Signal Transmission Method, Apparatus, and Data Center Backbone Network System

Abstract

The embodiments of the present application provide a signal transmission method, apparatus, and data center backbone network system for more flexible transmission of data in the data center. The signal transmission apparatus includes a first optical module, an Ethernet module, and a second optical module; one end of the first optical module is connected to the network port device of the data center, and the other end is connected to one end of the Ethernet module. An optical signal is transmitted between the first optical module and the network port device, an electrical signal is transmitted with the Ethernet module, and conversion is performed between the electrical signal and the optical signal; the other end of the Ethernet module is connected to one end of the second optical module, and an electrical signal is transmitted between the Ethernet module and the second optical module; the transmission mode of the Ethernet module is related to the connection manner between the first optical module and the second optical module, supports connections of multiple ports and modes, and more flexibly transmits data in the data center.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of computer technologies, and particularly to a signal transmission device, a signal transmission method, and a data center backbone network system. Background Art

[0002] In a Data Center Interconnection (DCI) scenario, data can be transmitted over long distances between data centers in multiple ways. Among them, within a data center, data can be transmitted in the form of electrical signals, and when transmitting over long distances between data centers, data can be transmitted in the form of optical signals.

[0003] When data is transmitted over long distances between data centers, at the data center acting as the sending end, usually its switch can send an optical signal to a first optical module. Since the optical signal transmitted by the switch is not suitable for long-distance transmission, the first optical module will convert the optical signal into an electrical signal and then transmit it to a second optical module, which will convert the electrical signal into a colored optical signal suitable for long-distance transmission. The processing at the data center acting as the receiving end is the opposite of the above process.

[0004] However, in the above process, direct transmission between the first optical module and the second optical module leads to inflexible signal transmission and can only be connected based on a fixed method. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Embodiments of this application provide a signal transmission device to more flexibly transmit data in a data center.

[0006] Correspondingly, embodiments of this application also provide a data center backbone network system and a signal transmission method to ensure the implementation and application of the above device.

[0007] To solve the above problems, embodiments of this application disclose a signal transmission device, which includes: a first optical module, an Ethernet module, and a second optical module; one end of the first optical module is connected to a network port device of a data center, and the other end is connected to one end of the Ethernet module. The first optical module transmits an optical signal between the network port device and transmits an electrical signal to the Ethernet module, and converts between the electrical signal and the optical signal; the other end of the Ethernet module is connected to one end of the second optical module, and the Ethernet module transmits an electrical signal to the second optical module; the transmission mode of the Ethernet module is related to the connection method between the first optical module and the second optical module, and the connection method is determined according to the transmission mode of the electrical signal; the second optical module maps between the electrical signal and the optical signal.

[0008] Optionally, the port of the Ethernet module matches the port of the optical module it is connected to.

[0009] Optionally, the encapsulation mode of the port of the Ethernet module matches the encapsulation mode of the port of the optical module it is connected to.

[0010] Optionally, the transmission mode adopted by the Ethernet module is determined according to the number of optical modules connected to the ports at both ends of the Ethernet module and the encapsulation modes of the two ports.

[0011] Optionally, the Ethernet module includes at least one of the following transmission modes: variable speed mode, retiming mode, multiplexing mode, and crossbar mode.

[0012] Optionally, one end of the Ethernet module is connected to two first optical modules, and the other end is connected to a second optical module; the second optical module is connected to two Ethernet modules; the Ethernet module adopts a variable speed mode to transmit electrical signals at a first rate to the first optical module and transmit electrical signals at a second rate to the second optical module, and converts the electrical signals between the first rate and the second rate.

[0013] Optionally, one end of the Ethernet module is connected to two first optical modules, and the other end is connected to two second optical modules; the second optical module is connected to two Ethernet modules; the Ethernet module adopts multiplexing mode and variable speed mode to transmit electrical signals at a first rate to the first optical module and transmit electrical signals at a second rate to the second optical module, converts the electrical signals between the first rate and the second rate, and performs multiplexing processing on the electrical signals.

[0014] Optionally, one end of the Ethernet module is connected to two first optical modules, and the other end is connected to two second optical modules; the Ethernet module adopts a retiming mode to transmit electrical signals at a specified rate between the first optical module and the second optical module.

[0015] Optionally, one end of the Ethernet module is connected to a first optical module, and the other end is connected to two second optical modules; the second optical module is connected to two Ethernet modules; the Ethernet module adopts a multiplexing mode to transmit electrical signals at a specified speed between the first optical module and the second optical module, and performs multiplexing processing on the electrical signals.

[0016] Optionally, it further includes: the Ethernet module is connected to two second optical modules; the Ethernet module is in a crossbar mode to transmit electrical signals between the two connected second optical modules to achieve electrical signal relay.

[0017] The embodiments of the present application also disclose a data center backbone network system, which includes: a first data center, a first signal transmission device connected to the first data center, a second data center, and a second signal transmission device connected to the second data center;

[0018] The first signal transmission device and the second signal transmission device are connected through a fiber optic device;

[0019] The first signal transmission device and the second signal transmission device adopt the signal transmission device described in the embodiments of the present application.

[0020] Optionally, the system further includes: a third signal transmission device as a relay device; the third signal transmission device includes an Ethernet module and a second optical module, and the Ethernet module is connected to two second optical modules; the Ethernet module is in a cross-switch mode and transmits electrical signals between the two connected second optical modules to achieve signal relay.

[0021] The embodiments of the present application also disclose a signal transmission method applied to a data center backbone network system. The method includes: a first network port device of a first data center sends a first optical signal to a first optical module of a first signal transmission device; the first optical module of the first signal transmission device converts the first optical signal to obtain a first electrical signal and sends the first electrical signal to an Ethernet chip of the first signal transmission device; the Ethernet chip of the first signal transmission device processes the first electrical signal according to a transmission mode to obtain a second electrical signal, and sends the second electrical signal to a second optical module of the first signal transmission device; the second optical module of the first signal transmission device maps the second electrical signal to obtain a second optical signal and transmits the second optical signal to a fiber optic device; the fiber optic device sends the second optical signal to a second optical module of a second signal transmission device; the second optical module of the second signal transmission device converts the second optical signal to obtain a third electrical signal and sends the third electrical signal to an Ethernet chip of the second signal transmission device; the Ethernet chip of the second signal transmission device processes the third electrical signal according to the transmission mode to obtain a fourth electrical signal and sends the fourth electrical signal to a first optical module of the second signal transmission device; the first optical module of the second signal transmission device converts the fourth electrical signal to obtain a third optical signal and sends the third optical signal to a second network port device of a second data center.

[0022] Optionally, the optical fiber device sends the second optical signal to the second optical module of the third signal transmission device, and the transmission mode of the third signal transmission device is the relay mode; the second optical module of the third signal transmission device sends the second optical signal to the Ethernet module of the third signal transmission device; the Ethernet module of the third signal transmission device transmits the second optical signal to another second optical module of the third signal transmission device based on the relay mode; another second optical module of the third signal transmission device transmits the second optical signal to the next optical fiber device.

[0023] Compared with the prior art, the embodiments of the present application have the following advantages:

[0024] In the embodiments of the present application, one end of the first optical module is connected to the network port device of the data center, and the other end is connected to one end of the Ethernet module. The first optical module converts between electrical signals and optical signals. Therefore, optical signals are transmitted between the first optical module and the network port device, and electrical signals are transmitted to the Ethernet module. The other end of the Ethernet module is connected to one end of the second optical module, and electrical signals are transmitted between the Ethernet module and the second optical module. The second optical module maps between electrical signals and optical signals. An Ethernet module is added between the first optical module and the second optical module. The transmission mode of the Ethernet module is related to the connection method between the first optical module and the second optical module. Thus, based on the electrical signal transmission method required by the ports of the first optical module and the second optical module, the transmission mode of the Ethernet can be adjusted, enabling flexible connection between the first optical module and the second optical module, supporting connections of multiple ports and modes, and more flexible transmission of data in the data center. Description of the Drawings

[0025] Figure 1 is a structural block diagram of a data center backbone network system according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0026] Figure 2 is a structural block diagram of an example of a variable speed mode in an embodiment of a signal transmission device of the present application;

[0027] Figure 3 is a structural block diagram of an example of a multiplexing mode and a variable speed mode in an embodiment of a signal transmission device of the present application;

[0028] Figure 4A is a structural block diagram of an example of a retiming mode in an embodiment of a signal transmission device of the present application;

[0029] Figure 4B is a structural block diagram of another example of a retiming mode in an embodiment of a signal transmission device of the present application;

[0030] Figure 5It is a structural block diagram of a multiplexing mode example in an embodiment of a signal transmission device of the present application;

[0031] Figure 6 It is a structural block diagram of a cross - switch mode example in an embodiment of a signal transmission device of the present application;

[0032] Figure 7 It is an interaction schematic diagram of an embodiment of a signal transmission method in a data center backbone network system of the present application;

[0033] Figure 8 It is a structural schematic diagram of a device provided in an embodiment of the present application. Detailed implementation manners

[0034] To make the above - mentioned objects, features, and advantages of the present application more obvious and understandable, the present application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific implementation manners.

[0035] The embodiments of the present application can be applied to the Data Center Interconnection (DCI) scenario, which can also be referred to as the backbone network for inter - data - center connection. In the DCI scenario, data can be transmitted over long distances between data centers in various ways. Among them, within a data center, data can be transmitted in the form of electrical signals, and when transmitting over long distances between data centers, data can be transmitted in the form of optical signals. Among them, long - distance transmission can be understood as the transmission of optical signals with a transmission distance exceeding a distance threshold, such as a distance of more than 20 kilometers.

[0036] In the embodiments of the present application, an Ethernet module can be added between the first optical module and the second optical module, so as to more flexibly transmit electrical signals, adapt to various scenarios, and can have various connection methods. The Ethernet module may include an Ethernet chip. The Ethernet chip may adopt an Ethernet PAM4 PHY (Physical) chip, supporting multiple working modes such as 25G / 50G variable speed and retiming. Among them, PAM is Pulse Amplitude Modulation.

[0037] Refer to Figure 1 , which shows a structural schematic diagram of a data center backbone network system according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0038] The data center backbone network system (DCI system) includes: data center 10, data center 20, signal transmission device 30, and signal transmission device 40. Among them, data center 10 includes a first network port device 101. Data center 20 includes a second network port device 201. Data center 10 and data center 20 may also include other devices, such as database devices, servers, etc., which are not shown in the figure and should not be construed as a limitation on the data center. Among them, the network port device is a port device of the data center and can be devices such as routers and switches.

[0039] Signal transmission device 30 includes: a first optical module 301, an Ethernet module 302, and a second optical module 303. Signal transmission device 40 includes: a first optical module 401, an Ethernet module 402, and a second optical module 403. Between signal transmission device 30 and signal transmission device 40, there may also be included optical fiber devices, such as optical multiplexing units, optical layer transmission units, etc., which are not shown in the figure and should not be construed as a limitation on the DCI data transmission system.

[0040] Among them, when the optical module is used as a transmitting end, the optical module can convert an electrical signal into an optical signal; when used as a receiving end, the optical module can convert an optical signal into an electrical signal. The optical modules in the embodiments of the present application include a first optical module and a second optical module. The first optical module is an optical module of the client and is connected to a network port device such as an interactive machine for optical signal transmission and conversion. The second optical module is an optical module at the line end for long-distance transmission and is connected to long-distance transmission devices such as optical multiplexing units and optical layer transmission units for colored optical signal transmission and conversion in long-distance transmission. In one example, the second optical module can map the received Ethernet stream (electrical signal) into an optical transport network (OTN) frame structure container or a ZR frame structure and convert it into a colored optical signal. Among them, the ZR frame structure refers to the frame structure for long-distance transmission, and its transmission distance can reach 80 KM.

[0041] In the embodiments of the present application, an Ethernet module is added between the first optical module and the second optical module. This Ethernet module is used for the transmission, conversion, etc. of electrical signals, so as to be applicable to the connection of various types of first optical modules and second optical modules.

[0042] One end of the first optical module is connected to the network port device of the data center, and the other end is connected to one end of the Ethernet module. The other end of the Ethernet module is connected to one end of the second optical module. An optical signal is transmitted between the first optical module and the network port device, an electrical signal is transmitted between the first optical module and the Ethernet module, and conversion is performed between the electrical signal and the optical signal. An electrical signal is transmitted between the Ethernet module and the second optical module. The transmission mode of the Ethernet module is related to the connection manner between the first optical module and the second optical module. The connection manner is determined according to the transmission manner of the electrical signal, and this transmission manner is related to the packaging manners of the first optical module and the second optical module. The second optical module performs mapping between the electrical signal and the optical signal.

[0043] Wherein, the ports of the Ethernet module match the ports of the optical modules connected thereto, that is, the packaging manners of the ports match. The transmission mode adopted by the Ethernet module can be determined according to the number of optical modules connected to the two ports of the Ethernet module and the packaging manners of the two ports, so as to realize the conversion and transmission of electrical signals between the two optical modules.

[0044] Wherein, the transmission modes of the Ethernet module include a retimer mode, a Gearbox mode, a MUX mode, and / or a crossbar mode. Among them, the retimer mode is used to recover the time of the optical signal, and the Gearbox mode is used to adjust the rate of the optical signal. Among them, the rate of data transmission is the bit rate or the baud rate. The MUX mode is used to perform processing such as multiplexing and demultiplexing on the optical signal, and multiplexing processing can be performed at a certain ratio. For example, in the case of 2:1, one optical signal can be multiplexed into two optical signals, or two optical signals can be demultiplexed into one optical signal. The crossbar mode can also be called a relay mode and is used to relay between two second optical modules, thereby reducing data loss. In the embodiments of the present application, the transmission modes can be used alone or in combination, and can be specifically configured according to requirements.

[0045] Referring to Figure 2 , a structural block diagram of an example of the Gearbox mode in an embodiment of a signal transmission device of the present application is shown.

[0046] In a scenario based on the Gearbox mode: the transmission rate of the electrical signal received by the input port of the Ethernet module is different from the transmission rate of the electrical signal output by the output port of the Ethernet module, that is, conversion of electrical signals with different rates is realized through the Ethernet module.

[0047] The first rate of the first optical module and the second rate of the second optical module can be determined, the transmission mode of the Ethernet module can be determined according to the first rate and the second rate, and the connection manner between the first optical module and the second optical module can be determined.

[0048] In an alternative embodiment, the Ethernet module operates in a variable-speed mode. One end of each of two first optical modules is connected to one end of an Ethernet module, and the other ends of the two Ethernet modules are respectively connected to a second optical module. That is, one end of the Ethernet module is connected to two first optical modules, and the other end is connected to two second optical modules; each second optical module is connected to two Ethernet modules. The Ethernet module transmits electrical signals at a first rate to the first optical module and at a second rate to the second optical module, and converts the electrical signals between the first rate and the second rate.

[0049] In an example of a signal transmission device, assume that the first optical module is a 100GE (100 Gigabit Ethernet) optical module, and its port is QSFP (Quad Small Form-factor Pluggable) packaged. Among them, QSFP28 means that the per-channel rate is 28 Gb / s and is used for 100G Ethernet optical modules; QSFP56 means that the per-channel rate is 56 Gb / s and is used for 200G Ethernet optical modules. Here, bit / s is bits per second, and G refers to gigabit. As Figure 2 shown, the port of the first optical module is a QSFP28 port. Among them, the QSFP56 port is downward compatible with the QSFP28 port.

[0050] The Ethernet module is in Gearbox mode, that is, one end has a 25G NRZ (Non-Return-to-Zero) port, and the other end has a 50G PAM4 port.

[0051] The total output of each first optical module is 100G, and the Ethernet module is configured in Gearbox mode. As Figure 2 in the example, after passing through Gearbox, it becomes a 4x25G parallel converter (serdes) respectively, which is used to drive the 100G data communication optical module of QSFP28. That is, every two first optical modules are connected to an Ethernet module, as Figure 2 the lines in it are A1.1, A1.2, A1.3, and A1.4 respectively.

[0052] The second optical module can be a DCO (Digital coherent optics) module with a 400G CFP2 (Centum Form-factor Pluggable 2) package. The port at one end can be a 50G PAM4 port, and the port at the other end is a 400G coherent colored light port. The second optical module is configured to map 4×100GE to a 1×400G line mode. Every 2 out of 8 50G parallel converters (serdes) form 1 100GE, and there are 4 groups of 100GE, namely A1.1, A1.2, A1.3, and A1.4 as shown in the figure.

[0053] Taking the second optical module configured to map 4×100GE to a 1×400G line mode in the above embodiment as an example, in actual processing, the connection method can be adjusted based on the rate of the port. For another example, the second optical module can be an 800G CFP2 DCO optical module. The port at one end can be a 100G PAM4 port, and the port at the other end is an 800G coherent colored light port. The second optical module is configured to map 4×200GE to a 1×800G line mode. Every 2 out of 8 100G parallel converters (serdes) form 1 200GE, and there are 4 groups of 200GE. The corresponding first optical module can be a 200G optical module of QSFP56 / 112.

[0054] Taking the signal transmission device as the sending end as an example: The first optical module receives an optical signal from the port device of the data center, converts the optical signal into an electrical signal at the first rate, and then sends the electrical signal at the first rate to the port of the Ethernet module. The port of the Ethernet module converts the received electrical signal at the first rate into an electrical signal at the second rate, and then sends the electrical signal at the second rate to the corresponding second optical module. The second optical module maps the electrical signal at the second rate into an OTN frame structure container or a ZR frame structure, and then converts it into a colored light signal, which is sent to the fiber optic device through the port for long-distance transmission.

[0055] Taking the signal transmission device as the receiving end as an example, the process is opposite to the above: The second optical module receives the colored light signal, converts the colored light signal into a normal optical signal, puts it into an OTN frame structure container or a ZR frame structure, and then maps the optical signal in the OTN frame structure container or the ZR frame structure into an electrical signal at the second rate, and sends the electrical signal at the second rate to the Ethernet module. The Ethernet module converts the electrical signal at the second rate into an electrical signal at the first rate, and sends it to the first optical module through the port. The first optical module converts the electrical signal at the first rate into an optical signal, and sends the optical signal to the port device of the data center, thereby transmitting the data signal to the data center.

[0056] Refer toFigure 3 , showing a structural block diagram of an example of a multiplexing mode and a variable speed mode in an embodiment of a signal transmission device according to the present application.

[0057] In a scenario based on the MUX (Multiplexing) + Gearbox mode: The transmission rates of the electrical signals at the two ends of the Ethernet module are different, that is, the transmission rate of the electrical signal received at the input port is different from the transmission rate of the electrical signal output at the output port. That is, the Ethernet module realizes the conversion of different rates of electrical signals, and can multiplex the electrical signals into 2 paths, or demultiplex 2 paths of electrical signals into 1 path, etc., and transmit them between different second optical modules to achieve the main - standby multiplexing method. When the primary line deteriorates, the Ethernet module is quickly notified through the hardware pin to switch and use the standby line to ensure the normal transmission of data.

[0058] The Ethernet module adopts the multiplexing and variable speed mode. Therefore, one end of the Ethernet module is connected to two first optical modules, and the other end is connected to two second optical modules. Each second optical module is connected to two Ethernet modules. The Ethernet module transmits electrical signals at a first rate to the first optical module and transmits electrical signals at a second rate to the second optical module, converts the electrical signals between the first rate and the second rate, and performs multiplexing processing on the electrical signals. The multiplexing processing includes signal multiplexing and / or signal demultiplexing, such as multiplexing one path of electrical signals into two paths of electrical signals, or demultiplexing two paths of electrical signals into one path of electrical signals.

[0059] In an example of a signal transmission device, assume that the first optical module is a 100GE optical module, and its port is a QSFP28 port or a QSFP56 port. As Figure 3 In the example shown, the first optical module is a QSFP28 port. The Ethernet module is in the MUX + Gearbox mode, that is, the port at one end is a 25G NRZ port, and the port at the other end is a 50G PAM4 port. The total output of each first optical module is 100G, and the Ethernet module is configured in a 2:1 MUX + Gearbox mode. As Figure 2 In the example, after passing through the Gearbox, it becomes 4x25G serdes respectively, which is used to drive the 100G data communication optical module of QSFP28, and based on the 2:1 MUX, the electrical signals are multiplexed into 2 paths. That is, one end of the Ethernet module is connected to two first optical modules, and the other end is connected to two second optical modules. As Figure 3 In it, the 25G NRZ of B1.1 and B1.2 is input to an Ethernet module, converted to 50G PAM4 through the Gearbox mode, and based on the 2:1 MUX mode, signal multiplexing or demultiplexing is realized, that is, B1.1 and B1.2 can correspond to one path as B1.1B1.2 and the other path as B2.1B2.2.

[0060] The second optical module can be a 400G CFP2-packaged DCO optical module. The port at one end can be a 50G PAM4 port, and the port at the other end is a 400G coherent color optical port. The second optical module is configured with a 4×100GE mapping to a 1×400G line mode. Every 2 out of 8 50G serdes form 1 100GE, and there are 4 groups of 100GE. Each Ethernet module is connected to two second optical modules, so that one path can be transmitted as the main line to one second optical module, and the other path can be transmitted as the standby line to another second optical module. As in Figure 3 the example of Figure 3 , B1.1, B1.2, B1.3, and B1.4 are transmitted between the two Ethernet modules and the second optical module on the main line, and B2.1, B2.2, B2.3, and B2.4 are transmitted between the two Ethernet modules and the second optical module on the standby line.

[0061] In the above embodiment, the second optical module is configured with a 4×100GE mapping to a 1×400G line mode as an example. In actual processing, the connection method can be adjusted based on the rate of the port.

[0062] Taking the signal transmission device as the sending end as an example: The first optical module receives an optical signal from the port device in the data center, converts the optical signal into an electrical signal at the first rate, and then sends the electrical signal at the first rate to the port of the Ethernet module. The port of the Ethernet module converts the received electrical signal at the first rate into an electrical signal at the second rate, and multiplexes the electrical signal at the second rate into 2 electrical signals at the second rate. One electrical signal at the second rate is used as the signal of the main line and sent to the second optical module corresponding to the main line. The other electrical signal at the second rate is used as the signal of the standby line and sent to the second optical module corresponding to the standby line. By default, the second optical module on the main line maps the electrical signal at the second rate into an OTN frame structure container or a ZR frame structure, and then converts it into a color optical signal, which is sent to the optical fiber device through the port for long-distance transmission. When there is a problem with the main line, such as line aging, damage, etc., the transmission of the main line can be cut off and adjusted to the standby line. Thus, the second optical module on the standby line maps the electrical signal at the second rate into an OTN frame structure container or a ZR frame structure, and then converts it into a color optical signal, which is sent to the optical fiber device through the port for long-distance transmission.

[0063] Taking the signal transmission device as the receiving end as an example, the process is opposite to the above: The second optical module receives the colored optical signal, converts the colored optical signal into a common optical signal, and puts it into the OTN frame structure container or the ZR frame structure. Then, the optical signal in the OTN frame structure container or the ZR frame structure is mapped into an electrical signal of the second rate, and the electrical signal of the second rate is sent to the Ethernet module. The Ethernet module converts the electrical signal of the second rate into an electrical signal of the first rate and sends it to the first optical module through the port. The first optical module converts the electrical signal of the first rate into an optical signal and sends the optical signal to the port device of the data center, thereby transmitting the signal of the data to the data center. Among them, the second optical module includes the second optical module of the main line and the second optical module of the standby line. Usually, the second optical module of one line is used for transmission. When the second optical modules of multiple lines all send electrical signals to the Ethernet module, the Ethernet module can demultiplex the multiple electrical signals into one electrical signal and then perform rate conversion before transmitting it to the first optical module.

[0064] Referring to Figure 4A , a structural block diagram of an example of a retiming mode in the signal transmission device embodiment of the present application is shown.

[0065] Referring to Figure 4B , a structural block diagram of another example of a retiming mode in the signal transmission device embodiment of the present application is shown.

[0066] In a scenario based on the retiming mode, the transmission rates of the electrical signals at both ends of the Ethernet module are the same, that is, the transmission rate of the electrical signal received by the input port is the same as the transmission rate of the electrical signal output by the output port. Therefore, the electrical signal can be restored and relabeled based on the Ethernet module.

[0067] One end of the Ethernet module is connected to two first optical modules, and the other end is connected to two second optical modules; the Ethernet module adopts the retiming mode to transmit electrical signals at a specified rate between the first optical module and the second optical module.

[0068] In an example of a signal transmission device, assume that the first optical module is a 100GE optical module, and its port is a QSFP28 port or a QSFP56 port. As Figure 3 shown in the example, the first optical module is a QSFP28 port. The Ethernet module is in the retimer mode, and the ports at both ends adopt corresponding forms, such as both being 25G NRZ ports (as Figure 4A ), or both being 50G PAM4 ports (as Figure 4B ).

[0069] The second optical module can be a DCO optical module encapsulated in CFP2, such as a 200G CFP2-encapsulated DCO optical module or a 400G CFP2-encapsulated DCO optical module, etc.

[0070] Taking the DCO optical module encapsulated in 200G CFP2 as an example, it can be configured in the mode of mapping 2x100GE to 1 200G line. Among the 8 25G serdes, every 4 25G serdes form 1 100GE, and there are 2 groups of 100GE. The corresponding port of the Ethernet module is a 25G NRZ port.

[0071] Taking the DCO optical module encapsulated in 400G CFP2 as an example, it can be configured in the mode of mapping 2x200GE to 1 400G line. Among the 8 50G serdes, every 4 50G serdes form 1 200GE, and there are 2 groups of 200GE. The corresponding port of the Ethernet module is a 50G NRZ port.

[0072] It can be seen that in the retimer mode, the port of the Ethernet module can be determined based on the ports of the first optical module and the second optical module.

[0073] Taking the signal transmission device as the sending end as an example: The first optical module receives an optical signal from the port device of the data center, converts the optical signal into an electrical signal at a specified rate, and then sends the electrical signal at the specified rate to the port of the Ethernet module. After re-timing the received electrical signal at the specified rate, the port of the Ethernet module sends the electrical signal at the specified rate to the corresponding second optical module. The second optical module maps the electrical signal at the specified rate into an OTN frame structure container or a ZR frame structure, and then converts it into a colored optical signal, which is sent to the fiber device through the port for long-distance transmission.

[0074] Taking the signal transmission device as the receiving end as an example, the process is opposite to the above: The second optical module receives the colored optical signal, converts the colored optical signal into a common optical signal, puts it into an OTN frame structure container or a ZR frame structure, and then maps the optical signal in the OTN frame structure container or the ZR frame structure into an electrical signal at a specified rate, and sends the electrical signal at the specified rate to the Ethernet module. After re-timing the received electrical signal at the specified rate, the Ethernet module sends the electrical signal at the specified rate to the first optical module through the port. The first optical module converts the electrical signal at the specified rate into an optical signal and sends the optical signal to the port device of the data center, thereby transmitting the data signal to the data center.

[0075] Referring to Figure 5 , a structural block diagram of an example of a multiplexing mode in an embodiment of a signal transmission device according to the present application is shown.

[0076] In a scenario of a multiplexing mode, the transmission rate of the electrical signal received by the input port of the Ethernet module is the same as the transmission rate of the electrical signal output by the output port, so as to perform processing such as multiplexing and demultiplexing of the electrical signal based on the multiplexing mode.

[0077] One end of the Ethernet module is connected to a first optical module, and the other end is connected to two second optical modules; the second optical module is connected to two Ethernet modules; the Ethernet module adopts a multiplexing mode to transmit electrical signals at a specified speed between the first optical module and the second optical module and performs multiplexing processing of the electrical signals. The multiplexing processing includes signal multiplexing and / or signal demultiplexing, such as multiplexing one electrical signal into two electrical signals or demultiplexing two electrical signals into one electrical signal.

[0078] In an example of a signal transmission device, assume that the first optical module is a 100GE optical module, and its port is a QSFP28 port or a QSFP56 port. As Figure 3 In the example shown, the first optical module is a QSFP28 port. The Ethernet module is in retimer mode, and the ports at both ends adopt corresponding forms, such as both being 50G PAM4 ports (as Figure 5 ). They can also both be 25G NRZ ports, and the corresponding second optical module is 200G.

[0079] The second optical module can be a DCO optical module encapsulated in CFP2, such as a 200G CFP2-encapsulated DCO optical module or a 400G CFP2-encapsulated DCO optical module, etc.

[0080] As Figure 5 In the example of, taking a 400G CFP2-encapsulated DCO optical module as an example, it can be configured in a mode where 2x200GE is mapped to 1 400G line. Among 8 50G serdes, every 4 50G serdes form 1 200GE, and there are 2 groups of 200GE. The port corresponding to the Ethernet module is a 50G NRZ port.

[0081] Taking a 200G CFP2-encapsulated DCO optical module as an example, it can be configured in a mode where 2x100GE is mapped to 1 200G line. Among 8 25G serdes, every 4 25G serdes form 1 100GE, and there are 2 groups of 100GE. The port corresponding to the Ethernet module is a 25G NRZ port.

[0082] Taking the signal transmission device as the transmitting end as an example: The first optical module receives an optical signal from the port device in the data center, converts the optical signal into an electrical signal at a specified rate, and then sends the electrical signal at the specified rate to the port of the Ethernet module. The port of the Ethernet module multiplexes the received electrical signal at the specified rate into two electrical signals at a second rate. One electrical signal at the specified rate is used as the signal of the main line and is sent to the second optical module corresponding to the main line. The other electrical signal at the specified rate is used as the signal of the backup line and is sent to the second optical module corresponding to the backup line. By default, the second optical module on the main line maps the electrical signal at the specified rate into an OTN frame structure container or a ZR frame structure, and then converts it into a colored optical signal, which is sent to the fiber optic device through the port for long-distance transmission. When a problem occurs in the main line, such as line aging, damage, etc., the transmission of the main line can be cut off and switched to the backup line. Thus, the second optical module on the backup line maps the electrical signal at the specified rate into an OTN frame structure container or a ZR frame structure, and then converts it into a colored optical signal, which is sent to the fiber optic device through the port for long-distance transmission.

[0083] Taking the signal transmission device as the receiving end as an example, the process is opposite to the above: The second optical module receives the colored optical signal, converts the colored optical signal into a normal optical signal, puts it into an OTN frame structure container or a ZR frame structure, and then maps the optical signal in the OTN frame structure container or ZR frame structure into an electrical signal at a specified rate, and sends the electrical signal at the specified rate to the Ethernet module. The Ethernet module sends the electrical signal at the specified rate to the first optical module through the port. The first optical module converts the electrical signal at the specified rate into an optical signal and sends the optical signal to the port device in the data center, thereby transmitting the signal of the data to the data center. Among them, the second optical module includes the second optical module on the main line and the second optical module on the backup line. Usually, the second optical module on one line is used for transmission. When the second optical modules on multiple lines all send electrical signals to the Ethernet module, the Ethernet module can demultiplex the multiple electrical signals into one electrical signal and then transmit it to the first optical module.

[0084] Referring to Figure 6 , a structural block diagram of an example of a crossbar mode in an embodiment of a signal transmission device according to the present application is shown.

[0085] In a scenario of a crossbar mode, the Ethernet module may not be connected to the first optical module, but serves as a relay device for the second optical module. It is connected to two second optical modules at one end connected to the second optical module to achieve port interconnection of the two second optical modules, and realizes the electrical relay application of the coherent colored optical signal through the optical-electrical-optical process. Thus, during long-distance transmission, relay can be performed based on the Ethernet module to achieve longer-distance transmission of the colored optical signal.

[0086] The Ethernet module is connected to two second optical modules; the Ethernet module is in a cross-switch mode, transmitting electrical signals between the two connected second optical modules to achieve electrical signal relay.

[0087] Two CFP2 interfaces are inserted with 400G DCO optical modules (which can be downshifted to 300G / 200G / 100G rates), and the PHY chip is configured in a crossbar mode, enabling the client-side interfaces of two 400G CFP2 DCO optical modules to be interconnected to achieve electrical relay applications. As Figure 6 shown.

[0088] The embodiments of the present application can implement optical transmission devices with various connection methods and various modes based on an Ethernet module including an Ethernet chip, thereby setting the optical transmission device more flexibly, and can adjust the mode of the Ethernet chip and the connection method between the Ethernet chip and the optical module based on requirements.

[0089] The embodiments of the present application are described by taking 400G CFP2 DCO optical modules and 200G CFP2 DCO optical modules as examples. In actual processing, for 800G CFP2 DCO optical modules or optical modules with higher rates, they can all be used, and the embodiments of the present application do not limit this. Taking the application of 800G CFP2 DCO optical modules as an example, the corresponding 100G / 200G Ethernet chips can be upgraded to 200G / 400G Ethernet chips, and the corresponding QSFP28 / 56 optical modules can be upgraded to QSFP56 / 112 optical modules. Thus, it can be applied to various optical signal transmission scenarios.

[0090] Based on the above embodiments, the present application further provides a signal transmission method, which can be applied to a data center backbone network system to achieve long-distance signal transmission between two data centers.

[0091] Refer to Figure 7 , which shows an interaction schematic diagram of an embodiment of the signal transmission method in a data center backbone network system of the present application.

[0092] Step 702, the first network port device of the first data center sends a first optical signal to the first optical module of the first signal transmission device.

[0093] Step 704, the first optical module of the first signal transmission device converts the first optical signal to obtain a first electrical signal, and sends the first electrical signal to the Ethernet chip of the first signal transmission device.

[0094] Step 706, the Ethernet chip of the first signal transmission device processes the first electrical signal according to the transmission mode to obtain a second electrical signal, and sends the second electrical signal to the second optical module of the first signal transmission device.

[0095] Step 708: The second optical module of the first signal transmission device maps the second electrical signal to obtain a second optical signal, and transmits the second optical signal to the optical fiber device.

[0096] Step 710: The optical fiber device sends the second optical signal to the second optical module of the second signal transmission device.

[0097] Among them, during the long-distance transmission of the second optical signal before the optical fiber device, in order to ensure signal transmission and reduce signal loss during long-distance transmission, a signal transmission device for signal relay is also added between the optical fiber devices. Then the optical fiber device sends the second optical signal to the second optical module of the third signal transmission device, and the second optical module sends the second optical signal to the Ethernet module. The transmission mode of this Ethernet module is the relay mode, so the second optical signal can be transmitted to another second optical module connected on the same side. In the relay mode, the second optical signal can also perform corresponding processing in the Ethernet module, such as time synchronization, etc., to reduce losses during long-distance transmission. It is transmitted to the optical fiber device through the other second optical module to achieve relay during long-distance transmission.

[0098] Step 712: The second optical module of the second signal transmission device converts the second optical signal to obtain a third electrical signal, and sends the third electrical signal to the Ethernet chip of the second signal transmission device.

[0099] Step 714: The Ethernet chip of the second signal transmission device processes the third electrical signal according to the transmission mode to obtain a fourth electrical signal, and sends the fourth electrical signal to the first optical module of the second signal transmission device.

[0100] Step 716: The first optical module of the second signal transmission device converts the fourth electrical signal to obtain a third optical signal, and sends the third optical signal to the second network port device of the second data center.

[0101] Thus, long-distance transmission of optical signals between different data centers can be achieved, and the Ethernet module can be flexibly adjusted to the required transmission mode to adapt to various transmission scenarios.

[0102] The embodiment of the present application also provides a non-volatile readable storage medium, in which one or more modules (programs) are stored. When the one or more modules are applied to a device, the device can be caused to execute the instructions (instructions) of each method step in the embodiment of the present application.

[0103] Embodiments of the present application provide one or more machine-readable media having instructions stored thereon that, when executed by one or more processors, cause an electronic device to perform one or more of the methods described in the above embodiments. In embodiments of the present application, the electronic device includes various types of devices such as a terminal device, a server (cluster), and the like.

[0104] Embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented as a device configured with any suitable hardware, firmware, software, or any combination thereof, and the device may include electronic devices such as terminal devices and servers (clusters) within a data center. Figure 8 Schematically illustrated is an exemplary device 800 that may be used to implement the various embodiments described in the present application.

[0105] For one embodiment, Figure 8 Illustrated is an exemplary device 800 having one or more processors 802, a control module (chipset) 804 coupled to at least one of the (one or more) processors 802, a memory 806 coupled to the control module 804, a non-volatile memory (NVM) / storage device 808 coupled to the control module 804, one or more input / output devices 810 coupled to the control module 804, and a network interface 812 coupled to the control module 804.

[0106] Processor 802 may include one or more single-core or multi-core processors, and processor 802 may include any combination of general-purpose processors or dedicated processors (such as a graphics processor, an application processor, a baseband processor, etc.). In some embodiments, device 800 is capable of serving as the terminal device, server (cluster), and other devices described in embodiments of the present application.

[0107] In some embodiments, device 800 may include one or more computer-readable media (e.g., memory 806 or NVM / storage device 808) having instructions 814 and one or more processors 802 combined with the one or more computer-readable media and configured to execute the instructions 814 to implement modules and thereby perform the actions described in the present disclosure.

[0108] For one embodiment, control module 804 may include any suitable interface controller to provide any suitable interface to at least one of the (one or more) processors 802 and / or any suitable device or component communicating with control module 804.

[0109] Control module 804 may include a memory controller module to provide an interface to memory 806. The memory controller module may be a hardware module, a software module, and / or a firmware module.

[0110] Memory 806 can be used to load and store data and / or instructions 814 for device 800, for example. For one embodiment, memory 806 can include any suitable volatile memory, such as, for example, suitable DRAM. In some embodiments, memory 806 can include double data rate type four synchronous dynamic random access memory (DDR4 SDRAM).

[0111] For one embodiment, control module 804 can include one or more input / output controllers to provide an interface to NVM / storage device 808 and (one or more) input / output devices 810.

[0112] For example, NVM / storage device 808 can be used to store data and / or instructions 814. NVM / storage device 808 can include any suitable non-volatile memory (such as, for example, flash memory) and / or can include any suitable (one or more) non-volatile storage devices (such as, for example, one or more hard disk drives (HDDs), one or more compact discs (CDs) drives, and / or one or more digital versatile discs (DVDs) drives).

[0113] NVM / storage device 808 can include storage resources that are physically part of a device on which device 800 is mounted, or it can be accessible by the device without being part of the device. For example, NVM / storage device 808 can be accessed via network through (one or more) input / output devices 810.

[0114] (One or more) input / output devices 810 can provide an interface for device 800 to communicate with any other suitable devices. Input / output devices 810 can include communication components, audio components, sensor components, etc. Network interface 812 can provide an interface for device 800 to communicate through one or more networks. Device 800 can wirelessly communicate with one or more components of a wireless network according to any of one or more wireless network standards and / or protocols, such as accessing a wireless network based on communication standards, such as WiFi, 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G, etc., or a combination thereof for wireless communication.

[0115] For one embodiment, at least one of the (one or more) processors 802 may be logically encapsulated with one or more controllers (e.g., a memory controller module) of the control module 804. For one embodiment, at least one of the (one or more) processors 802 may be logically encapsulated with one or more controllers of the control module 804 to form a system-in-package (SiP). For one embodiment, at least one of the (one or more) processors 802 may be logically integrated with one or more controllers of the control module 804 on the same die. For one embodiment, at least one of the (one or more) processors 802 may be logically integrated with one or more controllers of the control module 804 on the same die to form a system-on-chip (SoC).

[0116] In various embodiments, the device 800 may be, but is not limited to, a server, a desktop computing device, or a mobile computing device (e.g., a laptop computing device, a handheld computing device, a tablet computer, a netbook, etc.) and other terminal devices. In various embodiments, the device 800 may have more or fewer components and / or a different architecture. For example, in some embodiments, the device 800 includes one or more cameras, a keyboard, a liquid crystal display (LCD) screen (including a touch screen display), a non-volatile memory port, multiple antennas, a graphics chip, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), and a speaker.

[0117] Among them, a main control chip may be used as a processor or a control module in the detection device, sensor data, location information, etc. are stored in a memory or an NVM / storage device, the sensor group may be used as an input / output device, and the communication interface may include a network interface.

[0118] Each embodiment in this specification is described in a progressive manner. Each embodiment focuses on the differences from other embodiments. For the same or similar parts among the embodiments, reference may be made to each other.

[0119] The embodiments of the present application are described with reference to the flowcharts and / or block diagrams of methods, terminal devices (systems), and computer program products according to the embodiments of the present application. It should be understood that each process and / or block in the flowchart and / or block diagram, and the combination of processes and / or blocks in the flowchart and / or block diagram can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions can be provided to the processor of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, an embedded processor, or other programmable data processing terminal devices to generate a machine, so that the instructions executed by the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing terminal devices generate a device for implementing the functions specified in Figure 1 one process or multiple processes and / or blocks Figure 1 one block or multiple blocks.

[0120] These computer program instructions can also be stored in a computer-readable memory that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing terminal device to work in a specific manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable memory produce a manufacture including an instruction device that implements the functions specified in one or more processes and / or blocks Figure 1 in one or more processes and / or blocks Figure 1 specified in the function.

[0121] These computer program instructions can also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing terminal device, such that a series of operation steps are executed on the computer or other programmable terminal device to produce a computer-implemented process. Thus, the instructions executed on the computer or other programmable terminal device provide steps for implementing the functions specified in one or more processes and / or blocks Figure 1 in one or more processes and / or blocks Figure 1 specified in the function.

[0122] Although the preferred embodiments of the embodiments of the present application have been described, those skilled in the art can make additional changes and modifications once they learn the basic creative concepts. Therefore, the appended claims are intended to be construed to include the preferred embodiments and all changes and modifications that fall within the scope of the embodiments of the present application.

[0123] Finally, it should also be noted that in this text, relational terms such as first and second are only used to distinguish one entity or operation from another entity or operation, and do not necessarily require or imply any actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Moreover, the term "comprising", "including" or any other variant thereof is intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article or terminal device comprising a series of elements not only includes those elements but also includes other elements not expressly listed, or also includes elements inherent to such process, method, article or terminal device. Without further limitation, an element defined by the statement "comprising an..." does not exclude the presence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article or terminal device comprising the element.

[0124] The above has introduced in detail a signal transmission method, a signal transmission device and a data center backbone network system provided by the present application. Specific examples are used in this text to elaborate on the principles and implementation manners of the present application. The description of the above embodiments is only used to help understand the method and its core idea of the present application; at the same time, for those of ordinary skill in the art, according to the idea of the present application, there will be changes in the specific implementation manners and application scopes. In summary, the content of this specification should not be construed as a limitation to the present application.

Claims

1. A signal transmission device, characterized in that, The device includes: A first optical module, an Ethernet module, and a second optical module; One end of the first optical module is connected to the network port device of the data center, and the other end is connected to one end of the Ethernet module. An optical signal is transmitted between the first optical module and the network port device, an electrical signal is transmitted with the Ethernet module, and conversion is performed between the electrical signal and the optical signal; The other end of the Ethernet module is connected to one end of the second optical module, and an electrical signal is transmitted between the Ethernet module and the second optical module; The transmission mode of the Ethernet module is related to the connection method between the first optical module and the second optical module, and the connection method is determined according to the transmission mode of the electrical signal; The second optical module performs mapping between the electrical signal and the optical signal.

2. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that The Ethernet module includes at least one of the following transmission modes: variable speed mode, retiming mode, multiplexing mode, and crossbar mode.

3. The device according to claim 1, wherein One end of the Ethernet module is connected to two first optical modules, and the other end is connected to one second optical module; The second optical module is connected to two Ethernet modules; The Ethernet module adopts the variable speed mode, transmits an electrical signal at a first rate with the first optical module, transmits an electrical signal at a second rate with the second optical module, and converts the electrical signal between the first rate and the second rate.

4. The device according to claim 1, wherein One end of the Ethernet module is connected to two first optical modules, and the other end is connected to two second optical modules; The second optical module is connected to two Ethernet modules; The Ethernet module adopts the multiplexing mode and the variable speed mode, transmits an electrical signal at a first rate with the first optical module, transmits an electrical signal at a second rate with the second optical module, converts the electrical signal between the first rate and the second rate, and performs multiplexing processing on the electrical signal.

5. The device according to claim 1, wherein One end of the Ethernet module is connected to two first optical modules, and the other end is connected to two second optical modules; The Ethernet module adopts the retiming mode and transmits an electrical signal at a specified rate between the first optical module and the second optical module.

6. The device according to claim 1, wherein One end of the Ethernet module is connected to one first optical module, and the other end is connected to two second optical modules; The second optical module is connected to two Ethernet modules; The Ethernet module adopts the multiplexing mode and transmits an electrical signal at a specified speed between the first optical module and the second optical module, and performs multiplexing processing on the electrical signal.

7. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that, It further includes: The Ethernet module is connected to two second optical modules; The Ethernet module is in the crossbar mode and transmits an electrical signal between the two connected second optical modules to achieve electrical signal relay.

8. A data center backbone network system, characterized in that, The system includes: a first data center, a first signal transmission device connected to the first data center, a second data center, and a second signal transmission device connected to the second data center; The first signal transmission device and the second signal transmission device are connected through an optical fiber device; The first signal transmission device adopts the signal transmission device described in any one of claims 1-7 above; The second signal transmission device adopts the signal transmission device described in any one of the above-mentioned claims 1-7.

9. The system according to claim 8, wherein The system further includes: A third signal transmission device serving as a relay device; The third signal transmission device includes an Ethernet module and a second optical module, and the Ethernet module is connected to two second optical modules; The Ethernet module is in a cross-switch mode and transmits electrical signals between the two connected second optical modules to achieve signal relay.

10. A signal transmission method, characterized in that, Applied to the data center backbone network system, the method includes: The first network port device of the first data center sends a first optical signal to the first optical module of the first signal transmission device; The first optical module of the first signal transmission device converts the first optical signal to obtain a first electrical signal, and sends the first electrical signal to the Ethernet chip of the first signal transmission device; The Ethernet chip of the first signal transmission device processes the first electrical signal according to the transmission mode to obtain a second electrical signal, and sends the second electrical signal to the second optical module of the first signal transmission device; The second optical module of the first signal transmission device maps the second electrical signal to obtain a second optical signal, and transmits the second optical signal to the optical fiber device; The optical fiber device sends the second optical signal to the second optical module of the second signal transmission device; The second optical module of the second signal transmission device converts the second optical signal to obtain a third electrical signal, and sends the third electrical signal to the Ethernet chip of the second signal transmission device; The Ethernet chip of the second signal transmission device processes the third electrical signal according to the transmission mode to obtain a fourth electrical signal, and sends the fourth electrical signal to the first optical module of the second signal transmission device, where the transmission mode is determined according to the number of optical modules connected to the ports at both ends of the Ethernet module and the encapsulation methods of the two ports; The first optical module of the second signal transmission device converts the fourth electrical signal to obtain a third optical signal, and sends the third optical signal to the second network port device of the second data center.

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