Method and apparatus to add new system functions to deployed network element using smart transceivers

摘要

Disclosed are apparatuses and methods in data communications for adding new system functions to an existing network element without having to provide software or hardware updates to the existing network element. For example, an apparatus for data communication is configured to include a switching unit, a plurality of interfaces coupled to the switching unit, and a plurality of smart transceivers. The plurality of smart transceivers each comprises a discovery unit and a new system function unit. The discovery unit is configured to discover other smart transceivers coupled to the plurality of interfaces and the new system function unit is configured to add one or more new functionalities to the apparatus without adding software or hardware updates to the apparatus.