 supports prioritization which existing Ethernet switches normally do support.

[0040] FIG. 4a is better than FIG. 4b which is better than FIG. 4c because in FIG. 4a the clock will be regenerated after each inter-node link 44, allowing minimal jitter between links 44. FIG. 4b is better than FIG. 4c because it regenerates the clock one or more times in the network, allowing the clock quality to be maintained higher. However, FIGS. 4a-4b require new clock-capable Ethernet switches 41 to be deployed in the network 40, whereas FIG. 4c only requires these switches 41 at the end-points.

[0041] FIG. 4d illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the present invention with all switches 41 in the network 40 configured as clock-capable Ethernet switches. Here, each switch 41 has the ability to regenerate the clock from the Ethernet stream with the clock regenerator 48 in each switch 41. Preferably, the network 40 includes all switches 41 as clock-capable according to the present invention. This ensures the clock carried within the Ethernet stream is not degraded due to jitter and delay through non-clock-capable switches. However, the present invention can also be practiced as depicted in FIGS. 4b and 4c. Advantageously, clock-capable switches 41 can be added as needed similar to the example depicted in FIG. 4b to ensure clock quality.

[0042] As described herein, the switches 41 can connect to other switches 41 and to non-clock capable switches. This allows the network 40 to provide a clock over Ethernet, OTN, SONET/SDH, T1/E1, and BITS. The switches 41 include the capability to program, configure, or hard-wire which clock to use as an input, to drive the internal clock from, and to drive any outgoing links on. Advantageously, this provides similar capabilities to Ethernet and OTN networks relating to clocks which exist in SONET/SDH.

[0043] Further, the switches 41 can also include a multi-service switch, a computer, a router, an OTN switch, or the like. The present invention can provide a clock over Ethernet and/or OTN utilizing any networking device configured to operate with Ethernet and OTN. Ethernet switches are shown in FIGS. 4a-4d for illustration purposes.

[0044] Advantageously, the present invention allows synchronization to be maintained to provide the required timing reference signal to applications such as voice, video, or any other real-time stream utilizing Ethernet and/or OTN without SONET/SDH and adaptive clock recovery. The present invention will allow service providers to migrate to a unified Ethernet network without SONET/SDH. Application examples of the present invention include cell tower backhauling over Ethernet and/or OTN since cell towers have complex and highly stringent timing requirements. Further, the synchronization methods of the present invention are also contemplated with voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), Internet Multimedia Subsystem (IMS), and the like.

[0045] Referring to FIGS. 5a-5b, timing markers are inserted and extracted as timing packets from Ethernet, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5a illustrates the insertion of a timing packet, and FIG. 5b illustrates the extraction of the timing packet. The insertion and extraction of timing packets is done through an Ethernet switch or the like which is configured to generate a clock through timing markers with Ethernet packets.

[0046] FIG. 5a, a buffer/queue 59 receives packets/frames from an entrance inter-node link 64 such as Ethernet, OTN, or the like. The buffer/queue 59 sends received packets/frames to a multiplexer 55 which multiplexes them and sends them on an exit inter-node link 65 such as Ethernet, OTN, or the like. The multiplexer 55 can be configured to multiplex Ethernet packets, OTN frames, or the like. A clock source 52 such as a stratum clock or the like generates a clock signal, typically at 8 kHz (125 μs) or any other user-defined rate. A buffer/queue 58 is configured to insert the timing packet to the multiplexer 55 responsive to the clock signal. Preferably, the buffer/queue 58 is configured to insert the timing packet as the highest priority, i.e. next in line, corrupting and retransmitting the current packet if allowed, or inserting the timing packet in the middle of the current packet. By making the timing marker packet highest priority, this minimizes jitter on the recovered clock in order to converge quickly and solidly to the actual clock signal.

[0047] In FIG. 5b, a de-multiplexer 56 can receive packets/frames from the entrance inter-node link 64 such as Ethernet, OTN, or the like. Alternatively, a de-multiplexer 57 can receive packets/frames from a queue/buffer 59. The de-multiplexer 56,57 is configured to extract timing packets from the received packets/frames and send them to a clock source 53 such as stratum clock or the like. Alternatively, the de-multiplexer 56,57 can be configured to generate a clock from the extracted timing packets and to provide the clock to the clock source 53. Further, the clock source 53 includes a receiver and it may include filters, phase lock loops (PLL), digital signal processors (DSP), processors (CPU), voltage controlled oscillators (VCXO), and the like for proper clock reception, recovery, and distribution. The clock source 53 can be configured to generate a clock from the received timing packets in the Ethernet and/or OTN signals and can also be configured to provide the clock to other devices. Similar to insertion, the de-multiplexer 56,57 should be configured to extract the timing packets as the highest priority, in order to minimize jitter and delays.

[0048] As discussed herein, the timing packets with the Ethernet maintain the full Ethernet standard. Ethernet switches can be modified to process, extract, and generate a clock from the timing packets. Additionally, the timing packets can be sorted by media access control (MAC) identification (i.e., source and/or destination), by a new Ethertype, or by any other suitable method.

[0049] Although the present invention has been illustrated and described herein with reference to preferred embodiments and specific examples thereof, it will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that other embodiments and examples may perform similar functions and/or achieve like results. All such equivalent embodiments and examples are within the spirit and scope of the present invention and are intended to be covered by the following claims.