Channel bonding in multi-wavelength passive optical networks (PONs)

Abstract

The application discloses a method, device and system for channel binding in a multi-wavelength passive optical network (PON), wherein the method comprises: generating a first message, the first message comprising a channel allocation field and an authorization start time field, wherein the channel allocation field indicates a channel for uplink transmission, and the authorization start time field indicates when transmission is performed, and the channel allocation field comprises a first field and a second field, wherein the first field indicates whether channel 0 is used for transmission or is found, and the second field indicates whether channel 1 is used for transmission or is found; and sending the first message to an ONU.

Description

[0001] Related applications cross-application

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Nonprovisional Patent Application No. 15 / 493,824, filed April 21, 2017, entitled “Channel Bonding in a Multi-Wavelength Passive Optical Network (PON),” which claims priority and benefit to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 329,011, filed April 28, 2016, entitled “Licensing Mechanism for a Multi-Channel Passive Optical Network (PON),” the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Background Technology

[0003] PON is a system used to provide network access in the last mile, which is the final part of a telecommunications network that delivers communications to customers. A PON is a P2MP network that includes an OLT at the CO (Customer Center), an ONU at the customer premises, and an ODN (Operating Domain Name) that couples the OLT to the ONU. A PON may also include an RN (Receiver Unit) located between the OLT and the ONU. For example, this RN might be located at the end of the road where multiple customers reside.

[0004] NG-PON can combine TDM and WDM to support greater capacity, thereby increasing the number of users a single OLT can serve, with each user having sufficient bandwidth. In this TWDM PON, WDM PON can be overlaid on top of TDM PON. In other words, different wavelengths can be multiplexed together to share a single backbone fiber, and each wavelength can be shared by multiple users via TDM. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In one embodiment, the present invention includes an apparatus comprising: a processor configured to: select a first channel from a plurality of channels in a network and generate a first message allocating a first grant corresponding to the first channel; a transmitter coupled to the processor and configured to transmit the first message; and a receiver coupled to the processor and configured to: receive a second message on the first channel in response to the first message. In some embodiments, the first message is a discovery-gated message including a channel allocation field, a grant start time field, and a channel information field, wherein the channel allocation field indicates the first channel for uplink transmission, the grant start time field indicates when transmission occurs on the first channel, and the channel information field indicates channel-related information. The channel-related information is at least one of channel rate, channel association, or channel priority. The first message is a gated message including a channel allocation field and a grant start time field, wherein the channel allocation field indicates the first channel for uplink transmission, and the grant start time field indicates when transmission occurs on the first channel. The second message is a report message including a channel allocation field and a queue report field, wherein the channel allocation field indicates the first channel, and the queue report field indicates a queue report for the first channel. The processor is further configured to select a second channel from the channel, and the first message further assigns a second grant corresponding to the second channel. The transmitter is further configured to transmit the first message on the first channel. The transmitter is further configured to transmit the first message on a second channel selected from the channel. The device is an OLT, and the network is a PON. The transmitter is further configured to transmit the first message to an ONU comprising a plurality of ONU transmitters, wherein the ONU transmitters include a first transmitter corresponding to the first channel, and the first message instructs the ONU to disable all transmitters among the ONU transmitters except the first transmitter.

[0006] In another embodiment, the present invention includes a method comprising: selecting a first channel from a plurality of channels in a network; generating a first message allocating a first grant corresponding to the first channel; transmitting the first message; and receiving a second message on the first channel in response to the first message. In some embodiments, the first message is a discovery-gated message including a channel allocation field, a grant start time field, and a channel information field, wherein the channel allocation field indicates the first channel for uplink transmission, the grant start time field indicates when transmission will occur on the first channel, and the channel information field indicates channel-related information. The first message is a gated message including a channel allocation field and a grant start time field, wherein the channel allocation field indicates the first channel for uplink transmission, and the grant start time field indicates when transmission will occur on the first channel. The second message is a report message including a channel allocation field and a queue report field, wherein the channel allocation field indicates the first channel, and the queue report field indicates a queue report for the first channel. The method further includes: selecting a second channel from the channels, wherein the first message also allocates a second grant corresponding to the second channel. The OLT performs the method, the network is PON, and the transmission includes: transmitting the first message to an ONU comprising a plurality of ONU transmitters, wherein the ONU transmitters include a first transmitter corresponding to the first channel, and the first message instructs the ONU to disable all transmitters among the ONU transmitters except the first transmitter.

[0007] In another embodiment, the present invention includes an ONU comprising: a receiver for receiving a first message that assigns a first grant corresponding to a first channel selected from a plurality of channels; a processor coupled to the receiver and configured to: process the first message and generate a second message; and a transmitter coupled to the processor and configured to: transmit the second message on the first channel according to the first grant. In some embodiments, the first message further assigns a second grant corresponding to a second channel selected from the channels, the processor is further configured to generate a third message, and the transmitter is further configured to transmit the third message on the second channel according to the second grant. The first message is a gated message including a channel allocation field and a grant start time field, wherein the channel allocation field indicates the first channel for uplink transmission, and the grant start time field indicates when transmission is performed on the first channel. The second message is a report message including a channel allocation field and a queue report field, wherein the channel allocation field indicates the first channel, and the queue report field indicates a queue report for the first channel.

[0008] Any of the embodiments described above can be combined with any of the embodiments in other embodiments to create new embodiments. These and other features will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and claims. Attached Figure Description

[0009] To gain a more thorough understanding of the present invention, reference is now made to the following brief description, which is illustrated in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments, wherein the same reference numerals denote the same parts.

[0010] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of PON;

[0011] Figure 2 This is a diagram of the uplink channel bonding scheme;

[0012] Figure 3 This is a message sequence diagram of ONU registration and reporting;

[0013] Figure 4 This illustrates an extended discovery gating message provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0014] Figure 5 It shows Figure 4 The channel allocation field in the data;

[0015] Figure 6 The extended gating message provided in an embodiment of the present invention is illustrated;

[0016] Figure 7 An extended gating message provided by another embodiment of the present invention is illustrated;

[0017] Figure 8 The channel allocation field provided in an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0018] Figure 9 This illustrates an extended reporting message provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 10 It shows Figure 9 The channel allocation field in the data;

[0020] Figure 11 This is a flowchart of the channel binding method in multi-wavelength PON provided in the embodiments of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the device provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0022] First, it should be understood that although illustrative implementations of one or more embodiments are provided below, the disclosed systems and / or methods can be implemented using any number of techniques, whether currently known or existing. The invention should not in any way be limited to the illustrative embodiments, drawings, and techniques described below, including the exemplary designs and implementations illustrated and described herein, but can be modified within the full scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0023] Acronyms:

[0024] ASIC: Application-Specific Integrated Circuit

[0025] CO: Central Bureau

[0026] CPU: Central Processing Unit

[0027] DSP: Digital Signal Processor

[0028] EO: Electro-optical

[0029] EPON: Ethernet PON

[0030] FCS: Frame Check Sequence

[0031] G, Gb / s: gigabits per second

[0032] ID: Identifier

[0033] IEEE: Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers

[0034] LLID: Logical Link ID

[0035] MPCP: Multipoint Control Protocol

[0036] NG-PON: Next-Generation PON

[0037] ODN: Optical Distribution Network

[0038] OE: Optoelectronics

[0039] OLT: Optical Line Terminal

[0040] ONT: Optical Network Terminal

[0041] ONU: Optical Network Unit

[0042] opcode: opcode

[0043] PON: Passive Optical Network

[0044] P2MP: Point-to-Multipoint

[0045] RAM: Random Access Memory

[0046] RN: Remote Node

[0047] ROM: Read-Only Memory

[0048] RX: Receiver Unit

[0049] SRAM: Static RAM

[0050] Sync: Synchronization

[0051] TCAM: Tri-state Content Addressing Memory

[0052] TDM: Time Division Multiplexing

[0053] TWDM: Time Division and Wavelength Division Multiplexing

[0054] TX: Transmitter Unit

[0055] WDM: Wavelength Division Multiplexing

[0056] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of PON 100. PON 100 includes an OLT 110, multiple ONUs 120, and an ODN 130 that couples the OLT 110 to the ONUs 120. PON 100 is a communication network that can distribute data between the OLT 110 and ONUs 120 without active components. Instead, PON 100 can distribute data between the OLT 110 and ONUs 120 using passive optical components in the ODN 130.

[0057] The OLT 110 communicates with the ONU 120 and other networks. Specifically, the OLT 110 is an intermediary component between other networks and the ONU 120. For example, the OLT 110 forwards data received from other networks to the ONU 120, and forwards data received from the ONU 120 to other networks. The OLT 110 includes a transmitter and a receiver. When other networks use a network protocol different from that used in the PON 100, the OLT 110 includes a converter that converts the network protocol to the PON protocol, and vice versa. The OLT 110 is typically located in a central location such as the CO (Coordinating Unit), but it can also be located in other suitable locations.

[0058] The ODN 130 is a data distribution system that includes fiber optic cables, couplers, splitters, distributors, and other suitable components. These components include passive optical components that do not require power to distribute signals between the OLT 110 and ONU 120. Alternatively, these components may include active components, such as optical amplifiers that require power. As shown, the ODN 130 extends from the OLT 110 to the ONU 120 in a branch configuration, but any other suitable P2MP configuration can be used to configure the ODN 130.

[0059] The ONU 120 communicates with the OLT 110 and customers, acting as an intermediary between the OLT 110 and customers. For example, the ONU 120 forwards data from the OLT 110 to customers and forwards data from customers to the OLT 110. The ONU 120 includes an optical transmitter that converts electrical signals to optical signals and transmits them to the OLT 110, and an optical receiver that receives optical signals from the OLT 110 and converts them back to electrical signals. The ONU 120 also includes a second transmitter that transmits electrical signals to customers and a second receiver that receives electrical signals from customers. The ONU 120 is similar to the OLT and they are interchangeable. The ONU 120 is typically located in a distributed location, such as a customer's premises, but it can also be located in other suitable locations.

[0060] The IEEE P802.3ca 100G-EPON task group's mission is to define the physical layer specifications and management parameters for 25G, 50G, and 100G multi-wavelength PONs. This type of PON supports channel bonding, meaning that the OLT 110 allocates multiple channels to the ONU 120 for simultaneous use, and the ONU 120 uses multiple channels simultaneously. The ONU 120 can perform channel-bonded reception in the downlink direction from the OLT 110 to the ONU 120, or channel-bonded transmission in the uplink direction from the ONU 120 to the OLT 110. For 100G-EPON, each channel or pass corresponds to a different wavelength and provides data rates up to 25G. Therefore, the ONU 120 uses one channel for transmission and reception to achieve a data rate of 25G, two channels for transmission and reception to achieve a data rate of 50G, three channels for transmission and reception to achieve a data rate of 75G, and four channels for transmission and reception to achieve a data rate of 100G.

[0061] Figure 2Figure 200 shows the uplink channel bonding scheme. The x-axis represents time in constant units, and the y-axis represents channels in constant units. PON 100 uses the uplink channel bonding scheme. In this case, PON 100 includes seven ONUs 120, denoted as ONU 1-ONU 7. The uplink channel bonding scheme uses channels 0-3 corresponding to wavelengths λ0-λ3. Each channel provides a data rate of 25G. At time t1, ONU 1 transmits using channel 3, ONU 2 transmits using both channels 0 and 2, and ONU 3 transmits using channel 1. At time t2, ONU 2 transmits using both channels 0 and 2, ONU 3 transmits using channel 1, and ONU 6 transmits using channel 3. At time t3, ONU 2 transmits using both channels 0 and 2, ONU 6 transmits using channel 3, and ONU 7 transmits using channel 1. At time t4, ONU 5 transmits using channels 0-3. However, channel bonding is still required in the uplink direction.

[0062] This document discloses embodiments for channel bonding in multi-wavelength PONs. The disclosed embodiments extend IEEE MPCP messages to implement uplink channel bonding. The discovery gating message is extended to include a channel allocation field or channel flag field for OLT 110 to authorize ONU 120 for discovered uplink channels. The gating message is extended to include a channel allocation field for OLT 110 to authorize ONU 120 for uplink channels used in normal operation. In this context, normal operation refers to operation other than during discovery. For example, normal operation includes transmitting user data to a larger network outside of PON 100. The reporting message is extended to include a queue report field for ONU 120 to report the queue status of channels to OLT 110. While a specific number of channels is discussed, the disclosed embodiments are applicable to any suitable number of channels. Furthermore, although channels are discussed in association with wavelengths, channels can also be associated with other concepts. Additionally, although uplink channel bonding is discussed, the same principles apply to downlink channel bonding. Finally, although extended IEEE MPCP messages are discussed, the same principles apply to other types of extended or new messages.

[0063] Figure 3This is a message sequence diagram 300 for the registration and reporting of ONU 120. In step 310, OLT 110 transmits a discovery gating message to ONU 120, authorizing a transmission window for discovery. In step 320, ONU 120 transmits a registration request message to OLT 110, requesting registration in PON 100 and indicating the capabilities of ONU 120. In step 330, OLT 110 transmits a registration message to ONU 120, instructing ONU 120 to register and assigning an ID to ONU 120. In step 340, OLT 110 transmits a gating message to ONU 120 to authorize a transmission window for ONU 120 to transmit a registration confirmation message.

[0064] In step 350, ONU 120 transmits a registration confirmation message to OLT 110, echoing the registration confirmation message with its ID. Upon completion of step 350, ONU 120 completes registration and enters normal operation. In step 360, OLT 110 transmits a gating message to ONU 120 instructing ONU 120 to authorize a transmission window for normal transmission. Finally, in step 370, ONU 120 transmits a report message to OLT 110 indicating the queue status. This message is described in Part 5 of IEEE 802.3-2012 (“802.3-2012”), proposed in 2012, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. The discovery gating message in step 310, the gating messages in steps 340 and 360, and the report message in step 370 are expanded as further described below.

[0065] Figure 4 An extended discovery gating message 400 provided in an embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. The extended discovery gating message 400 is implemented. Figure 3 The discovery gating message in step 310. OLT 110 transmits the extended discovery gating message 400 to ONU 120 to authorize transmission windows for discovery in multiple channels. The extended discovery gating message 400 includes a destination address field 405, a source address field 410, a length / type field 415, an opcode field 420, a timestamp field 425, a channel allocation field 430, an authorization / flag number field 435, an authorization #1 start time field 440, an authorization #1 length field 445, a sync time field 450, a discovery information field 455, a channel information field 460, a padding / reservation field 465, and an FCS field 470.

[0066] The channel allocation field 430 can be a bitmap and indicates the channel used for transmission by ONU 120 during discovery, such as channel 1 corresponding to wavelength λ1. The channel allocation field 430 is further described below. The authorization #1 start time field 440 indicates when ONU 120 can transmit the first signal on the channel indicated in the channel allocation field 430, and the authorization #1 length field 445 indicates the duration for which ONU 120 can transmit the first signal on the channel indicated in the channel allocation field 430. The channel information field 460 indicates channel-related information for the channel indicated in the channel allocation field 430. Channel-related information includes channel rate, channel association, channel priority, or other suitable information.

[0067] Regardless of whether ONU 120 is capable of channel bonding, OLT 110 can transmit an extended discovery gating message 400 to ONU 120. If OLT 110 determines that it should allocate multiple channels for discovery to ONU 120, the channel allocation field 430 indicates multiple channels. Alternatively, if OLT 110 determines that it should allocate multiple channels for discovery to ONU 120, the channel allocation field 430 indicates one channel, and OLT 110 transmits an extended discovery gating message 400 for each channel to ONU 120.

[0068] Figure 5 It shows Figure 4 The channel allocation field 430 includes bit 0 corresponding to channel 0, bit 1 corresponding to channel 1, bit 2 corresponding to channel 2, bit 3 corresponding to channel 3, and reserved bits 4-7. For each bit 0-3, a binary number 0 indicates that the corresponding channel is not used for discovery, and a binary number 1 indicates that the corresponding channel is used for discovery. Bits 4-7 can be filled with 0 or 1. For example, when bits 0-7 equal 00000100, channels 0, 1, and 3 are not used for discovery, and channel 2 is used for discovery.

[0069] Figure 6 An extended gating message 600 provided in an embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. The extended gating message 600 is implemented... Figure 3The gating messages in steps 340 and 360. OLT 110 transmits extended gating message 600 to ONU 120 to authorize transmission windows for normal operation in multiple channels. Extended gating message 600 includes destination address field 605, source address field 610, length / type field 615, opcode field 620, timestamp field 625, channel allocation field 630, authorization / flag number field 635, authorization #1 start time field 640, authorization #1 length field 645, authorization #2 start time field 650, authorization #2 length field 655, authorization #3 start time field 660, authorization #3 length field 665, authorization #4 start time field 670, authorization #4 length field 675, padding / reservation field 680, and FCS field 685.

[0070] The channel allocation field 630 can be a bitmap and indicates the channel used for transmission by the ONU 120 during normal operation, such as channel 1 corresponding to wavelength λ1. The channel allocation field 630 is further described below. The grant #1 start time field 640 indicates when the ONU 120 can transmit the first signal on the channel indicated in the channel allocation field 630, and the grant #1 length field 645 indicates the duration for which the ONU 120 can transmit the first signal on the channel indicated in the channel allocation field 630. The grant #2 start time field 650 and the grant #2 length field 655 have similar indications for the second signal, the grant #3 start time field 660 and the grant #3 length field 665 have similar indications for the third signal, and the grant #4 start time field 670 and the grant #4 length field 675 have similar indications for the fourth signal.

[0071] Regardless of whether ONU 120 is capable of channel bonding, OLT 110 can transmit extended gating messages 600 to ONU 120. If OLT 110 determines that it should allocate multiple channels to ONU 120 for normal operation, the channel allocation field 630 indicates multiple channels. Alternatively, if OLT 110 determines that it should allocate multiple channels to ONU 120 for normal operation, the channel allocation field 630 indicates one channel, and OLT 110 transmits extended gating messages 600 for each channel to ONU 120.

[0072] Figure 7 An extended gating message 700 provided in another embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. The extended gating message 700 is similar to... Figure 6The extended gated message 700 includes a destination address field 703, a source address field 705, a length / type field 707, an opcode field 710, a timestamp field 713, a grant / flag number field 715, a grant #1 start time field 720, a grant #1 length field 723, a grant #2 start time field 727, a grant #2 length field 730, a grant #3 start time field 735, a grant #3 length field 737, a grant #4 start time field 743, a grant #4 length field 745, a padding / reservation field 747, and an FCS field 750. However, unlike the extended gated message 600, the extended gated message 700 includes a channel allocation field for each grant. Specifically, the extended gated message 700 includes a channel allocation #1 field 717, a channel allocation #2 field 725, a channel allocation #3 field 733, and a channel allocation #4 field 740.

[0073] Figure 8 The diagram illustrates a channel allocation field 800 provided in an embodiment of the present invention. The channel allocation field 800 is implemented... Figure 6 Channel allocation field 630 and Figure 7 The channel allocation fields 800 are: #1 (717), #2 (725), #3 (733), and #4 (740). The channel allocation field 800 includes bit 0 corresponding to channel 0, bit 1 corresponding to channel 1, bit 2 corresponding to channel 2, bit 3 corresponding to channel 3, and reserved bits 4-7. For each bit 0-3, a binary 0 indicates that subsequent authorization is not for the corresponding channel, and a binary 1 indicates that subsequent authorization is for the corresponding channel. Bits 4-7 can be filled with 0 or 1. For example, when bits 0-7 equal 00000010, the authorization is not for channels 0, 2, and 3, but for channel 1.

[0074] Figure 9 An extended report message 900 provided in an embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. The extended report message 900 is implemented. Figure 3The report message in step 370. ONU 120 transmits the extended report message 900 to OLT 110 to report the queue status. The extended report message 900 includes a destination address field 905, a source address field 910, a length / type field 915, an opcode field 920, a timestamp field 925, a queue set number field 930, a channel allocation field 935, a report bitmap field 940, a queue #0 report field 945, a queue #1 report field 950, a queue #2 report field 955, a queue #3 report field 960, a queue #4 report field 965, a queue #5 report field 970, a queue #6 report field 975, a queue #7 report field 980, a padding / reservation field 985, and an FCS field 990.

[0075] The channel allocation field 935 can be a bitmap and indicates the channel that the ONU 120 is reporting its queue status for, such as channel 1 corresponding to wavelength λ1. The channel allocation field 935 is further described below. Queue #0 report field 945, queue #1 report field 950, queue #2 report field 955, queue #3 report field 960, queue #4 report field 965, queue #5 report field 970, queue #6 report field 975, and queue #7 report field 980 indicate the continuous queue reporting of the channels indicated in the channel allocation field 935.

[0076] Regardless of whether ONU 120 is capable of channel bonding, ONU 120 can transmit extended report messages 900 to OLT 110. If ONU 120 is using multiple channels, the extended report message 900 includes a set of channel allocation fields and a queue report field for each channel. Alternatively, if ONU 120 is using multiple channels, the channel allocation field 935 indicates one channel, and ONU 120 transmits extended report messages 900 for each channel to OLT 110.

[0077] Figure 10 It shows Figure 9 The channel allocation field 935 includes bit 0 corresponding to channel 0, bit 1 corresponding to channel 1, bit 2 corresponding to channel 2, bit 3 corresponding to channel 3, and reserved bits 4-7. For each bit 0-3, a binary number 0 indicates that subsequent queue reports are not for the corresponding channel, and a binary number 1 indicates that subsequent queue reports are for the corresponding channel. Bits 4-7 can be filled with 0 or 1. For example, when bits 0-7 equal 00000010, the authorization is not for channels 0, 2, and 3, but for channel 1.

[0078] By employing extended discovery gating messages 400, 600, 700, and 900, and extended report messages 900, OLT 110 and ONU 120 can achieve channel bonding. OLT 110 allocates licenses to ONU 120 in at least three different ways. In a first way, OLT 110 selects a channel, such as channel 0, as a control channel and transmits control information such as extended discovery gating messages 400, 600, and 700 on channel 0. Therefore, if OLT 110 wishes to allocate licenses to ONU 120 regarding channels 0 and 2, OLT 110 transmits extended discovery gating messages 400, 600, or 700 on channels 0 and 2.

[0079] In the second method, OLT 110 transmits extended discovery gating messages 400, 600, and 700 to ONU 120 on all channels. Therefore, OLT 110 treats all channels equally and replicates the extended discovery gating messages 400, 600, and 700. In the third method, OLT 110 transmits the extended discovery gating messages 400, 600, and 700 to ONU 120 on the channels allocated to it.

[0080] By employing extended discovery gating messages 400, 600, 700, and 900, and extended report messages 900, OLT 110 and ONU 120 can achieve power saving in ONU 120. When traffic is low, ONU 120 enters power-saving mode. ONU 120 periodically transmits extended report messages 900 to OLT 110 on a channel such as channel 1 to indicate that other channels, such as channels 0, 2, and 3, are in power-saving mode. ONU 120 sets the value of channel allocation field 935 to 0000010 and sets the values ​​of queue #1 report field 950, queue #2 report field 955, queue #3 report field 960, queue #4 report field 965, queue #5 report field 970, queue #6 report field 975, and queue #7 report field 980 to 0.

[0081] OLT 110 may wish to disable the transceiver or transmitter of ONU 120, keep ONU 120 active, or wake up ONU 120. If OLT 110 wishes to disable the transceiver or transmitter of ONU 120, OLT 110 can do so using extended discovery gating message 400, extended gating message 600, or extended gating message 700. Extended discovery gating message 400 can instruct ONU 120 to disable all transceivers or transmitters except those corresponding to the channel indicated in the channel allocation field 430. Extended gating message 600 can instruct ONU 120 to disable all transceivers or transmitters except those corresponding to the channel indicated in the channel allocation field 630. The extended gating message 700 can instruct the ONU 120 to disable all transceivers or transmitters except those corresponding to the channels indicated in the channel assignment #1 field 717, channel assignment #2 field 725, channel assignment #3 field 733, and channel assignment #4 field 740.

[0082] If the OLT 110 wishes to keep the ONU 120 active, the OLT 110 periodically transmits extended gating messages 600, 700, or other suitable messages using the first format to the ONU 120. For example, for extended gating message 600, the OLT 110 sets the value of the channel allocation field 630 to all 1s and the value of the grant / flag number field 635 to 0. For extended gating message 700, the OLT 110 sets the value of the grant / flag number field 715 to 0 and sets the values ​​of the channel allocation #1 field 717, channel allocation #2 field 725, channel allocation #3 field 733, and channel allocation #4 field 740 to all 1s.

[0083] If OLT 110 wishes to wake up ONU 120, OLT 110 transmits extended gating message 600, extended gating message 700, or other suitable message using the second format to ONU 120. For example, for extended gating message 600, OLT 110 sets the value of channel allocation field 630 to 0000010 and the value of grant / flag number field 635 to 1. For extended gating message 700, OLT 110 sets the value of grant / flag number field 715 to 1 and sets the values ​​of channel allocation #1 field 717, channel allocation #2 field 725, channel allocation #3 field 733, and channel allocation #4 field 740 to 0000010.

[0084] Figure 11This is a flowchart of a channel binding method 1100 in a multi-wavelength PON provided in an embodiment of the present invention. OLT 110 executes method 1100. In step 1110, a first channel is selected from multiple channels in the network. For example, OLT 110 selects channel 1 from channels 0-3 in PON 100. In step 1120, a first message is generated to allocate a first grant corresponding to the first channel. For example, OLT 110 generates an extended discovery gating message 400, an extended gating message 600, or an extended gating message 700. In step 1130, the first message is transmitted. For example, OLT 110 transmits the extended discovery gating message 400, the extended gating message 600, or the extended gating message 700 to ONU 120. Finally, in step 1140, in response to the first message, a second message is received on the first channel. For example, OLT 110 receives the second message from ONU 120 on channel 1. The second message may be an extended report message 900.

[0085] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of device 1200 provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Device 1200 can implement the disclosed embodiments. Device 1200 includes an input port 1210 and an RX 1220 coupled to the input port 1210 to receive data; a processor, logic unit, or CPU 1230 coupled to the RX 1220 to process data; a TX 1240 coupled to the processor 1230 and an output port 1250 coupled to the TX 1240 to transmit data. A memory 1260 is coupled to the processor 1230 for storing data. Device 1200 may further include: an OE component and an EO component, coupled to the input port 1210, RX 1220, TX 1240, and output port 1250, for the input or output of optical signals or electrical signals.

[0086] Processor 1230 is any suitable combination of hardware, middleware, firmware, and software. Processor 1230 includes any combination of one or more CPU chips, cores, FPGAs, ASICs, or DSPs. Processor 1230 communicates with ingress port 1210, RX 1220, TX 1240, egress port 1250, and memory 1260. Processor 1230 includes channel bonding component 1270 implementing the disclosed embodiments. Therefore, the inclusion of channel bonding component 1270 provides a substantial improvement to the functionality of device 1200 and enables transitions of device 1200 to different states. Alternatively, memory 1260 stores channel bonding component 1270 as instructions, and processor 1230 executes those instructions.

[0087] Memory 1260 includes one or more disks, tape drives, or solid-state drives. Device 1200 may use memory 1260 as an overflow data storage device to store programs as device 1200 selects those programs to execute, as well as instructions and data read by device 1200 during the execution of those programs. Memory 1260 may be volatile or non-volatile and may be any combination of ROM, RAM, TCAM, and SRAM.

[0088] In one exemplary embodiment, device 1200 includes a channel selection module for selecting a first channel from a plurality of channels in a network, a message generation module for generating a first message that assigns a first authorization corresponding to the first channel, a transmission module for transmitting the first message, and a second message receiving module for receiving a second message in response to the first message and on the first channel. In some embodiments, device 1200 may include other or additional modules for performing any one or a combination of steps described in the embodiments. Furthermore, it is contemplated that any additional or alternative embodiments or aspects of the method as shown in any of the drawings or in any of the claims also include similar modules.

[0089] In one exemplary embodiment, an apparatus includes: a processor element for: selecting a first channel from a plurality of channels in a network and generating a first message that assigns a first authorization corresponding to the first channel; a transmitter element coupled to the processor element and for transmitting the first message; and a receiver element coupled to the processor element and for: receiving a second message on the first channel in response to the first message.

[0090] When no intermediate component is present, the first component is directly coupled to the second component, except for a line, trace, or other medium between the first and second components. When an intermediate component other than a line, trace, or other medium exists between the first and second components, the first component is indirectly coupled to the second component. The term "coupling" and its variations include direct coupling and indirect coupling. Unless otherwise stated, the term "approximately" refers to a range including ±10% of the following figures.

[0091] While several embodiments have been provided in this invention, it should be understood that the disclosed systems and methods may be embodied in many other specific forms without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. The examples of the invention should be considered illustrative rather than restrictive, and the invention is not limited to the details set forth herein. For example, various elements or components may be combined or integrated in another system, or certain features may be omitted or not implemented.

[0092] Furthermore, without departing from the scope of the invention, the technologies, systems, subsystems, and methods described and illustrated as discrete or separate in the various embodiments can be combined or integrated with other systems, components, technologies, or methods. Other items shown or discussed as coupled or directly coupled or communicating with each other may also be indirectly coupled or communicating via an interface, device, or intermediate component in an electrical, mechanical, or other manner. Other variations, substitutions, and alterations will be apparent to those skilled in the art and do not depart from the spirit and scope of this disclosure.

Claims

1. An information processing device in a passive optical network (PON), characterized in that, include: A processor is configured to generate a first message, the first message including a channel allocation field and an authorization start time field, wherein the channel allocation field indicates the channel used for uplink transmission, and the authorization start time field indicates when transmission will occur, wherein the channel allocation field includes a first field and a second field, wherein the first field indicates whether channel 0 is used for discovery, and the second field indicates whether channel 1 is used for discovery; A transmitter, coupled to the processor, is used to send the first message to the optical network unit (ONU).

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The device further includes a receiver coupled to the processor and configured to: receive a second message in response to the first message, wherein the second message is a report message.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first message is a discovery gating message or a gating message, and the discovery gating message further includes a channel information field, which indicates channel-related information.

4. The apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that, The channel-related information is at least one of channel rate, channel correlation, or channel priority.

5. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that, The channel allocation field is a bitmap.

6. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that, The channel allocation field indicates the channel used for uplink transmission, specifically: The channel allocation field indicates the channel used for transmission during the discovery phase or the channel used for transmission during normal operation.

7. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The channel allocation field has a length of 8 bits, and the first field or the second field has a length of 1 bit. The value of the first field or the second field is 0 or 1, where 0 indicates that the associated channel cannot be used for discovery, and 1 indicates that the associated channel is used for discovery.

8. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that, The device is an optical line terminal (OLT).

9. An information processing method in a passive optical network (PON), characterized in that, include: Generate a first message, the first message including a channel allocation field and an authorization start time field, wherein the channel allocation field indicates the channel used for uplink transmission, the authorization start time field indicates when transmission will be performed, the channel allocation field includes a first field and a second field, wherein the first field indicates whether channel 0 is used for discovery, and the second field indicates whether channel 1 is used for discovery; The first message is sent to the optical network unit (ONU).

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The method further includes: The system receives a second message from the ONU in response to the first message, and the second message is a report message.

11. The method according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that, The first message is a discovery gating message or a gating message, and the discovery gating message further includes a channel information field, which indicates channel-related information.

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that, The channel-related information is at least one of channel rate, channel correlation, or channel priority.

13. The method according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that, The channel allocation field is a bitmap.

14. The method according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that, The channel allocation field indicates the channel used for uplink transmission, specifically: The channel allocation field indicates the channel used for transmission during the discovery phase or the channel used for transmission during normal operation.

15. The method according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that, The authorized start time field specifically indicates when to transmit on the channel used for uplink transmission.

16. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The channel allocation field has a length of 8 bits, and the first field or the second field has a length of 1 bit. The value of the first field or the second field is 0 or 1, where 0 indicates that the associated channel cannot be used for discovery, and 1 indicates that the associated channel is used for discovery.

17. An optical network unit (ONU), characterized in that, include: A receiver is configured to receive a first message, the first message including a channel allocation field and an authorization start time field, wherein the channel allocation field indicates the channel used for uplink transmission, and the authorization start time field indicates when transmission will occur. The channel allocation field includes a first field and a second field, wherein the first field indicates whether channel 0 is used for discovery, and the second field indicates whether channel 1 is used for discovery. A processor, coupled to the receiver, is used to process the first message.

18. The ONU according to claim 17, characterized in that, The processor is also configured to respond to the first message and generate a second message; The ONU also includes a transmitter coupled to the processor and used to send the second message, which is a report message.

19. The ONU according to claim 17 or 18, characterized in that, The first message is a discovery gating message or a gating message, and the discovery gating message further includes a channel information field, which indicates channel-related information.

20. The ONU according to claim 17 or 18, characterized in that, The channel allocation field is a bitmap.

21. The ONU according to claim 17 or 18, characterized in that, The channel allocation field indicates the channel used for uplink transmission, specifically: The channel allocation field indicates the channel used for transmission during the discovery phase or the channel used for transmission during normal operation.

22. The ONU according to claim 17, characterized in that, The channel allocation field has a length of 8 bits, and the first field or the second field has a length of 1 bit. The value of the first field or the second field is 0 or 1, where 0 indicates that the associated channel cannot be used for discovery, and 1 indicates that the associated channel is used for discovery.

23. An information processing method in a passive optical network (PON), characterized in that, The method includes: The system receives a first message sent by an optical line terminal (OLT). The first message includes a channel allocation field and an authorization start time field. The channel allocation field indicates the channel used for uplink transmission, and the authorization start time field indicates when transmission will take place. The channel allocation field includes a first field and a second field. The first field indicates whether channel 0 is used for discovery, and the second field indicates whether channel 1 is used for discovery. Process the first message.

24. The method according to claim 23, characterized in that, The method further includes: Respond to the first message and generate the second message; Send the second message, which is a report message.

25. The method according to claim 23 or 24, characterized in that, The first message is a discovery gating message or a gating message, and the discovery gating message further includes a channel information field, which indicates channel-related information.

26. The method according to claim 23 or 24, characterized in that, The channel allocation field is a bitmap.

27. The method according to claim 23 or 24, characterized in that, The channel allocation field indicates the channel used for uplink transmission, specifically: The channel allocation field indicates the channel used for transmission during the discovery phase or the channel used for transmission during normal operation.

28. The method according to claim 23, characterized in that, The channel allocation field has a length of 8 bits, and the first field or the second field has a length of 1 bit. The value of the first field or the second field is 0 or 1, where 0 indicates that the associated channel cannot be used for discovery, and 1 indicates that the associated channel is used for discovery.

Images