![](http://datasheet.mmic.net.cn/110000/GT-48002A_datasheet_3491731/GT-48002A_61.png)
Switched Fast Ethernet Controller
Revision 1.2
61
HP EASE sampling requires a counter for each network segment. This counter indicates the number of packets to be
skipped before a sample is taken. When the counter reaches zero, the next packet on the network segment is captured
by the network device. Software then truncates the sampled packet, to some small fixed length, and appends a snapshot
of specific MIB counters for that segment. The counter snapshot does not have to be taken simultaneously with the sam-
ple. Software may introduce a delay of some milliseconds after the packet is sampled by hardware, however minimizing
this delay makes EASE more accurate. The newly created datagram is sent off to the network management station as
an SNMP trap. The network management station records the sample and counters in a database, and uses the infor-
mation to obtain traffic load estimates, top talker matrices, high-level protocol flows, and other useful sets of information.
After the sample has been taken, the CPU loads the count-down counter with the next skip count to capture the next
sampled packet. The skip count is a random value loaded by software.
EASE software in the network device must keep track of the last receive error sources and the associated error condi-
tions. The network device keeps track of errors associated with received packets and informs the CPU of the source
address (SA) of these error packets.
15.2
EASE Functionality on the GT-48002A
Support for EASE sampling is directly integrated in the GT-48002A chip, but requires the presence of a CPU in order to
function, for enabling the EASE support as well as the sample packet processing. Each GT-48002A chip supports two
network segments (one per each port) as well as a PCI system bus. Sampling will occur only on the network segments,
and sampled packets will be sent to the CPU via the PCI system bus. Sampling is not performed on the PCI bus. It may,
however, be performed on packets received from the PCI bus, but only as a function of the counters for the destination
ports (i.e. packets entering the GT-48002A via the PCI bus and being transmitted through one or more ports). There is
no counter for the PCI interface itself. Only good packets of valid length are sampled. All other packets are not sampled
and do not affect the skip count. All counters and registers implemented in the GT-48002A chip in order to support EASE
functionality, may be accessed by the CPU from the PCI system bus.
15.3
Ease_Register
A register is defined for each external port supported on the GT-48002A device. This register is used by the CPU to load
the internal count down counter, described above, with a random skip count. The count-down counter is 20 bits in length
and is used to actually determine when a sample is to be made. The GT-48002A implements a shadow register for each
of the Ease_Registers. The shadow register address is the same address as the Ease_Register address. After a value
has been written to the Ease_Register it is transferred to an internal 1 word deep FIFO (the shadow register) or directly
to the actual count-down counter if that counter is currently idle and empty. If the value can not be transferred to the
count-down counter, the value will be held in the Ease_Register shadow register until space becomes available (i.e. a
sample has been taken). If the Ease_Register shadow register was written and the CPU does attempt to write a new
value, the new value will silently replace the existing value. If the Ease_Register is empty at the time a new value needs
to be loaded into the internal counter or the shadow register, the GT-48002A will simply wait, indefinitely, for the CPU
to write a value into EASE_register. In this situation, EASE is effectively disabled on that port.
EASE (8 Registers), Offset: 0x040228 - 0x04022c
15.4
EASE Interrupts
A status bit indicating the full/empty status of the Ease_Register for each external port supported on the GT-48002A, is
maintained as part of the Interrupt Cause register. When a value is moved from the Ease_Register into an internal
counter or shadow register, a bit is reset in the Interrupt Cause register indicating that the Ease_Register is now empty.
Bi ts
Fi e l d Na m e
Fun cti o n
In iti a l Va l u e
19:0
Ease_Register
value loaded to the internal count-down counter of port 0
0x0
31:20
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Reserved.
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