Efficient decoding

A method of decoding signals to generate a received bit stream, comprising:

• receiving modulated signals;
• generating bits representing the signals, and associated reliability of each bit;
• executing a first stage of N stages for decoding the bits, the first stage using a first of M component codes;
• and
• simultaneously executing a plurality of the N stages of decoding, each of the plurality of N stages using a different one of the M component codes;
• wherein
• the plurality of N stages of decoding are used to generate the bit stream.

An Ethernet transceiver adaptable for inclusion within a network line card, a server, a storage unit, and a switch, the Ethernet transceiver comprising a decoder, the decoder comprising:

• means for generating bits representing received modulated signals signals, and associated reliability of each bit;
• means for executing a first stage of N stages for decoding the bits, the first stage using a first of M component codes;
• and
• means for simultaneously executing a plurality of the N stages of decoding, each of the plurality of N stages using a different one of the M component codes;
• wherein
• the plurality of N stages of decoding are used to generate the bit stream.