Data processing method, device and system in optical network

Abstract

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to the field of optical communications, and more particularly to methods, devices, and systems for processing data in optical networks. In this method, an optical network device maps a valid portion (e.g., a valid time slot or valid instance) of a flexible Ethernet interface frame to an optical network data unit (ONDU). The optical network device also adjusts the invalid portion of the ONDU frame to a valid portion to carry a service and maps it to another ODU. This method eliminates the need to delete the original service, achieving a lossless increase in transmission bandwidth in the optical network.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of optical communications, and in particular, to a method, device, and system for processing data in an optical network. Background Art

[0002] Currently, the Optical Internetworking Forum (OIF) is developing standards related to Flexible Ethernet (FlexE) interface technology, such as FlexE IA 1.0 / 2.0 / 2.1. The term "FlexE" used in this article refers to an interface technology that implements service isolation, decoupling of service bandwidth requirements from physical interface bandwidth, and network slicing in the bearer network. By bundling n 100G PHYs, or m 200G PHYs, or m 400G PHYs, or m 50G PHYs, multiple FlexE service transmissions of different rates, such as 10G, n*25G, and 40G, are achieved. FlexE services are mainly used in data center equipment interconnection, etc. For long-distance transmission of FlexE data, it can be carried and transmitted via the Optical Transport Network (OTN). Standards related to OTN carrying FlexE data are developed by the International Telecommunication Union-Telecommunication Standardization Sector (ITU-T). With the development of technology, the bandwidth requirements for networks are also increasing. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Example embodiments of the present disclosure provide a solution for Ethernet data processing in an optical network.

[0004] A first aspect of the present disclosure provides a data processing method in an optical network. In this method, an optical network device receives a Flexible Ethernet (FlexE) interface frame. The FlexE interface frame includes a first valid time slot data stream and an invalid portion. The optical network device maps the first valid time slot data stream into a first Flexible Optical Data Unit (ODUflex) frame. The optical network device generates a second valid time slot data stream based on the invalid portion. The optical network device maps the generated second data stream into a second ODUflex frame. In this manner, a lossless increase in bandwidth is achieved in the optical network.

[0005] In some embodiments, the invalid portion is an invalid timeslot, and the second valid timeslot data stream includes: a portion of the FlexE interface frame overhead and a second valid timeslot. The second valid timeslot is the portion of the invalid timeslot used to carry services. In this way, the invalid timeslot is reused.

[0006] In some embodiments, the second valid time slot is a partial time slot in the invalid time slot. In this way, a more flexible bandwidth increase is achieved.

[0007] In some embodiments, the invalid portion is an invalid FlexE instance. The second valid timeslot data stream includes a valid FlexE instance of the FlexE interface frame. The valid FlexE instance is the portion of the invalid FlexE instance used to carry the service. In this way, the invalid FlexE instance is reused.

[0008] In some embodiments, the valid FlexE instance is a portion of the invalid FlexE instances. In this way, a more flexible bandwidth increase is achieved.

[0009] In some embodiments, a portion of the overhead of the first ODUflex frame indicates the location of the first valid time slot data stream, and a portion of the overhead of the second ODUflex frame indicates the location of the second valid time slot data stream. In this way, more flexible bandwidth configuration is achieved without requiring the user to change the configuration.

[0010] In some embodiments, the optical network device determines that the bandwidth of the FlexE interface frame increases from a first bandwidth to a second bandwidth. The optical network device generates a second valid timeslot data stream in response to the bandwidth increasing from the first bandwidth to the second bandwidth. In this way, more flexible bandwidth configuration is achieved.

[0011] A second aspect of the present disclosure provides a data processing method in an optical network. In this method, an optical network device obtains a first valid time slot data stream from a received first flexible optical data unit (ODUflex) frame. The optical network device obtains a second valid time slot data stream from a received second ODUflex frame. The optical network device aligns the second valid time slot data stream with the first valid time slot data stream. The optical network device maps the aligned first and second valid time slot data streams to a Flexible Ethernet (FlexE) interface frame. In this manner, a lossless increase in bandwidth is achieved in the optical network.

[0012] In certain embodiments, the optical network device obtains the FlexE overhead of a first active time slot data stream from a first ODUflex frame. The optical network device obtains the FlexE overhead of a second active time slot data stream from a second ODUflex frame. The optical network device further aligns the second active time slot data stream with the first active time slot data stream based on the FlexE overhead of the first active time slot data stream and the FlexE overhead of the second active time slot data stream. In this manner, the second active time slot data stream and the first active time slot data stream are recombined.

[0013] In some embodiments, the optical network device deletes the FlexE overhead of the second valid timeslot data flow in the second ODUflex frame, thereby avoiding redundant overhead.

[0014] In certain embodiments, the optical network device determines the position of the first valid time slot data stream based on a portion of the overhead of the first ODUflex frame. The optical network device also determines the position of the second valid time slot data stream based on a portion of the overhead of the second ODUflex frame. The optical network device combines the aligned first and second valid time slot data streams based on the portion of the overhead of the first and second ODUflex frames. In this manner, more flexible bandwidth configuration is achieved.

[0015] A third aspect of the present disclosure provides a device for data processing. The device is applied to an optical network. The device includes a processor configured to execute the method according to any possible implementation of the first or second aspects described above; and an interface configured to interact with the processor to transmit and receive data transmitted by the processor.

[0016] A fourth aspect of the present disclosure provides an optical network device. The network device includes: an apparatus for performing the method according to any possible implementation of the first or second aspect; and an optical transceiver for connecting to an interface to interact with the interface to transmit and receive data frames processed by the apparatus.

[0017] A fifth aspect of the present disclosure provides an optical network system, comprising: a sending device configured to send a FlexE interface frame; and a processing device configured to receive the FlexE interface frame and execute the method according to a possible implementation of the first aspect.

[0018] A sixth aspect of the present disclosure provides an optical network system, comprising: a processing device configured to execute the method according to a possible implementation of the second aspect and transmit a processed FlexE interface frame; and a receiving device configured to receive the processed FlexE interface frame.

[0019] In a seventh aspect of the present disclosure, a computer program product is provided. The computer program product is tangibly stored on a computer-readable medium and includes computer-executable instructions that, when executed, cause a device to perform the operations of the method according to any possible implementation of the first to second aspects. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] The features, advantages and other aspects of the various implementations of the present disclosure will become more apparent with reference to the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Several implementations of the present disclosure are illustrated herein in an exemplary and non-limiting manner. In the accompanying drawings:

[0021] Figure 1 A schematic block diagram showing a communication environment to which embodiments of the present disclosure are applicable;

[0022] Figure 2 A possible schematic diagram of the hardware structure of a network device is shown;

[0023] Figure 3 A possible data processing method flow chart is shown;

[0024] Figure 4 A schematic flow chart of another possible data processing method is shown;

[0025] Figure 5 An interactive signaling diagram illustrating a communication process according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0026] Figure 6 shows a data frame structure diagram during data processing at an ingress device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0027] Figure 7 shows a data frame structure diagram during data processing at an egress device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0028] Figure 8 An interactive signaling diagram illustrating a communication process according to some other embodiments of the present disclosure is shown;

[0029] Figure 9 shows a data frame structure diagram during data processing at an inlet device according to other embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0030] Figure 10 shows a data frame structure diagram during data processing at an egress device according to other embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0031] Figure 11A and Figure 11B Schematic block diagrams of communication devices according to some embodiments of the present disclosure are respectively shown;

[0032] Figure 12 A simplified block diagram of an example device suitable for implementing embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0033] In the various drawings, the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] The following describes embodiments of the present disclosure in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Although certain embodiments of the present disclosure are shown in the accompanying drawings, it should be understood that the present disclosure can be implemented in various forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments described herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided to provide a more thorough and complete understanding of the present disclosure. It should be understood that the drawings and embodiments of the present disclosure are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present disclosure.

[0035] In the description of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the term "including" and similar terms should be understood as open inclusion, that is, "including but not limited to." The term "based on" should be understood as "based at least in part on." The term "one embodiment" or "the embodiment" should be understood as "at least one embodiment." The terms "first," "second," etc. may refer to different or the same objects. Other explicit and implicit definitions may also be included below.

[0036] FlexE has three transmission modes on the OTN: FlexE-unaware mode, FlexE-aware mode, and FlexE-terminated mode. In FlexE-unaware mode, the optical network device directly transparently transmits the FlexE physical link (PHY) signal. In FlexE-aware mode, the optical network device parses the FlexE shim layer, deletes invalid FlexE timeslots, and transparently transmits the remaining ones. In terminated mode, the optical network device terminates the FlexE overhead, extracts different FlexE client services, and maps and transmits them based on the FlexE client.

[0037] In FlexE-aware mode, the shim layer of a FlexE interface can consist of one or more FlexE instances. For example, a FlexE interface can consist of multiple 100G PHYs. In some cases, when the FlexE interface is 200G / 400G, a 100G FlexE instance may be entirely unused. In this case, the overhead and timeslots of that FlexE instance are not transparently transmitted. In other cases, some timeslots in the FlexE instance are invalid. In this case, the invalid timeslots of the FlexE instance are deleted to obtain a partial-rate FlexE instance. One or more partial-rate FlexE instances are then mapped into a single ODUflex. For example, if the effective payload bandwidth of a FlexE interface consisting of two 100G PHYs is 150G, 75G of the effective bandwidth of each 100G PHY is transmitted on the OTN network. In other words, only 75% of the timeslots in each PHY are used to carry service data and are referred to as valid timeslots. Timeslots that do not carry service data are referred to as invalid timeslots. According to the traditional transparent transmission solution in FlexE perception mode, once the service path is established, the transmission bandwidth cannot be modified losslessly. The original service needs to be deleted and re-created.

[0038] In response to the above-mentioned problems and other potential problems, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the optical network device maps the valid part (e.g., valid time slot or valid instance) in the FlexE interface frame to an optical network data unit. The optical network device also uses the invalid part (e.g., invalid time slot or invalid instance) in the FlexE interface frame to carry the service and maps it to another optical network data unit. In this way, there is no need to delete the original service, and a lossless increase in the transmission bandwidth in the optical network is achieved. It can be understood that the embodiments of the present disclosure can be used for data processing technology in any suitable optical network.

[0039] The embodiments of the present disclosure are applicable to optical networks, such as optical transport networks (OTN). An optical network is usually composed of multiple devices connected by optical fibers, and can be composed of different topologies such as linear, ring, and mesh according to specific needs. Figure 1 The communication system 100 shown includes an optical network 101 and communication nodes (eg, communication node 130 and communication node 140). Figure 1As shown, optical network 101 is a network composed of optical network devices 110 (e.g., optical network device 110-1, optical network device 110-2, and optical network device 110-N, where N is any positive integer). It is understood that optical network 101 may include any number of optical network devices. Reference numeral 103 indicates an optical fiber, and reference numeral 104 indicates a customer service interface, which is used to transmit customer service data. A network may have multiple customer service interfaces 104. Customer service interfaces are sometimes also referred to as user network interfaces (UNIs). Depending on actual needs, optical network devices may have different functions. Generally speaking, optical network devices are classified into optical layer devices, electrical layer devices, and optoelectronic hybrid devices. Optical layer devices refer to devices capable of processing optical layer signals, such as optical amplifiers (OAs) and optical add / drop multiplexers (OADMs). OAs are used to amplify optical signals to enable transmission over longer distances while ensuring the specific performance of the optical signals. Electrical layer equipment refers to equipment that can process electrical layer signals, for example, equipment that can process optical data unit (ODU) signals. Optical-electrical hybrid equipment refers to equipment that has the ability to process both optical layer signals and electrical layer signals. It should be noted that, depending on the specific integration needs, optical network equipment can integrate multiple devices with different functions. The embodiments of the present disclosure are applicable to optical network equipment of different forms and levels of integration. Unless otherwise specified, the equipment mentioned later in this disclosure that implements the technology disclosed in this disclosure includes at least the ability to process electrical layer signals.

[0040] Figure 2A schematic diagram of the hardware structure of an optical network device 110 is provided. Specifically, the device 110 includes a power supply 201, a fan 202, and an auxiliary board 203. It may also include a tributary board 204, a circuit board 205, a cross-connect board 206, an optical layer processing board (not shown), a programmable service board 207, and a system control and communication board 208. It should be noted that the specific types and number of boards included in a device 110 may vary depending on specific needs. For example, a network device serving as a core node may not have a tributary board 204. A network device serving as an edge node may have multiple tributary boards 204. The power supply 201 is used to power the device and may include a primary and a backup power supply. The fan 202 is used to dissipate heat from the device. The auxiliary board 203 provides auxiliary functions such as external alarms or access to external clocks. The tributary board 204, cross-connect board 206, circuit board 205, and programmable service board 207 are primarily used to process electrical layer signals (e.g., ODU frames) in the optical network. The tributary board 204 is used to receive and transmit various client services, such as Synchronous Digital Hierarchy (SDH) services, packet services, Ethernet services, and fronthaul services. Furthermore, the tributary board 204 can be divided into a client-side optical module and a processor. The client-side optical module can be an optical transceiver for receiving and / or transmitting client signals. The processor is used to map and demap client signals into ODU frames. The cross-connect board 206 is used to exchange ODU frames, completing the exchange of one or more types of ODU signals. The line board 205 primarily processes line-side ODU frames. Specifically, the line board 205 can be divided into a line-side optical module and a processor. The line-side optical module can be an optical transceiver for receiving and / or transmitting ODU signals. The processor is used to multiplex and demultiplex, or map and demap, line-side ODU frames. The programmable service board 207 is used to implement the data processing method disclosed in this disclosure. The system control and communication board 208 is used to implement system control and communication. Specifically, it can collect information from different boards through the backplane, or send control instructions to the corresponding board.

[0041] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the specific components (for example, processors) may be one or more, and this disclosure does not impose any restrictions. It should also be noted that the embodiments of this disclosure do not impose any restrictions on the types of boards contained in the device, as well as the specific functional design and quantity of the boards. Unless otherwise specified, the devices mentioned later include at least a programmable business board 207. It should be noted that the programmable business board 207 can also be integrated with other boards into one board. This disclosure does not impose any restrictions on the names of the boards that specifically implement the data processing technology disclosed in this disclosure.

[0042] The following will discuss in detail exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figure 1 The data processing flow and signaling interaction between communication entities according to the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are described in an exemplary communication environment. It should be understood that the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure can be similarly applied to other communication environments.

[0043] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a flow chart of an exemplary data processing method 300 is provided. Method 300 is implemented at an ingress-side optical network device, for example, optical network device 110-1. Method 300 includes: (1) acquiring a FlexE interface frame; (2) mapping a first valid time slot data stream in the FlexE interface frame to a first ODUflex frame; (3) generating a second valid time slot data stream based on an invalid portion in the FlexE interface frame; and (4) mapping the second valid time slot data stream to a second ODUflex frame.

[0044] The optical network device 110-1 can determine when the bandwidth of the FlexE interface frame is increased from the first bandwidth to the second bandwidth. For example, if the optical network device 110-1 receives user input indicating that the bandwidth of the FlexE interface frame is increased to the second bandwidth, the optical network device 110-1 can determine the increase in the bandwidth of the current FlexE interface frame. In other embodiments, the user equipment can send a message to the optical network device to notify in advance that the bandwidth of the FlexE interface frame has increased from the first bandwidth to the second bandwidth. In this way, the optical network device 110-1 can determine that the bandwidth of the FlexE interface frame sent by the communication node 130 has increased. In other words, the communication node 130 uses the original invalid time slot or invalid instance to carry the service.

[0045] At block 310, optical network device 110-1 receives a FlexE interface frame from communication node 130. The FlexE interface frame includes a valid portion and an invalid portion. In some embodiments, the valid portion may be a valid timeslot carrying traffic, and the invalid portion may be an invalid timeslot not carrying traffic. In other embodiments, the valid portion may include a valid FlexE instance carrying traffic, and the invalid portion may be an invalid FlexE instance not carrying traffic.

[0046] At box 320, the optical network device 110-1 maps the valid part to the first ODUflex frame. For example, in some embodiments, the network device 110-1 can map the valid time slot to the first ODUflex frame. In other embodiments, the network device 110-1 can map the valid FlexE instance to the first ODUflex frame. In some embodiments, the optical network device 110-1 can map the valid part to the first ODUflex frame using a bit-synchronous general mapping process. It will be understood that the optical network device 110-1 can use any suitable mapping process. The optical network device 110-1 sends the first ODUflex frame to the optical network device on the egress side (e.g., optical network device 110-2). In other embodiments, the optical network device 110-1 adds the position of the valid part to the partial overhead of the first ODUflex frame.

[0047] At block 330, optical network device 110-1 generates a second valid time slot data stream based on the invalid portion. In some embodiments, part or all of the invalid time slot is used to carry traffic. Optical network device 110-1 copies part of the FlexE interface frame's overhead. For example, optical network device 110-1 may copy the data alignment-related overhead in the FlexE interface frame. In this case, the second valid time slot data stream includes the portion of the invalid time slot used to carry traffic and the copied portion of the overhead. In this way, the original invalid time slot is utilized to carry traffic, thereby achieving a lossless increase in bandwidth.

[0048] In some embodiments, some or all of the inactive FlexE instances are used to carry traffic. In this case, the second active timeslot data flow includes the portion of the inactive FlexE instances used to carry traffic. In this way, the original FlexE instances are used to carry traffic, achieving a lossless increase in bandwidth.

[0049] At block 340, optical network device 110-1 maps the second valid time slot data stream to a second ODUflex frame. In other embodiments, optical network device 110-1 adds the location of the second valid time slot data stream to a portion of the overhead of the second ODUflex frame. In certain embodiments, optical network device 110-1 may map the valid portion to the second ODUflex frame using a bit-synchronous universal mapping process. It will be appreciated that optical network device 110-1 may utilize any suitable mapping process. Optical network device 110-1 transmits the second ODUflex frame to the optical network device on the egress side (e.g., optical network device 110-2).

[0050] Figure 4A schematic diagram of a flow chart of an exemplary data processing method 400 is provided. Method 400 is implemented at an optical network device on the egress side, for example, optical network device 110-2. Method 400 includes: (1) obtaining a first valid time slot data stream from a first ODUflex frame; (2) obtaining a second valid time slot data stream from a second ODUflex frame; (3) aligning the first valid time slot data stream and the second valid time slot data stream; and (4) mapping the aligned first valid time slot data stream and the second valid time slot data stream to a FlexE interface frame.

[0051] Optical network device 110-2 receives multiple ODUflex frames from an ingress-side device (e.g., optical network device 110-1). In some embodiments, the multiple ODUflex frames may be associated with a single FlexE interface frame. In other embodiments, the multiple ODUflex frames may be associated with multiple FlexE interface frames. For illustrative purposes only, optical network device 110-2 receives a first ODUflex frame and a second ODUflex frame.

[0052] At block 410, optical network device 110-2 obtains a first valid timeslot data stream from a first ODUflex frame. Optical network device 110-2 may demap the first valid timeslot data stream from the first ODUflex frame. In some embodiments, the first valid timeslot data stream may include valid timeslots carrying services. Alternatively, the first valid timeslot data stream may include valid FlexE instances carrying services.

[0053] At block 420, optical network device 110-2 obtains a second valid timeslot data stream from the second ODUflex frame. In some embodiments, the second valid timeslot data stream may include timeslots used to carry services from previously invalid timeslots. Alternatively, the second valid timeslot data stream may include FlexE instances used to carry services from previously invalid FlexE instances.

[0054] At block 430, optical network device 110-2 aligns the second active time slot data stream with the first active time slot data stream. In some embodiments, optical network device 110-2 obtains the FlexE interface frame overhead from the second ODUflex frame. The obtained overhead may be the entire FlexE interface frame overhead. Alternatively, the obtained overhead may be a portion of the FlexE interface frame overhead, such as overhead related to data alignment. In this case, optical network device 110-2 aligns the second active time slot data stream with the first active time slot data stream based on the obtained overhead.

[0055] In other embodiments, the partial overhead of the first ODUflex frame may indicate the position of the first valid time slot data stream, and the partial overhead of the second ODUflex frame may indicate the position of the second valid time slot data stream. In this embodiment, the optical network device 110-2 determines the position of the first valid time slot data stream based on the partial overhead of the first ODUflex frame, and determines the position of the second valid time slot data stream based on the partial overhead of the second ODUflex frame. The optical network device 110-2 further combines the aligned first valid time slot data stream and the second valid time slot data stream based on the partial overhead of the first ODUflex frame and the partial overhead of the second ODUflex frame.

[0056] At block 440, the optical network device 110-2 maps the aligned first and second valid time slot data streams into a FlexE interface frame and transmits the FlexE interface frame to another communication node (eg, the communication node 140).

[0057] It is understood that the above description of method 300 and method 400 is only a general description of the embodiment. Figures 5 to 10 to describe specific example embodiments.

[0058] Figure 5 The following is a signaling diagram showing the interaction 500 between various devices when using the invalid time slot in the FlexE interface frame. Figure 6 and Figure 7 Interaction 500 is described.

[0059] The communication node 130 sends 5005 a FlexE interface frame to the optical network device 110-1. The FlexE interface frame may include any suitable number of FlexE instances. For example, if the FlexE PHY interface is 200G, the FlexE interface frame may include two 100G FlexE instances. The FlexE interface frame includes service data. For example, the FlexE interface frame includes one or more FlexE service data streams. The FlexE interface frame also includes an overhead portion. For example, the overhead portion includes management channel information. In some embodiments, the overhead portion may also include one or more of a FlexE group ID, an instance number of the FlexE interface frame, or a timeslot distribution pattern. In this embodiment, the FlexE interface frame includes valid timeslots and invalid timeslots that carry services. For example, if the FlexE PHY interface is 200G and the effective payload bandwidth is 150G, 75% of the timeslots in the FlexE interface frame are valid timeslots and 20% are invalid timeslots. For illustrative purposes only, Figure 6FIG. 6 shows a FlexE interface frame 6010 including one FlexE instance. It should be understood that a FlexE interface frame may include any suitable number of FlexE instances. Figure 6 As shown, the FlexE interface frame 6010 includes an overhead portion 610, valid time slots 620-1, 620-2, 620-3, 620-4, ..., 620-N, invalid time slots 630-1, 630-2, 630-3, ..., 630-A, valid time slots 621-1, 621-2, 621-3, 621-4, ..., 621-N, and invalid time slots 631-1, 631-2, 631-3, ..., 631-A, where N and A are any appropriate positive integers.

[0060] The optical network device 110-1 deletes the invalid timeslots in the 5010FlexE interface frame. Figure 6 As shown, the optical network device 110 - 1 removes the invalid time slots 630 - 1 , 630 - 2 , 630 - 3 , . . . , 630 -A and the invalid time slots 631 - 1 , 631 - 2 , 631 - 3 , . . . , 631 -A from the FlexE interface frame 6010 .

[0061] The optical network device 110-1 maps 5015 the first valid time slot data stream to the first ODUflex frame. In some embodiments, the optical network device 110-1 may add the location of the first valid time slot data stream to a portion of the overhead of the first ODUflex frame. Figure 6 As shown, effective time slot data stream 6020 (i.e., the first effective time slot data stream) includes an overhead portion 611 and effective time slots 620-1, 620-2, 620-3, 620-4, ..., 620-N, and effective time slots 621-1, 621-2, 621-3, 621-4, ..., 621-N. Optical network device 110-1 maps effective time slot data stream 6020 to ODUflex frame 6040 (i.e., the first ODUflex frame). Optical network device 110-1 transmits the first ODUflex frame 5020 to optical network device 110-2. As a result, optical network device 110-1 transparently transmits effective time slot data stream 6020 at a rate.

[0062] In some implementations, the overhead portion 611 may include all of the overhead in the overhead portion 610. Alternatively, the overhead portion 611 may include a portion of the overhead in the overhead portion 610. For example, the overhead portion 611 may include overhead associated with data alignment. In other embodiments, the overhead portion 611 may include a parameter indicating the position of the second ODUflex frame including the inactive timeslot. The overhead portion 611 may also include a parameter indicating how to combine the first active timeslot data stream with the inactive timeslots carrying the service (i.e., the second active timeslot data stream).

[0063] The optical network device 110-1 copies 5025 part of the overhead of the FlexE interface. In some implementations, the optical network device 110-1 may copy all the overhead in the overhead portion 610. Alternatively, the optical network device 110-1 may copy part of the overhead in the overhead portion 610. For example, the optical network device 110-1 may copy the overhead associated with data alignment. Figure 6 As shown, the overhead 612 may include all of the overhead in the overhead portion 610 , or a portion of the overhead in the overhead portion 610 .

[0064] The optical network device 110-1 generates 5030 a second effective time slot data stream. Figure 6 As shown, optical network device 110-1 combines overhead 612 with invalid time slots 630-1, 630-2, 630-3, ..., 630-A carrying services and invalid time slots 631-1, 631-2, 631-3, ..., 631-A to form valid time slot data stream 6030. In this way, during the generation of the second valid time slot data stream, the original services are intact.

[0065] In some embodiments, all invalid time slots can be used to carry services. Alternatively, some invalid time slots can be used to carry services. For example, in the case of a FlexE interface composed of two 100G PHYs, if the bandwidth of the FlexE interface frame increases from 150G (i.e., the first bandwidth) to 200G (i.e., the second bandwidth), all invalid time slots can be used to carry services. Alternatively, if the bandwidth increases from 150G (i.e., the first bandwidth) to 175G (i.e., the second bandwidth), some invalid time slots can be used to carry services. In this way, bandwidth can be expanded more flexibly.

[0066] Optical network device 110-1 maps 5035 the second active time slot data stream to a second ODUflex frame. In some embodiments, optical network device 110-1 may add the location of the second active time slot data stream to a portion of the overhead of the second ODUflex frame. Optical network device 110-1 maps 6030 of the active time slot data stream to an ODUflex frame 6050 (i.e., a second ODUflex frame). Optical network device 110-1 sends 5040 the second ODUflex frame to optical network device 110-2.

[0067] The optical network device 110-2 obtains 5045 the first valid time slot data stream from the first ODUflex frame. Figure 7 As shown, the optical network device 110-2 demaps the effective time slot data stream 6020 from the ODUflex 6040. The optical network device 110-2 obtains 5050 the second effective time slot data stream from the second ODUflex frame. Figure 7 As shown, the optical network device 110-2 demaps the effective time slot data stream 6030 from the ODUflex 6050.

[0068] The optical network device 110-2 aligns 5055 the first active time slot data stream and the second active time slot data stream. The optical network device 110-2 maps 5060 the aligned first active time slot data stream and the second active time slot data stream to the FlexE interface frame. In certain embodiments, as described above, the partial overhead of the first ODUflex frame may indicate the position of the first active time slot data stream, and the partial overhead of the second ODUflex frame may indicate the position of the second active time slot data stream. In this embodiment, the optical network device 110-2 determines the position of the first active time slot data stream based on the partial overhead of the first ODUflex frame, and determines the position of the second active time slot data stream based on the partial overhead of the second ODUflex frame. The optical network device 110-2 further combines the aligned first active time slot data stream and the second active time slot data stream based on the partial overhead of the first ODUflex frame and the partial overhead of the second ODUflex frame.

[0069] In some embodiments, as described above, the overhead portion 611 may include overhead related to data alignment. Thus, the optical network device 110-2 aligns the valid time slot data stream 6020 and the valid time slot data stream 6030 based on the overhead portion 611. In other embodiments, as described above, the overhead portion 611 includes parameters indicating the position of the valid time slot data stream 6020 and / or parameters indicating how to combine the first valid time slot data stream and the invalid time slot carrying the service. The overhead portion 612 includes parameters indicating the position of the valid time slot data stream 6030. Thus, the optical network device 110-2 combines the aligned valid time slot data stream 6020 and the valid time slot data stream 6030 based on the corresponding parameters in the overhead portion 611 and the overhead portion 612. After alignment, the optical network device 110-2 deletes the overhead portion 612 in the valid time slot data stream 6030. Figure 7 As shown, optical network device 110-2 combines valid time slot data stream 6020 and valid time slot data stream 6030, and maps the combined valid time slot data stream 6020 and valid time slot data stream 6030 to FlexE interface frame 6011. The overhead portion 613 included in FlexE interface frame 6011 can be generated based on the overhead portion 610. In some embodiments, overhead portion 613 can be the same as overhead portion 610. In other embodiments, overhead portion 613 can include information different from overhead portion 610.

[0070] The optical network device 110-2 sends 5065 FlexE interface frames (eg, Figure 7 FlexE interface frame 6011 is shown in FIG. 1 . In this way, the number of signals carried by the transmission from communication node 130 to communication node 140 via optical network 101 increases, thereby achieving an increase in bandwidth.

[0071] according to Figure 5 In the interaction process 500 shown, while the optical network devices 110-1 and 110-2 are adding time slot processing (i.e., the second valid time slot data flow), the data of the original time slot (i.e., the first valid time slot data flow) is still transmitted normally, thus avoiding the interruption of the original business.

[0072] Figure 8 The signaling diagram 800 of the interaction between various devices when using an invalid FlexE instance in a FlexE interface frame is shown. Figure 9 and Figure 10 Interaction 800 is described.

[0073] The communication node 130 sends 5005 a FlexE interface frame to the optical network device 110-1. The FlexE interface frame may include any suitable number of FlexE instances. The FlexE interface frame also includes an overhead portion. Figure 5 The overhead part of the FlexE interface frame is described in detail here. Figure 9 FIG. 4 shows a FlexE interface frame including two FlexE instances. It should be understood that a FlexE interface frame may include any suitable number of FlexE instances. Figure 9 As shown, FlexE instance 9010 includes an overhead portion 910 and time slots 920-1, 920-2, 920-3, 920-4, ..., 920-N, where N is any positive integer. FlexE instance 9020 includes an overhead portion 912 and time slots 930-1, 930-2, 930-3, 930-4, ..., 930-N, where N is any positive integer.

[0074] The optical network device 110-1 deletes the invalid FlexE instance in the 8010FlexE interface frame. Figure 9 As shown, the optical network device 110 - 1 removes the FlexE instance 9020 from the FlexE interface frame.

[0075] The optical network device 110-1 maps 8015 the first valid time slot data stream to the first ODUflex frame. Figure 9 As shown, active time slot data stream 9030 (i.e., the first active time slot data stream) includes an overhead portion 910 and time slots 920-1, 920-2, 920-3, 920-4, ..., 920-N. Optical network device 110-1 maps active time slot data stream 9030 to ODUflex frame 9050 (i.e., the first ODUflex frame). Optical network device 110-1 transmits the first ODUflex frame 5020 to optical network device 110-2. Thus, optical network device 110-1 transparently transmits active time slot data stream 9030 at a rate.

[0076] In some implementations, the overhead portion 910 may include all of the overhead in the FlexE interface frame. Alternatively, the overhead portion 910 may include a portion of the overhead in the FlexE interface frame. For example, the overhead portion 910 may include overhead associated with data alignment. In other embodiments, the overhead portion 910 may include parameters indicating the active timeslot data stream 9030. The overhead portion 910 may also include parameters indicating how to combine the first active timeslot data stream with the inactive timeslots carrying the service (i.e., the second active timeslot data stream).

[0077] The optical network device 110-1 generates 8030 second effective time slot data streams. Figure 9 As shown, the optical network device 110-1 forms a valid time slot data stream 9040 with the overhead 912 and the invalid FlexE instance 9020 that carries the service. In some implementations, the overhead 912 may include all the overhead in the FlexE interface frame. Alternatively, the overhead 912 may include part of the overhead in the FlexE interface frame. For example, the overhead 912 may include overhead associated with data alignment. In other embodiments, the overhead 912 may include parameters indicating a second valid time slot data stream of a valid time slot data stream. The overhead 912 may also include parameters indicating how to combine the first valid time slot data stream and the invalid time slot that carries the service (i.e., the second valid time slot data stream). In this way, in the generation process of the above-mentioned second valid time slot data stream, the original service is lossless.

[0078] In some embodiments, all invalid FlexE instances are used to carry services. Alternatively, some invalid FlexE instances are used to carry services. For example, in the case of a FlexE interface composed of four 100G PHYs, if the bandwidth of the FlexE interface frame increases from 200G (i.e., the first bandwidth) to 400G (i.e., the second bandwidth), all invalid FlexE instances are used to carry services. Alternatively, if the bandwidth increases from 200G (i.e., the first bandwidth) to 300G (i.e., the second bandwidth), some invalid FlexE instances are used to carry services. In this way, bandwidth can be expanded more flexibly.

[0079] Optical network device 110-1 maps 8035 the second active time slot data stream to the second ODUflex frame. In some embodiments, optical network device 110-1 may add the location of the second active time slot data stream to the overhead portion of the second ODUflex frame. Optical network device 110-1 maps 9040 the active time slot data stream to ODUflex frame 9060 (i.e., the second ODUflex frame). Optical network device 110-1 sends 5040 the second ODUflex frame to optical network device 110-2.

[0080] The optical network device 110-2 obtains 8045 of the first valid time slot data stream from the first ODUflex frame. Figure 10 As shown, the optical network device 110-2 demaps the effective time slot data stream 9030 from the ODUflex 9050. The optical network device 110-2 obtains the second effective time slot data stream 8050 from the second ODUflex frame. Figure 10 As shown, the optical network device 110-2 demaps the effective time slot data stream 9040 from the ODUflex 9060.

[0081] The optical network device 110-2 aligns 8055 the first valid time slot data stream and the second valid time slot data stream. In some embodiments, as described above, the overhead portion 910 may include overhead related to data alignment. Thus, the optical network device 110-2 aligns the valid time slot data stream 9030 and the valid time slot data stream 9040 based on the overhead portion 910. In some embodiments, the optical network device 110-2 may combine the first valid time slot data stream and the second valid time slot data stream based on a portion of the overhead of the first ODUflex frame and a portion of the overhead of the second ODUflex frame, for example, with reference to FIG. Figure 5 The described method will not be repeated here. In other embodiments, as described above, the overhead portion 910 includes parameters indicating the position of the valid time slot data stream 9030 and / or parameters indicating how to combine the first valid time slot data stream and the invalid time slots carrying the service. The overhead portion 912 includes parameters indicating the position of the valid time slot data stream 9030. Thus, the optical network device 110-2 combines the valid time slot data stream 9030 and the valid time slot data stream 9040 based on the corresponding parameters in the overhead portion 910 and the overhead portion 912.

[0082] The optical network device 110-2 maps 8060 the aligned first valid time slot data stream and the second valid time slot data stream to the FlexE interface frame. Figure 10 As shown, the optical network device 110 - 2 combines the valid time slot data stream 9030 and the valid time slot data stream 9040 , and maps the combined valid time slot data stream to the FlexE interface frame.

[0083] Optical network device 110-2 sends 5065 FlexE interface frames to communication node 140. In this way, the number of signals carried by the transmission from communication node 130 to communication node 140 via optical network 101 increases, thereby increasing bandwidth.

[0084] according to Figure 8 In the interaction 800 process shown, while the optical network device 110-1 and the optical network device 110-2 add FlexE instance processing (i.e., the second valid time slot data flow), the data of the original FlexE instance (i.e., the first valid time slot data flow) is still transmitted normally, thereby avoiding the interruption of the original business.

[0085] Figure 11A 1 shows a schematic block diagram of an apparatus 1100 for data processing according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The apparatus 1100 may be implemented as a device or a chip in a device, and the scope of the present disclosure is not limited in this respect. The apparatus 1100 may be implemented as Figure 1 The optical network device 110 or a part of the optical network device 110 shown in FIG. Figure 2 One or more of the tributary board 204 , cross board 206 , line board 205 and programmable service board 207 shown.

[0086] like Figure 11A As shown, the apparatus 1100 includes: a receiving unit 1101 configured to receive a flexible Ethernet FlexE interface frame. For example, the receiving unit 1101 may execute Figure 5 and Figure 7 The apparatus 1100 further includes a first mapping unit 1102 configured to map the first valid time slot data stream to a first flexible optical data unit ODUflex frame. In some embodiments, the first mapping unit 1102 may perform Figure 5 In other embodiments, the first mapping unit 1102 may perform steps 5010 and 5015. Figure 8 The apparatus 1100 further comprises a generating unit 1103 configured to generate a second valid time slot data stream based on the invalid portion. In some embodiments, the generating unit 1103 may perform Figure 5 In some embodiments, the generating unit 1103 may perform steps 5025 and 5030. Figure 8 The apparatus 1100 further includes a second mapping unit 1104 configured to map the generated second data stream to a second ODUflex frame. For example, the second mapping unit 1104 may perform Figure 5 In some embodiments, the second mapping unit 1104 may perform Figure 8 The apparatus 1100 further comprises a method for implementing the reference Figure 3 For example, the apparatus 1100 may include a unit for implementing Figure 5 The apparatus 1100 may also include a unit for implementing the steps performed by the optical network device 110-1. Figure 8 For the purpose of brevity, the steps performed by the optical network device 110 - 1 are not described in detail here.

[0087] Figure 11B 1 shows a schematic block diagram of an apparatus 1110 for data processing according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The apparatus 1110 may be implemented as a device or a chip in a device, and the scope of the present disclosure is not limited in this respect. The apparatus 1110 may be implemented as Figure 1 The optical network device 110 or a part of the optical network device 110 shown in FIG. Figure 2One or more of the tributary board 204 , cross board 206 , line board 205 and programmable service board 207 shown.

[0088] like Figure 11B As shown, the apparatus 1110 includes: a first obtaining unit 1111, configured to obtain a first valid time slot data stream from a received first flexible optical data unit ODUflex frame. In some embodiments, the first obtaining unit 1111 may execute Figure 5 In other embodiments, the first obtaining unit 1111 may execute Figure 8 The apparatus 1110 further includes a second obtaining unit 1112 configured to obtain a second valid time slot data stream from the received second ODUflex frame. In some embodiments, the second obtaining unit 1112 may perform Figure 5 In other embodiments, the second obtaining unit 1112 may perform Figure 8 The apparatus 1110 further includes an alignment unit 1113 configured to align the second valid time slot data stream with the first valid time slot data stream. In some embodiments, the alignment unit 1113 may perform Figure 5 In some embodiments, the alignment unit 1113 may perform Figure 8 The apparatus 1100 further includes a mapping unit 1114 configured to map the aligned first valid time slot data stream and the second valid time slot data stream to the FlexE interface frame. For example, the mapping unit 1114 may perform Figure 5 In some embodiments, the mapping unit 1114 may perform Figure 8 The apparatus 1110 further comprises implementing the reference Figure 4 For example, the apparatus 1110 may include a unit for implementing Figure 5 The device 1110 may also include a unit for implementing the steps performed by the optical network device 110-2. Figure 8 For the purpose of brevity, the steps performed by the optical network device 110 - 2 are not described in detail here.

[0089] Figure 12 is a simplified block diagram of an example device 1200 suitable for implementing embodiments of the present disclosure. The device 1200 may be used to implement Figure 1 The optical network device 110 is shown. As shown, the device 1200 includes one or more processors 1210, one or more memories 1220 coupled to the processors 1210, and a communication module 1240 coupled to the processors 1210.

[0090] The communication module 1240 can be used for two-way communication. The communication module 1240 can have at least one communication interface for communication. The communication interface can include any interface necessary for communicating with other devices.

[0091] Processor 1210 can be any type suitable for the local technology network and can include, but is not limited to, at least one of the following: a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a microcontroller, a digital signal processor (DSP), or one or more of a controller-based multi-core controller architecture. Device 1200 can have multiple processors, such as application-specific integrated circuit chips, which are time-slave to a clock synchronized with a main processor.

[0092] The memory 1220 may include one or more non-volatile memories and one or more volatile memories. Examples of non-volatile memories include, but are not limited to, at least one of the following: read-only memory (ROM) 1224, erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), flash memory, hard disk, compact disc (CD), digital video disc (DVD), or other magnetic and / or optical storage. Examples of volatile memories include, but are not limited to, at least one of the following: random access memory (RAM) 1222, or other volatile memories that do not persist during a power outage.

[0093] Computer program 1230 includes computer executable instructions executed by associated processor 1210. Program 1230 may be stored in ROM 1220. Processor 1210 may perform any suitable actions and processes by loading program 1230 into RAM 1220.

[0094] The embodiment of the present disclosure can be implemented with the help of program 1230, so that the device 1200 can execute the Figures 3 to 10 The embodiments of the present disclosure may also be implemented by hardware or by a combination of software and hardware.

[0095] In some embodiments, the program 1230 may be tangibly embodied in a computer-readable medium that may be included in the device 1200 (such as in the memory 1220) or other storage device accessible by the device 1200. The program 11230 may be loaded from the computer-readable medium into the RAM 1222 for execution. The computer-readable medium may include any type of tangible, non-volatile memory, such as ROM, EPROM, flash memory, hard disk, CD, DVD, etc.

[0096] In general, various embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented in hardware or dedicated circuitry, software, logic, or any combination thereof. Some aspects may be implemented in hardware, while other aspects may be implemented in firmware or software, which may be executed by a controller, microprocessor, or other computing device. Although various aspects of the embodiments of the present disclosure are shown and described as block diagrams, flow charts, or using some other pictorial representation, it should be understood that the blocks, devices, systems, techniques, or methods described herein may be implemented as, by way of non-limiting example, hardware, software, firmware, dedicated circuitry or logic, general-purpose hardware or a controller or other computing device, or some combination thereof.

[0097] The present disclosure also provides at least one computer program product tangibly stored on a non-transitory computer readable storage medium. The computer program product includes computer executable instructions, such as instructions included in program modules, which are executed in a device on a real or virtual processor of a target to perform the above-referenced Figures 3 to 10 Generally, program modules include routines, programs, libraries, objects, classes, components, data structures, etc. that perform specific tasks or implement specific abstract data types. In various embodiments, the functionality of program modules can be combined or divided between program modules as needed. Machine-executable instructions for program modules can be executed on local or distributed devices. In distributed devices, program modules can be located in local and remote storage media.

[0098] The computer program code for implementing the disclosed method can be written in one or more programming languages. These computer program codes can be provided to the processor of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer or other programmable data processing device so that the program code, when executed by the computer or other programmable data processing device, causes the functions / operations specified in the flow chart and / or block diagram to be implemented. The program code can be executed entirely on a computer, partially on a computer, as an independent software package, partially on a computer and partially on a remote computer or entirely on a remote computer or server.

[0099] In the context of the present disclosure, computer program code or related data may be carried by any suitable carrier to enable a device, apparatus, or processor to perform the various processes and operations described above. Examples of carriers include signals, computer-readable media, and the like. Examples of signals may include electrical, optical, radio, acoustic, or other forms of propagated signals, such as carrier waves, infrared signals, and the like.

[0100] A computer-readable medium may be any tangible medium that contains or stores a program for or related to an instruction execution system, device, or apparatus. A computer-readable medium may be a computer-readable signal medium or a computer-readable storage medium. A computer-readable medium may include, but is not limited to, electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor systems, devices, or equipment, or any suitable combination thereof. In addition, although the operations of the method of the present disclosure are described in a particular order in the accompanying drawings, this does not require or imply that these operations must be performed in that particular order, or that all of the operations shown must be performed to achieve the desired result. On the contrary, the steps depicted in the flowchart may be executed in a different order. Additionally or alternatively, certain steps may be omitted, multiple steps may be combined into one step, and / or one step may be decomposed into multiple steps. It should also be noted that the features and functions of two or more devices according to the present disclosure may be embodied in one device. Conversely, the features and functions of a device described above may be further divided into multiple devices for embodiment.

[0101] Various implementations of the present disclosure have been described above. The above descriptions are exemplary, non-exhaustive, and not limited to the disclosed implementations. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the described implementations. The terminology used herein is selected to explain the principles of each implementation, its practical application, or the improvement of a technology in the market, or to enable other persons skilled in the art to understand the various implementations disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A data processing method in an optical network, characterized in that: The method comprises: The optical network device receives a Flexible Ethernet FlexE interface frame, where the FlexE interface frame includes a first valid timeslot data stream and an invalid portion; The optical network device maps the first valid time slot data stream to a first flexible optical data unit ODUflex frame; The optical network device generates a second valid time slot data stream based on the invalid portion; and The optical network device maps the generated second effective time slot data stream to a second ODUflex frame.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The invalid part is an invalid time slot, wherein the second valid time slot data flow includes: part of the overhead of the FlexE interface frame and a second valid time slot, and the second valid time slot is a part of the invalid time slot used to carry services.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that The second valid time slot is a partial time slot in the invalid time slot.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein The invalid part is an invalid FlexE instance, wherein the second valid timeslot data flow includes: a valid FlexE instance of the FlexE interface frame, and the valid FlexE instance is a part of the invalid FlexE instance used to carry services.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that The valid FlexE instances are some of the invalid FlexE instances.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that Part of the overhead of the first ODUflex frame indicates the position of the first effective time slot data stream, and part of the overhead of the second ODUflex frame indicates the position of the second effective time slot data stream.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that Also includes: The optical network device determines that the bandwidth of the FlexE interface frame increases from a first bandwidth to a second bandwidth; as well as In response to the bandwidth being increased from the first bandwidth to the second bandwidth, the optical network device generates the second effective time slot data stream.

8. A data processing method in an optical network, characterized in that: The method comprises: The optical network device obtains a first valid timeslot data stream from the received first flexible optical data unit ODUflex frame; The optical network device obtains a second valid timeslot data stream from the received second ODUflex frame; The optical network device aligns the second effective time slot data flow with the first effective time slot data flow; and The optical network device maps the aligned first valid time slot data stream and the second valid time slot data stream to a flexible Ethernet FlexE interface frame, The first valid time slot data stream is generated based on a valid portion of the FlexE interface frame, and the second valid time slot data stream is generated based on an invalid portion of the FlexE interface frame.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that The optical network device aligning the second effective time slot data stream with the first effective time slot data stream includes: The optical network device receives the first ODU f The lex frame obtains the FlexE overhead of the first valid timeslot data flow; The optical network device receives the second ODU f lex frame to obtain the FlexE overhead of the second valid timeslot data flow; and The optical network device aligns the second effective time slot data flow with the first effective time slot data flow based on the FlexE overhead of the first effective time slot data flow and the FlexE overhead of the second effective time slot data flow.

10. The method according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that The method comprises: The optical network device deletes the FlexE overhead of the second valid timeslot data flow in the second ODUflex frame.

11. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that Also includes: The optical network device determines the position of the first valid timeslot data flow based on a portion of the overhead of the first ODUflex frame; The optical network device determines the position of the second effective timeslot data flow based on a portion of the overhead of the second ODUflex frame; as well as The optical network device combines the aligned first active time slot data stream and the second active time slot data stream based on a portion of the overhead of the first ODUflex frame and a portion of the overhead of the second ODUflex frame.

12. A device for data processing, said device being applied to an optical network device, characterized in that: include: A processor, configured to execute the method according to any one of claims 1 to 7 or the method according to any one of claims 8 to 11; as well as The interface is used to interact with the processor to send and receive data frames sent and received by the processor.

13. An optical network device, characterized in that: include: Device for performing the method according to any one of claims 1 to 7; as well as The optical transceiver is used to connect to the interface to interact with the interface to realize the transmission and reception of data frames processed by the device.

14. An optical network device, characterized in that: include: Device for performing the method according to any one of claims 8 to 11; as well as The optical transceiver is used to connect to the interface to interact with the interface to realize the transmission and reception of data frames processed by the device.

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