Braiding Wires Into the Linux Network Stack - Recent Work on Embedded Networking
summary
Work on single-pair Ethernet (SPE) and Power over Data Line (PoDL) lands in mainline: drivers and ethtool hooks work on Linux kernel 6.4 with ethtool 6.3 but require correct device tree and PHY wiring. Practical issues: many MAC drivers enable EEE too early and MDIX is often unimplemented, causing failures that only show on the wire. Proven fixes include swapping PHYs, adding media converters, and measuring EEE with a 200 MHz oscilloscope (budget €300–€1,000) or a resistor divider hack; PoDL-capable switches and small SPE connectors are demonstrated.
AI-written summary · about
chapters (9)
- 0:00Introduction to SPE
- 1:36Understanding SPE technology
- 5:30Use cases and optimization
- 9:24Migrating to ethernet
- 11:52Practical implementation
- 17:56Power over data lines
- 22:52Energy efficient ethernet
- 32:50Kernel state and outlook
- 37:05Q&A and concluding remarks
related talks
52mIn the Kernel Trenches: Mastering Ethernet Drivers on Linux- 52mIn the Kernel Trenches: Mastering Ethernet Drivers on Linux
20mTeach an Old Network Driver New Tricks
34mEarly Ethernet With Linux
46mNetworking: From the Ethernet MAC to the Link Partner
28mEthtool – Diagnostic Approach for Network Issues in Linux
41mAutomotive Ethernet: Future of Connected Vehicles
46mEthernet Switch Support in the Linux Kernel