Integrated circuit for a multi-service multiplexed access network local termination

Abstract

The application provides an integrated circuit of a multi-service multiplexing access network local terminal device, which comprises a data forwarding matrix unit, a multicast service forwarding matrix unit, a unicast service forwarding matrix, a data plane control unit, a logical plane control unit and a protocol conversion unit; wherein the logical plane control unit is used for determining optimal unitization and modularization global strategy instructions, realizing protocol conversion, service multiplexing and data forwarding of communication services, broadband internet services and cable television services; and the protocol conversion unit is used for realizing live broadcast services transmitted by a cable television network in the access network local terminal device. Compared with the existing IGMP protocol mode for receiving a television live broadcast service network, the scheme of the example can greatly reduce the investment cost of a core network CDN node, and users do not need to be equipped with a home gateway, thereby reducing the investment cost of a broadband service, communication service and broadcast television service integrated network.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application belongs to the field of multiplexing communication technology, and in particular relates to an integrated circuit for a multi-service multiplexing access network local end device. Background Art

[0002] At present, in the context of the integration of communication networks, broadband Internet and radio and television networks, the communication network itself can meet the characteristics of broadband Internet services. In order to expand radio and television services, the communication network did not choose to transform the original network characteristics to adapt to the traditional transmission characteristics of radio and television services. Instead, it chose to change the traditional transmission mode of radio and television services to adapt to the transmission characteristics of communication networks. Technical measures, namely IPTV (Internet Protocol Television System) technology, thus achieving the goal of the integration of the three networks.

[0003] However, broadcast and television services utilize IPTV (Internet Protocol Television) technology for transmission. Live broadcast and television services, in particular, utilize interactive multicast technology with IGMP (Internet Group Management Protocol) enabled. This results in: 1) the construction of additional multicast CDN (Content Delivery Network) nodes within the core network, increasing core network equipment investment costs; 2) the need to reserve protection bandwidth for multicast services within transmission links, further increasing network bandwidth investment costs; and 3) the need to deeply compress video services to reduce bandwidth pressure on home transmission for large-scale, long-connection video services. This inevitably prevents broadcast-grade transmission quality and fails to meet broadcast standards for 4K / 8K UHD programs. Even with significantly reduced video bitrates and multicast replication, these services still consume significant bandwidth resources within the core and access networks. At least 30% of protection bandwidth must be reserved within transmission links. When combined with the traffic bandwidth for the live broadcast programs themselves, live broadcast services can consume over 40% of the total access network bandwidth. This is a huge consumption of network resources.

[0004] However, broadcast and television networks (i.e., early cable television networks) are unidirectional. While they have enabled the digitization of analog television, unidirectional networks cannot meet the needs of the converged development of telecommunications services and broadband internet. To achieve the convergence of telecommunications, broadband internet, and broadcast and television networks, broadcast and television networks have also promoted various IP-based and bidirectional transformation technologies. During this IP-based and bidirectional transformation process, solutions have been proposed that integrate telecommunications and broadband internet services while preserving the high-quality transmission characteristics of broadcast and television services. However, due to cost constraints, these solutions have been limited in widespread adoption. Even IPTV technology has been used to transmit live broadcast and television services. However, this approach loses the high-quality and secure transmission characteristics of broadcast and television networks, making it difficult to meet the broadcast-grade transmission requirements of future 4K / 8K ultra-high-definition programs.

[0005] Meanwhile, the mainstream technology currently used in access networks is PON (Passive Optical Network). PON networks transmit downstream data by modulating multiple users' downstream data onto the same downstream wavelength and transmitting it in a point-to-surface broadcast manner. N users share a single fiber core connected to a PON port and access the same PON port through a 1:N optical splitting scheme to receive their respective data. For upstream data transmission, to ensure that upstream and downstream data share the same physical channel, multiple users' upstream data is modulated onto the same upstream wavelength using time-division multiplexing (TDM) and then transmitted to the same PON port corresponding to the downstream data. The network structure is tree-like. To accommodate bidirectional traffic on a comb-like network, PON networks must be equipped with a home gateway ONU in user homes to receive and upload user data. Specifically, PON technology uses a broadcast transmission method for downstream data and a time-division multiplexing method for upstream data. Therefore, user-side gateway ONUs, owned by the operator, are required to access the CPN network, resulting in high home access costs.

[0006] like Figure 1 The figure shows a schematic diagram of the access network of PON technology, which consists of the central office equipment OLT (Optical Line Terminal), the tree-structured ODN (Optical Distribution Network), and the home gateway (ONU).

[0007] Depend on Figure 1As can be seen, the PON network uses a tree-structured ODN (Optical Node Network) in which each PON port on the OLT connects to N users through a 1:N optical splitter. Therefore, the PON technology access network primarily consists of three components: the PON network central office equipment (OLT), the tree-structured ODN in which N users share a single fiber core, and the home gateway (ONU). The greatest advantage of the PON network is that multiple users share a single fiber core at a single PON port, accessing multiple users in a power-distributed tree structure. This significantly reduces fiber resources from the access network central office to the building entrance. However, the PON network also presents the following challenges:

[0008] 1) Because the ODN utilizes a point-to-multipoint tree-like network architecture, multiple users share a single PON port and a single fiber core before the 1:N optical splitter. Uplink data must be transmitted using a time-division multiplexing mechanism. Therefore, the OLT cannot provide the access network user-side interface (UNI) point. A home gateway (ONU) must be deployed. The OLT and ONU jointly perform time-division multiplexing and demultiplexing of upstream data. This results in the UNI point being moved down to the user-side interface of the home ONU, enabling connection to the customer premises network and fully implementing the access network interface and function definitions. However, the introduction of ONUs into user homes not only increases initial network deployment costs, but also requires additional upgrades to the user-side ONUs for subsequent system upgrades. Access network system upgrades are always tied to the user side.

[0009] 2) Shared fiber PON technology reduces access network investment costs when fiber media is expensive, but network equipment becomes more complex, and the cost of each upgrade increases significantly. As PON networks iterate and upgrade, equipment costs continue to rise. For every doubling of per-user access bandwidth, equipment costs also roughly double, or even more than double.

[0010] 3) After the optical splitter, multiple ONUs share one PON port resource. Under the 1:N splitting condition, they obtain 1 / N of the PON port bandwidth resources. Even if the PON port bandwidth is upgraded from 1 Gigabit to 10 Gigabit, the bandwidth allocated to each user is only increased by tens of megabits. However, the physical interface of the ONU itself and the physical interface of the OLT must be upgraded to the same level of high-speed interface. This is also the reason why home ONUs must be upgraded during system upgrades and the main reason for the high upgrade cost, which is bound to bring a large burden of repeated investment to network operations.

[0011] 4) In terms of downstream data transmission, the OLT broadcasts all data, whether it's unicast or multicast, and the ONU selectively receives the data it needs. However, the amount of downstream broadcast data is not fixed. When user requests reach a certain level, the limited downstream bandwidth will still affect the user experience. At the same time, a high-level security mechanism is required to protect user data.

[0012] 5) Uplink data is transmitted in a time-division multiplexing manner, with multiple ONUs transmitting data according to the window time allocated by the OLT. In addition, to reduce the cost of home ONUs, existing PON systems generally adopt an asymmetric solution with larger downstream bandwidth and smaller upstream bandwidth. When the business is busy, insufficient upstream bandwidth may occur, which affects the user experience.

[0013] 6) In existing PON equipment, although the ONUs of each manufacturer meet the definition specifications of the user-side access network interface, each manufacturer's LOT and ONU have some private protocols, which affects the interconnection and interoperability between LOTs and ONUs of different manufacturers.

[0014] 7) PON networks utilize IPTV (Internet Protocol Television) technology to enable broadcast services, communications services, and broadband internet services to share the same transmission channel resources. Live broadcast services, in particular, are also transmitted using interactive multicast technology. This results in: First, more multicast replication points are built within the core network. While this reduces the pressure on the access network, it also increases core network equipment investment costs. Second, multicast protection bandwidth must be reserved within the transmission link, further increasing network bandwidth investment costs. Third, to transmit large-scale, long-connection video services over limited home bandwidth, video services must be deeply compressed, which prevents broadcast-grade transmission quality and fails to meet the broadcast standards for 4K / 8K UHD programs. Even with significantly compressed video bitrates and multicast replication, these services still consume significant bandwidth resources in the core and access networks. At least 30% of protection bandwidth must be reserved within the transmission link. When combined with the traffic bandwidth of the live programs themselves, live broadcast services can consume over 40% of the total transmission system bandwidth. This is a significant drain on network resources, which is the fundamental reason for the continuous upgrade and expansion of PON networks. To minimize the resulting resource consumption, IPTV technology requires increasing investment in core network replication points and minimizing the video bitrate of broadcast television services. This results in program transmission quality failing to meet broadcast-grade standards, especially for the future transmission of 4K and 8K ultra-high-definition programs, which poses a significant challenge.

[0015] To address the above issues, no effective solutions have been proposed so far. Summary of the Invention

[0016] The purpose of this application is to provide an integrated circuit for a multi-service multiplexing access network local end device, which can reduce the cost of a network integrating broadband services, communication services and broadcasting and television services.

[0017] The present application provides an integrated circuit for a multi-service multiplexing access network central office device, which is implemented as follows:

[0018] An integrated circuit for a multi-service multiplexing access network central office device comprises: a data forwarding matrix unit, a multicast service forwarding matrix unit, a unicast service forwarding matrix, a data plane control unit, a logic plane control unit, and a protocol conversion unit; wherein:

[0019] The data forwarding matrix unit, the multicast service forwarding matrix unit, and the unicast service forwarding matrix receive the forwarding strategy and forwarding table entries of the data plane control unit through the forwarding matrix control bus and the management interface module, and coordinate the functional modules through the main control module of the forwarding matrix to complete the rapid forwarding of data frames;

[0020] The data plane control unit includes: a MAC control layer and a data forwarding matrix management module, which is used to dynamically configure and control the switching matrix, generate and send forwarding table entries to the data forwarding matrix unit, the multicast service forwarding matrix unit, and the unicast service forwarding matrix, monitor the network status, receive and dynamically adjust the global policy instructions of the logical plane control unit;

[0021] The logical plane control unit is the core control unit of the data forwarding matrix unit, the multicast service forwarding matrix unit, the unicast service forwarding matrix, and the data plane control unit, and is used to determine the optimized unitized and modularized global policy instructions to implement protocol conversion, service multiplexing, and data forwarding for communication services, broadband Internet services, and cable TV services;

[0022] The protocol conversion unit is used to implement the live broadcast service transmitted by the cable TV network in the access network local end equipment, including: after protocol conversion of UDP messages and IP broadcast streams that do not start the IGMP protocol, through the Ethernet technology-based access network that does not require the user to be equipped with a home gateway, access to the home router together with the communication service and broadband Internet service, providing users' various terminals with multi-service services with unified protocol communication services, broadband Internet services, and cable TV services.

[0023] In one embodiment, the data forwarding matrix unit, the multicast service forwarding matrix unit, and the unicast service forwarding matrix include: an inter-port forwarding interface, a crossbar switch matrix, a forwarding matrix master control module, a queue management module, a control logic module, and a search engine module; wherein:

[0024] The crossbar switch matrix, as a data exchange channel at the physical level, is used to forward data packets from input ports directly to designated output ports. All input ports can send data to any output port at the same time, and multiple data packets can be transmitted simultaneously.

[0025] The search engine module is used to parse the data packet header and match the destination port according to the forwarding table entry, supports wildcard matching rules, stores the forwarding table entries, and is also used to perform multi-field matching based on priority;

[0026] The forwarding matrix master control module is used to coordinate the data flow between the crossbar switch matrix and the search engine module and the interface, and allocate the transmission time slot of the data packet, congestion control and virtualization processing;

[0027] The cross-port forwarding interface is used to interact with the external physical link, including: receiving, parsing, checking and sending data packets, realizing physical transmission of data packets between ports, logical isolation and efficient scheduling. The physical interface is used for signal forwarding, the logical interface is used for isolating traffic, providing interconnection with the backplane bus, and coordinating chip modules for the internal bus;

[0028] The control logic module is used to manage the operating status of the forwarding matrix, including: loading of forwarding table entries, error detection and fault recovery;

[0029] The queue management module is used to queue and schedule data packets at the output port based on priority queue management and active queue management.

[0030] In one embodiment, the data plane control unit includes: a MAC layer interface module, a forwarding table management module, a policy delivery interface module, a data plane control unit main control module, a management interface module, a status monitoring module, a policy execution engine module and a rule synchronization module; wherein:

[0031] The data plane control unit main control module is used to receive the input data frames of each port through the MAC layer interface module, parse the received data frames, manage the MAC address table and VLAN management, form forwarding table entries, and drive the forwarding matrix through the policy delivery interface module to complete the forwarding of data frames.

[0032] The forwarding table management module is used to automatically generate forwarding table entries through MAC address learning, provide the latest matching rules for the forwarding matrix, and handle conflicts in the forwarding table;

[0033] The policy execution engine module is used to map high-level policies to low-level forwarding rules and support dynamic adjustment of policies;

[0034] The management interface module includes a southbound interface and a northbound interface, wherein the southbound interface communicates with the upper control plane, is used to receive global policy instructions, receives flow table entries issued by the controller through the protocol, and converts them into TCAM configurations; the northbound interface interacts with the forwarding matrix, is used to issue forwarding table entries and rules, and issues QoS queue parameters to the forwarding matrix;

[0035] The status monitoring module is used to monitor the network status and detect abnormal events. When port congestion is detected, it automatically adjusts the queue scheduling algorithm. When a link failure is found, it notifies the controller to recalculate the forwarding route and forwarding path.

[0036] The rule synchronization module is used to synchronize forwarding table entries in a distributed system through a consistency protocol and upgrade the forwarding table online using a batch update strategy; maintain globally consistent forwarding behavior in complex architectures and support dynamic loading of rules when hot-plugging line cards.

[0037] In one embodiment, the logical plane control unit includes: a data plane control unit management module, a routing protocol module policy delivery interface module 1602, a management protocol module, a security control module, a QoS module, a spanning tree protocol module, a protocol conversion unit management module, a power management module, a VLAN management module, a multicast management module, a DHCP module, a time synchronization module, a log and alarm module, a configuration management interface module, and a logical control plane master control module; wherein:

[0038] The data plane control unit management module is used to manage the configuration management, control and detection of each module in the integrated circuit according to the data forwarding strategy of the preset data plane control unit and the working mode of the protocol conversion unit;

[0039] The routing protocol module policy delivery interface module is used to run dynamic routing protocols, exchange routing information with other network devices, generate and maintain routing tables, and determine the optimal data forwarding path;

[0040] The management protocol module supports chip configuration and management protocols, is used to provide a command line interface or a web interface for administrator operation, and is also used to remotely configure chip parameters and monitor device status;

[0041] The security control module is used to access the control list, filter illegal traffic, and defend against network attacks to ensure the confidentiality and integrity of network data;

[0042] The QoS module is used to implement traffic shaping, rate limiting and congestion management according to the determined traffic priority;

[0043] The spanning tree protocol module is used to detect and eliminate network loops and automatically switch redundant links;

[0044] The protocol conversion unit management module is used to set the working state of the protocol conversion unit and manage the protocol conversion unit through the management function of the corresponding module of the logical plane control unit;

[0045] The power management module is used to manage the power supply of the logic plane control unit;

[0046] The VLAN management module is used to create and manage virtual local area networks and divide broadcast domains;

[0047] The multicast management module is used to manage multicast group members, support multicast routing protocols, support multicast stream protocol conversion without starting the IGMP protocol, and optimize multicast traffic distribution;

[0048] The DHCP module is used to allocate IP addresses to terminals and manage address pools, lease periods, and DNS configurations;

[0049] The time synchronization module is used to ensure the time consistency of logs and traffic statistics by synchronizing and forwarding clocks to meet the needs of time-sensitive applications;

[0050] The log and alarm module is used to assist in troubleshooting and network auditing by recording event logs and monitoring network anomalies in real time;

[0051] The configuration management interface module is used to provide detection, configuration, testing and management interface functions for the logic control plane main control module 1615 to achieve full life cycle management of integrated circuits;

[0052] The logical control plane master control module is used to implement management of the integrated circuit's data plane control unit, routing protocol management, management protocol generation, security control management, QoS management, spanning tree protocol management, protocol conversion unit management, power management, VLAN management, multicast protocol management, DHCP function management, clock synchronization management, and log and alarm management to ensure multicast service protocol conversion and multi-service multiplexing and forwarding of data services and unicast services.

[0053] In one embodiment, the integrated circuit operating modes provided by the logical plane control unit include: a multi-service mode of communication service, broadband service, and broadcast television program multicast service, and a single service mode of communication service, broadband service, or broadcast television program multicast service; wherein:

[0054] In the multi-service mode of communication service, broadband service and radio and television program multicast service, there are two states: the state of supporting the activation of the multicast group protocol and the state of not activating the multicast group protocol. In the state of supporting the activation of the multicast group protocol, the protocol conversion unit is closed, and the core network and access terminals support the multicast group protocol. In the state of not activating the multicast group protocol, the protocol conversion unit is activated. After receiving and caching all multicast streams or broadcast streams on the service side, the protocol conversion is performed on the destination multicast stream or broadcast stream according to the user request and then forwarded to the destination user.

[0055] In the single service mode of communication service, broadband service or radio and television program multicast service, the protocol conversion part in the chip is turned off, and the chip only performs signaling reception and service forwarding for communication service and broadband service. In the single radio and television program multicast service mode, the service side only has the radio and television program multicast service for which the multicast protocol is not started. The protocol conversion unit is started. After receiving and caching all multicast streams or broadcast streams on the service side, it performs protocol conversion on the destination multicast stream or broadcast stream according to the user's request and forwards it to the destination user.

[0056] In one embodiment, the protocol conversion unit includes: a physical layer and a medium-independent layer; wherein:

[0057] The physical layer is used to convert the bit stream received from the transmission medium into an original data frame, and transmit the original data frame to the MAC control layer through the MII interface of the medium independent layer for data frame processing;

[0058] The medium-independent layer is an interface for transmitting original frames between the data link layer and the physical layer.

[0059] In one embodiment, the protocol conversion unit further includes: a multicast stream receiving network interface layer and a unicast forwarding network interface layer, wherein the multicast stream receiving network interface layer is used to monitor all multicast streams with preset multicast addresses and ports without starting the IGMP protocol, to realize multicast stream reception, CRC check, and VLAN stripping; the unicast stream forwarding network interface layer is used to receive user requests and forward them to the protocol conversion unit, and encapsulate the destination unicast stream into data frames according to the user request, and then forward it to the destination user through the physical layer.

[0060] In one embodiment, it also includes: a cache interface and a cache management module, which are used to allocate an independent ring buffer for the multicast stream of each real-time live program, and independently cache it by channel or program; and write data by time slice, cache the multicast data of the most recent preset duration, cope with the burstiness of user requests, and locate the data blocks in the cache area according to the timestamp of the user request, detect and repair packet loss or disorder in the TS stream through PCR clock synchronization, and support overwriting old data at a fixed time.

[0061] In one embodiment, the integrated circuit is used in the secondary multiplexing unit of a multi-service multiplexer, or in the primary multiplexing unit of a multi-service multiplexer, or in the primary multiplexing unit of a multi-service multiplexer and the secondary multiplexing unit of a multi-service multiplexer.

[0062] In one embodiment, the multi-service multiplexer is one of the following models: an integrated model, a plug-in type model and a split type model. The multi-service multiplexer is a two-level architecture of a secondary multiplexing unit and a primary multiplexing unit, wherein the secondary multiplexing unit faces the service side and the primary multiplexing unit faces the user side. Between the secondary multiplexing unit and the primary multiplexing unit, the integrated model uses a backplane bus, the plug-in type model sets a motherboard slot, and the split type sets an optical fiber interface; when the secondary multiplexing unit is used as a convergence layer, one secondary multiplexing unit is equipped with multiple primary multiplexing units.

[0063] The multi-service multiplexing integrated circuit provided in this example provided by this application has a protocol conversion part that receives all multicast messages or broadcast messages that do not start the IGMP protocol and converts them into unicast messages according to user needs. The messages are then connected to the user's home router together with broadband services and communication services. Various terminals such as televisions, computers and mobile phones obtain multi-service services through the home router, thereby solving the problem of incompatibility and inconvenience in operation of various terminals caused by the inability of cable TV services to access home routers, resulting in the need for users to have two local area networks, cable TV and data networks, in their homes. Compared with the existing network that starts the IGMP protocol to receive live TV services, the solution of this example significantly reduces the investment cost of the core network CDN node. At the same time, the user's home does not need to be equipped with a home gateway, thereby reducing the investment cost of the integrated network of broadband services, communication services and broadcast and television services. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0064] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present application or the technical solutions in the prior art, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments recorded in this application. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying any creative labor.

[0065] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the PON technology access network structure;

[0066] Figure 2 This is a structural diagram of a multi-service multiplexing exclusive optical fiber access network system with a multi-service multiplexer as the central office;

[0067] Figure 3 This is a comparative diagram of the current network model and the integrated circuit method provided in the embodiment of the present application as the access network central office solution;

[0068] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a basic model of a multi-service multiplexing integrated circuit provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0069] Figure 5This is a schematic diagram of the multicast stream receiving and caching process in the basic model diagram of the multi-service multiplexing integrated circuit provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0070] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the multicast stream to unicast stream forwarding process in the basic model diagram of the multi-service multiplexing integrated circuit method provided by the embodiment of the present application;

[0071] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the data service forwarding process in the basic model diagram of the multi-service multiplexing integrated circuit method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0072] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a multi-service multiplexer single-module secondary multiplexing unit using an integrated circuit provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0073] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of an integrated circuit that can be used for a single-module secondary multiplexing unit of a multi-service multiplexer provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0074] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a multi-service multiplexer primary multiplexing unit using an integrated circuit method provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0075] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of an integrated circuit that can be used for a single-module primary multiplexing unit of a multi-service multiplexer provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0076] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a dual-module secondary multiplexing unit multicast service module of a multi-service multiplexer using an integrated circuit provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0077] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of an integrated circuit for a dual-module secondary multiplexing unit multicast service module of a multi-service multiplexer provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0078] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the functional modules of the data service forwarding matrix unit provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0079] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of the functional modules of the data plane control unit provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0080] Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram of the functional modules of the logical plane control unit provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0081] Figure 17 This is a schematic diagram of a protocol conversion unit in the integrated circuit method provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0082] Reference numerals:

[0083] 0401, service-side data service interface; 0402, multicast service interface; 0403, multicast service SerDes interface; 0404, multicast service SerDes interface; 0405, unicast service SerDes interface; 0406, unicast service SerDes interface; 0407, user-side interface; 0408, configuration management interface; 0409, control management interface; 0410, monitoring interface; 0411, power supply interface; 0412, data forwarding matrix unit; 0413, physical layer interface; 0414, media-independent layer interface; 0415, multicast service forwarding matrix unit; 0416, unicast service forwarding matrix; 0417, storage unit; 0418, clock unit; 041 9, data plane control unit; 0420, logical plane control unit; 0421, protocol conversion unit; 0422, cache interface management module; 0423, MAC control layer bus; 0424, forwarding matrix control bus; 0425, data service forwarding bus; 0426, multicast service forwarding bus; 0427, unicast service forwarding bus; 0428, configuration management, monitoring, and control interface module; 0429, power management unit; 0430, external cache; 501, 502, 503, 504 are the decision-making process of the data plane control unit; 505, 506 are the forwarding process of the multicast service forwarding matrix unit and the receiving process of the protocol conversion unit; 507 is the protocol conversion unit through the cache interface management 601, 602, 603, 604 are the decision-making process of the data plane control unit; 605 and 606 are the process of forwarding the unicast service forwarding matrix and receiving the request of the protocol conversion unit; 607, 608, 609, 610, 611 are the process of the protocol conversion unit completing the multicast to unicast and unicast service forwarding matrix forwarding; 701, 702, 703, 704 are the decision-making process of the data plane control unit; 705, 706 are the forwarding process of the data forwarding matrix unit; 707, 708, 709 are the return and forwarding process of the broadband Internet service; 0801, the secondary multiplexing unit of the multi-service multiplexer; 0802, the core module; 0803, the broadband Internet Networking service core network interface; 0804, 10G / 25G selectable rate core network multicast service interface; 0805, 10G / 25G selectable rate multi-service interface; 0806, Level 1 multiplexing unit; 0807, core module; 0808, service-side 10G / 25G selectable rate multi-service interface; 0809, 1G / 10G user-side interface; 0810, multi-channel integrated optical / electrical converter; 0811, multi-core pigtail adapter; 0812, access network central office ODF terminal; 0813, multi-core optical cable; 0814, corridor ODF terminal board; 0815, home fiber; 0816, user terminal; 0817, Wi-Fi fiber router; 1001, broadband service / communication service aggregation module;1002, 10G / 25G optional rate data service interface; 1003, multicast service relay forwarding module; 1004, 10G / 25G optional rate data service interface for user-side access to 1-M primary multiplexing units; 1005, core module of multi-service multiplexer primary multiplexing unit 0806; 1006, 10G / 25G optional rate data service interface for service side; 1007, multicast service interface; 1201, multicast service protocol conversion module; 1202, 10G / 25G optional rate unicast service interface for user-side access to 1-M primary multiplexing units; 1203, unicast service interface; 1204, multi-service Multiplexing access module; 1401, cross-port forwarding interface; 1402, crossbar switch matrix; 1403, cross-port forwarding interface; 1404, power management module; 1405, search engine module; 1406, control logic module; 1407, queue management module; 1408, management interface module; 1409, forwarding matrix master control module; 1501, MAC layer interface module; 1502, forwarding table management module; 1503, policy delivery interface module; 1504, power management module; 1505, rule synchronization module; 1506, policy execution engine module; 1507, status monitoring module; 1508, management interface module Block; 1509, data plane control unit main control module; 1601, data plane control unit management module; 1602, routing protocol module policy delivery interface module; 1603, management protocol module; 1604, security control module; 1605, QoS (quality of service) module; 1606, spanning tree protocol module; 1607, protocol conversion unit management module; 1608, power management module; 1609, VLAN management module; 1610, multicast management module; 1611, DHCP module; 1612, time synchronization module; 1613, log and alarm module; 1614, configuration management interface module; 161 5. Logical control plane master control module; 1701, input network interface module; 1702 and 1705, DMA engines; 1703, cache interface and cache management module; 1704, protocol conversion, encapsulation and forwarding module; 1706, unicast output network interface module; 1707, user request network interface module; 1708, user request, permission management and port mapping management module; 1709, monitoring and alarm management module; 1710, protocol analysis module; 1711, main storage module; 1712, clock management module; 1713, power supply module; 1714, configuration management module; 1715, protocol conversion unit master control module. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0084] In order to enable those skilled in the art to better understand the technical solutions in this application, the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of this application. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of this application, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in this application, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative efforts should fall within the scope of protection of this application.

[0085] Among the issues facing existing PON networks, the most significant is the cost associated with upgrades. Considering the cost increases stemming from two primary sources: the upgrade of optical ports on OLTs and ONUs from 10G to 10G, and the upgrade of equipment chips from 10G to 10G processing chips, future upgrades to 25G PON, 50G PON, and even NGPON and TWDM-PON are inevitable, leading to increased investment costs. While these upgrade costs are significant, increases in user access bandwidth are limited. Consequently, the PON network undergoes constant upgrades, and the lifecycle of equipment on the network is far shorter than its lifecycle. This forces operators to continuously increase costs to meet users' ever-increasing demand for home bandwidth.

[0086] Based on this, a multi-service multiplexing integrated circuit is provided in this example. The service side of the integrated circuit provides broadband Internet services, communication services, and an independently set cable TV service channel access interface. The user side provides a user interface that can access multiple users and has access network service port functions, core functions, transmission functions, user port functions, and management functions. At the same time, it also integrates a protocol conversion function module for performing protocol conversion on multicast services or broadcast services. This allows users to receive multicast services or broadcast services on terminals and televisions that can receive Internet services and communication services without noticing. By applying the above-mentioned integrated circuit to the multi-service multiplexer of the local-end equipment of the multi-service multiplexing exclusive optical fiber access network, it can solve the current problems of high investment cost, low transmission quality, and insufficient compatibility of multiple terminals in the transmission of live broadcast and television services in the core network and access network.

[0087] like Figure 2 As shown, it is a schematic diagram of a multi-service multiplexing exclusive optical fiber access network, wherein the core chip of the multi-service multiplexer of the central office equipment is an ASIC chip of a multi-service multiplexing integrated circuit provided in this example or an FPGA chip with equivalent functional code. Figure 2The multi-service multiplexer shown in this example has independently configured multicast or broadcast service interfaces based on the chip's functionality. This allows all core network multicast or broadcast services to be connected to the user through independent channels. Furthermore, access users are provided with a limited number of dedicated fiber-optic access network central-end equipment, using a multi-service multiplexing-style multi-service multiplexer. Leveraging the multicast-to-unicast mechanism and large home bandwidth of this embodiment's integrated circuit, the live broadcast content desired by the user is forwarded to the end user. This enables users to receive multi-service services, including high-definition, ultra-high-definition 4K / 8K, AR / VR video services, communications services, and broadband internet services.

[0088] The multi-service multiplexer can achieve the following technical effects by accessing multicast services or broadcast services through independent interfaces:

[0089] 1) This is equivalent to moving the multicast replication point for multicast services that occupy the largest bandwidth down to the multi-service multiplexer at the end of the access network, where the number of users is the smallest. Therefore, the core network can adopt the lowest-cost relay mode to transmit multicast services, saving the investment cost of multicast replication points and reserved protection bandwidth in the core network. Furthermore, by using independent relay channels to transmit multicast services in the core network, the latency, packet loss rate, and bit error rate indicators of video services can meet broadcast-grade transmission standards.

[0090] 2) Multicast services are connected to central office equipment through independent channels, eliminating the need to reserve 30% of protected bandwidth resources for multicast services in access network communication services and broadband Internet service links. This allows link resource utilization in the core and access networks to be increased to 100% for communication services and broadband Internet services.

[0091] 3) On the user side of the multi-service multiplexer, each user is provided with a dedicated fiber optic interface and access bandwidth including, but not limited to, gigabit / 10 Gigabit speeds. If the multi-service multiplexer can provide each user with an average of 200 megabits of communication services and broadband internet data service processing capacity, when the concurrency rate is 50%, the average dynamic bandwidth per user for communication services and broadband internet data services can reach 400 megabits. At this time, these concurrent users still have 600 megabits of multicast service access bandwidth. In other words, when the multi-service multiplexer provides an average of 400 megabits of communication services and broadband internet data service bandwidth to 100% of users, each user still has 600 megabits of multicast service access bandwidth, ensuring that the transmission quality of high-definition, ultra-high-definition 4K / 8K, and AR / VR video services in the multicast service can fully meet broadcast-grade transmission standards. This can solve the problem that existing communication operator networks cannot provide high-quality video services due to the deep compression of live broadcast service content in IPTV multicast services.

[0092] Specifically, in this example, a multi-service multiplexing access network central office device integrated circuit is provided, including: an Ethernet physical layer, a media-independent layer, a data plane control unit, a logical plane control unit, a forwarding matrix unit, a storage unit, a clock unit, a protocol conversion unit, an external buffer interface of the protocol conversion unit, a management interface, a control interface, a test interface, a power management unit, and a power interface, wherein:

[0093] The Ethernet physical layer, including the PCS physical coding sublayer, the PMA physical medium adaptation sublayer, and the PMD physical medium dependent sublayer, is used to convert the received optical / electrical signals into original data frames and transmit the original data frames to the MAC control layer of the main control unit through the medium independent layer. The original data frames may include the destination MAC, source MAC, frame payload, CRC check, etc.

[0094] The medium-independent layer is the interface between the data link layer and the physical layer for transmitting original frames.

[0095] The data plane control unit, the core unit of the integrated circuit, handles the complete life cycle of data frames, including reception, decapsulation, table lookup, and forwarding. It also maintains the MAC address table (CAM table) and supports dynamic learning and aging mechanisms (default 300 seconds). It also performs Layer 2 functions such as VLAN division and management, flow control (802.3x), and Spanning Tree Protocol (STP).

[0096] The forwarding matrix is ​​a data frame fast forwarding unit controlled by the data plane control unit. The forwarding matrix is ​​connected to the TX differential pair signal (such as TX+ / TX-) interface of the physical layer PMA sublayer output of each port through the backplane. According to the forwarding instructions of the data plane control unit, the forwarding matrix quickly forwards the data frame of the source port to the destination port to achieve fast forwarding of data frames.

[0097] Storage units, including SRAM, Flash, CAM, and TCAM, are used to implement data cache, program cache, configuration storage, and MAC table storage.

[0098] The clock unit is a crystal oscillator or silicon-based clock chip that provides the system with a precise clock signal (for example, 125MHz) to ensure the timing consistency of data transmission and reception.

[0099] For live broadcasting and television services, the protocol conversion unit (PCU) is a multi-user shared protocol converter designed to meet the high concurrency requirements of multiple users. The PCU also supports the TCP / IP transport, network, data link, and physical layers, enabling protocol conversion and encapsulation from multicast or broadcast streams to unicast streams.

[0100] Control interface, test interface, and management interface. The control interface is used to coordinate the adaptation of internal resource scheduling and external communication protocols; the test interface is used to ensure the manufacturing yield and service reliability of the chip to reduce the cost of the entire life cycle; the management interface is used to achieve observability and programmability of the chip throughout its life cycle.

[0101] The power management unit includes the power supply and power supply monitoring and management of all units in the integrated circuit as well as the power input interface.

[0102] The logical plane control unit consists of a main control CPU, storage unit, and management interface. Its main functions are: first, managing the operating mode of the data plane control unit, managing MAC addresses, and setting and managing VLANs; second, determining the chip's operating mode through the external management interface. The chip can have multiple service modes or single service modes.

[0103] The multi-service mode mentioned above allows the chip's service side to access communications, broadband, data, and cable TV services. In multi-service mode, the chip can also select between two modes: enabled and disabled for the protocol conversion component. The enabled mode is suitable for multicast services or broadcast services that do not enable protocol conversion for the IGMP protocol. The disabled mode enables the reception and forwarding of IGMP multicast service flows, providing multicast replication and forwarding capabilities.

[0104] Among them, the above-mentioned single business mode is: the chip business side either accesses communication business, broadband business, data business, or accesses cable TV business. For the single communication business, broadband business, and data business mode, the chip protocol conversion part is turned off, and the chip only aggregates and forwards communication business, broadband business, and data business, and can support the start of IGMP protocol multicast stream reception and forwarding. For the single cable TV business mode, there is no communication business, broadband business, or data business input on the chip business side, and the working mode of the chip protocol conversion part can be open mode and closed mode. The open mode is suitable for multicast business or broadcast protocol conversion without starting the IGMP protocol. The closed mode is suitable for starting the reception and forwarding of IGMP protocol multicast business streams, and has multicast replication and forwarding functions.

[0105] The service side of the integrated circuit provides service interfaces that meet the bandwidth requirements for communications, broadband, and data services for the number of households covered by the chip. Independent multicast service interfaces or broadcast service interfaces are also provided to meet the bandwidth requirements for broadcast and television multicast services or broadcast services of all access service systems. The user side of the integrated circuit provides user-side interfaces capable of connecting m users, where m can be 48, 64, 72, or 96.

[0106] The integrated circuit multiplexes user signaling for communication services, broadband services, and data services and forwards them to the required service platform, forwarding the services of the service platform to the required users. During the forwarding process, the MAC control layer of the data plane control unit implements data frame parsing, address table management, and VLAN management, and realizes rapid reception and forwarding of data frames through the forwarding matrix.

[0107] For multicast and broadcast services, the integrated circuit forwards all multicast streams from the multicast service interface to the physical layer of the protocol conversion unit (PCU) through the data plane control unit and forwarding matrix. The PCU, while monitoring all multicast service MAC addresses at the access point using promiscuous mode at the data link layer, strips off the Ethernet frame headers and trailers from all multicast streams at its physical layer. It then uses standard UDP sockets (not raw sockets) to cache IP packets for multicast streams on different ports in a time-windowed manner. When a user requests to watch a multicast stream, the data plane control unit forwards the request to the PCU via the forwarding matrix. The PCU encapsulates the destination message into a unicast data frame based on the user's request and forwards it to the destination user through the forwarding matrix, completing the multicast-to-unicast conversion.

[0108] Furthermore, the integrated circuit provided in this example provides each user with exclusive 1G / 10G home bandwidth on the user side, and is applied to a multi-service multiplexing exclusive fiber optic access network terminal equipment multi-service multiplexer. It can achieve high-quality access to communication services, broadband services, data services and cable TV services, while reducing the investment cost of IPTV service core network CDN nodes and access network home costs, while ensuring that the transmission quality of ultra-high-definition bit rate broadcasting and television services (4K / 8K bit rate) can meet broadcast-level transmission standards.

[0109] Through the integrated circuit provided in the above example, users can be provided with access to multiple services such as data services, broadband Internet, communication services, and radio and television services. When applied to access network local-end equipment, it can meet the access network's needs for a wide variety of services, low service density, high access density, low coverage cost, and low home access cost.

[0110] In the integrated transmission of communication services, broadband Internet services and broadcasting and television services, there are two types of transmission modes. In these two modes, the transmission mechanisms of communication services and broadband Internet services are basically the same, but the transmission mechanisms of live broadcasting and television services are different. The simplified models of the two transmission mechanisms can be as follows: Figure 3 shown.

[0111] Figure 3The left side of the diagram shows a system for transmitting live broadcast television signals using IPTV (Internet Protocol Television) technology. In this system, the broadcast end encapsulates the live television signal into UDP packets and transmits the live content using a multicast group protocol. When a user wishes to watch a live content, they join the multicast group for that content and receive the content. The system diagram shows that numerous CDN (Multicast Data Center) nodes are deployed from the core network backbone layer to the access network aggregation layer. Their purpose is to replicate the multicast stream for a given program from the CDN node closest to each user when multiple users watch the program. This avoids the problem of core network bandwidth being insufficient to meet high concurrency requirements by transmitting the content individually for each user. For example, if a user at an edge CDN node is watching a program, multiple users at the same edge CDN node also want to watch the same content. The CDN node can then use a multicast replication mechanism to accommodate these users' needs. Instead of transmitting the same multicast stream to each user, the CDN node transmits a single multicast stream, significantly reducing core network transmission bandwidth.

[0112] However, there are several problems when starting the multicast technology of the IGMP protocol to transmit live broadcast services: First, the investment in increasing CDN nodes in the transmission network will lead to an increase in the investment cost of multicast services; second, while increasing the investment cost of CDN nodes, it is inevitable that the transmission path will not be able to meet the sudden high concurrency in a certain period of time, resulting in transmission congestion; third, multicast is based on the connectionless characteristics of UDP to transmit video programs. In the transmission between multiple routers through the multi-wave protocol and IGMP protocol, due to the lack of handshake and retransmission mechanism, data cannot be recovered after delays and packet loss, resulting in video freezes; fourth, in order to reduce the investment cost of CDN nodes and the transmission congestion problem and delay and packet loss risk caused by sudden high concurrency, deep compression is used for transmission of live broadcast programs, which makes it difficult for the transmission quality of HD / UHD programs to meet broadcast-level transmission standards; fifth, although the multicast service is connected to the home gateway ONU through the same channel as the communication service and broadband service, due to the lack of compatibility between the home router and the TV with the multi-wave protocol and IGMP protocol, an IPTV set-top box must be equipped to access the TV to watch large-screen content, which is not compatible with home terminals. Furthermore, due to Figure 3As can be seen, the access network on the left uses passive optical network (PON) technology. Multiple users access a PON port on the OLT through an optical splitter. Multiple users share the transmission bandwidth of this PON port. When the splitter's splitting ratio is 1:N, each user obtains 1 / N of the transmission bandwidth of the PON port. Within this bandwidth, communication services, broadband Internet services, and broadcasting and television services are transmitted simultaneously. Within the OLT link bandwidth, 30% of the protection bandwidth is reserved for multicast services, thereby reducing the bandwidth efficiency of the OLT link. These factors are also a major reason for the deep compression of live programs, making it difficult for the transmission quality of HD / UHD programs to meet broadcast-level transmission standards.

[0113] Figure 3 Compared to the systems on the left, the right-hand system uses either a DVB broadcast mode or an IP broadcast mode for the transmission of live broadcast television services. As shown by the dashed line in the figure, live broadcast services do not pass through switching and routing systems, nor do they set up multicast replication points, regardless of the backbone layer, metropolitan area network, aggregation layer, or access layer. Instead, they utilize a low-cost, high-quality relay mode to transmit all live broadcast services to the access layer. After being split by a power-distribution optical splitter, all live broadcast services are transmitted through independent channels to the user's set-top box, where they can listen to and watch live programs using channel selection. Channel selection is like having a DIP switch in the set-top box. Each program in the set-top box is assigned to a specific position on the DIP switch. To view a desired program, simply turn the DIP switch to the corresponding position. In the analog TV era, this DIP switch was called a tuner. In the digital TV era, it is now called a filter, which is controlled by a remote control to select the desired content. The optical splitter of the live broadcast service only distributes power, so the access bandwidth of each user is the same as the platform output bandwidth, which can solve the problem. Figure 3 The left model shows the many problems caused by the multicast replication transmission of IPTV live services.

[0114] Figure 3 The system on the right is the same as the system on the left in terms of the transmission mode of communication services and broadband Internet services. It also uses passive optical network (PON) technology to access the network. Multiple users are connected to a PON port of the OLT through an optical splitter. Multiple users share the transmission bandwidth of the PON port. When the splitting ratio of the splitter is 1:N, each user obtains 1 / N of the transmission bandwidth of the PON port. However, the OLT link bandwidth only contains communication services and broadband Internet services but no broadcast service bandwidth. Therefore, there is no need to reserve live service protection bandwidth in the OLT link bandwidth, so the OLT link bandwidth utilization is also higher than that of the system on the left.

[0115] Figure 3Compared to the systems on the left and right, the left system has the advantage of using a single fiber core for home access, with only two wavelengths for transmission and reception, resulting in lower cost. However, its disadvantages are that the investment cost for core network live streaming services is much higher than that of the system on the right, and the transmission quality of radio and television programs is much lower than that of the system on the right.

[0116] The system on the right has the advantage of high transmission quality, but its biggest drawback is that communications services, broadband internet services, and broadcast television programs are transmitted using two separate access channels. This means that the user's home has two LANs: one for watching TV and one for communications and broadband services, resulting in high home access costs. Also, like the system on the left, television programs can only be viewed on a large screen through a set-top box, which lacks compatibility with home devices.

[0117] exist Figure 3 In addition to the IPTV system on the left and the DVB system on the right, there's also an intermediate system in the middle that's distinct from both the IPTV system on the left and the DVB system on the right. This intermediate system, developed after a thorough analysis and comparison of the issues faced by the two systems, complements the strengths of both. For the intermediate system, on the platform side, live broadcast content is broadcast as multicast streams without IGMP enabled, or as IP-based broadcast signals. Within the core network, similar to the system on the right, all multicast or broadcast streams broadcast on the platform side are transmitted to the access network using inexpensive, high-quality multicast relays. This eliminates the need for significant investment in CDN nodes compared to the solution on the left. The access network is a dedicated, multi-service, multiplexed fiber access network based on Ethernet technology. The service side of the access network's central office equipment provides independent channels for accessing multicast or broadcast services. After performing multicast-to-unicast protocol conversion, data and broadcast services are accessed via a single channel, similar to the system on the left. This addresses the problem in the solution on the left, where multicast services suffer from latency and packet loss due to multi-layer multicast replication and switching routing, resulting in insufficient high-quality transmission for HD and UHD 4K / 8K live broadcasts, and the high cost of PON network access, which requires a gateway at the home. It also addresses the problem in the solution on the right, where communication services, broadband internet services, and live broadcast services are delivered via separate channels.

[0118] Furthermore, since the intermediate system uses an independent user interface for each user's exclusive local equipment, users do not need to be equipped with a home gateway at home. Communication services, broadband services, and broadcast services converted into unicast streams can be uniformly connected to the home router. There are no longer two networks in the user's home. Under the premise of the front-end platform and TV performance support, the TV can be directly connected to the home router to watch TV programs. At the same time, the user's mobile phone, computer and other terminals at home can also watch TV programs, thus solving the problem of insufficient compatibility of multicast or broadcast services of the left and right systems with home terminals. Specifically, in this example, a multi-service multiplexing integrated circuit is provided, which is capable of achieving Figure 3 The core chip of the multi-service multiplexer of the central office equipment required by the intermediate system is shown in FIG. Figure 4 As shown, the multi-service multiplexing integrated circuit may include: a data forwarding matrix unit 0412, a multicast service forwarding matrix unit 0415, a unicast service forwarding matrix 0416, a data plane control unit 0419, a logical plane control unit 0420, a protocol conversion unit 0421, and a cache interface management module 0422. Furthermore, in addition to the aforementioned core units, the multi-service multiplexing integrated circuit may also include: a physical layer interface 0413, a media independent layer interface 0414, a storage unit 0417, a clock unit 0418, a configuration management, monitoring, and control interface module 0428, a power management unit 0429, and an external cache 0430.

[0119] Furthermore, the chip of the above-mentioned multi-service multiplexing integrated circuit can also include: a MAC control layer bus 0423, a forwarding matrix control bus 0424, a data service forwarding bus 0425, a multicast service forwarding bus 0426, a unicast service forwarding bus 0427 and a logic control bus. These bus interfaces can use high-speed SerDes interfaces or PCIE interfaces to realize data transmission between internal modules and control of the data plane and logic plane.

[0120] The multi-service multiplexing integrated circuit chip may further include: a service-side data service interface 0401 and a multicast service interface 0402 , a user-side interface 0407 , a configuration management interface 0408 , a control management interface 0409 , a monitoring interface 0410 and a power supply interface 0411 .

[0121] The multi-service multiplexing integrated circuit chip may further include: multicast service SerDes interfaces 0403 and 0404, and unicast service SerDes interfaces 0405 and 0406.

[0122] like Figure 14The figure shows a functional module diagram of the data forwarding matrix unit 0412, the multicast service forwarding matrix unit 0415, and the unicast service forwarding matrix 0416, which may include: cross-port forwarding interfaces 1401 and 1403, a cross switch matrix 1402, a forwarding matrix master control module 1409, a management interface module 1408, a queue management module 1407, a control logic module 1406, a search engine module 1405, and a power management module 1404.

[0123] The data forwarding matrix unit 0412, the multicast service forwarding matrix unit 0415, and the unicast service forwarding matrix 0416 receive the forwarding strategy and preset table entries of the data plane control unit through their forwarding matrix control bus 0424 and the management interface module 1408, and coordinate the corresponding functional modules through their forwarding matrix master control module 1409 to complete the rapid forwarding of data frames.

[0124] Crossbar switch matrix 1402, acting as a physical data exchange channel, is used to forward data packets from input ports directly to designated output ports. All input ports can simultaneously send data to any output port, allowing multiple data packets to be transmitted simultaneously, thereby increasing throughput. In other words, it acts as an electronic crossroads, dynamically connecting input and output lines via switch control signals.

[0125] Lookup engine module 1405 parses packet headers (e.g., MAC address, IP address, port number) and quickly matches the destination port against the forwarding table. It supports wildcard matching, stores forwarding table entries, and supports fast access. Low latency: Single lookup times are typically in the nanosecond range. Multi-dimensional matching: Supports priority-based matching on multiple fields (e.g., L2 / L3 / L4 header fields).

[0126] The forwarding matrix master control module 1409, serving as the "brain" of the forwarding matrix, coordinates data flows between crossbar switches, lookup engines, and port interfaces, allocates transmission time slots for data packets, handles congestion control (such as queue scheduling), and supports virtualization (for example, VLAN and VXLAN tag processing).

[0127] Cross-port forwarding interfaces 1401 and 1403 are used to interact with external physical links, and may include: receiving, parsing, checking and sending data packets, physical transmission of data packets between ports, logical isolation and efficient scheduling. The physical interface implements signal forwarding, the logical interface isolates traffic, the backplane bus provides interconnection, and the internal bus coordinates the chip module.

[0128] The control logic module 1406 manages the operational status of the forwarding matrix, including loading forwarding table entries, error detection, and fault recovery. It interacts with the data control plane to dynamically update the forwarding table and monitor link status (e.g., packet loss rate, latency).

[0129] The queue management module 1407 manages the queuing and scheduling of data packets at the output port to ensure quality of service (QoS), specifically, priority-based queue management and active queue management.

[0130] The forwarding matrix executes the pre-set entry policies of the data plane control unit, achieving line-speed forwarding through hardware acceleration (e.g., ASICs), thus preventing the CPU from becoming a bottleneck. Data packets are forwarded directly at the hardware level, typically with latency in the microsecond range. The crossbar matrix supports multi-path parallel transmission, resulting in higher throughput. It also supports dynamic forwarding table protocol updates to adapt to network policy changes. Hardware-accelerated pipeline processing, combined with dynamic forwarding table decisions, enables data path selection and rapid forwarding within the crossbar matrix.

[0131] like Figure 15 As shown, the data plane control unit 0419 may include: a MAC layer interface module 1501, a forwarding table management module 1502, a policy delivery interface module 1503, a data plane control unit main control module 1509, a management interface module 1508, a status monitoring module 1507, a policy execution engine module 1506, a rule synchronization module 1505 and a power management module 1504.

[0132] The data plane control unit main control module 1509 receives the input data frames of each port through the MAC layer interface module 1501, parses the data frames, manages the MAC address table and VLAN management, forms forwarding table entries, drives the forwarding matrix through the policy delivery interface module 1403, and completes the rapid forwarding of data frames.

[0133] The forwarding table management module 1502 maintains dynamic forwarding table entries (e.g., MAC address tables, routing tables, and ACL rules). It supports automatic learning of forwarding tables (e.g., learning MAC addresses through the ARP protocol) or manual configuration, automatically generating forwarding tables based on MAC address learning. It ensures the real-time and consistency of forwarding table entries, provides the forwarding matrix with the latest matching rules, and resolves forwarding table conflicts (e.g., multipath routing priority).

[0134] The policy execution engine module 1506 maps high-level policies (e.g., QoS priorities, VLAN divisions, and security policies) to low-level forwarding rules, supporting dynamic policy adjustments (e.g., traffic rate limiting and port isolation). This enables flexible configuration of network policies to adapt to changing business needs (e.g., burst traffic scheduling) and supports resource isolation in multi-tenant environments.

[0135] Management interface module 1508, southbound interface: Communicates with the upper-layer control plane (e.g., SDN controller), receives global policy instructions, receives flow table entries issued by the controller through protocols, and converts them into TCAM configurations. Northbound interface: Interacts with the forwarding matrix, issues forwarding entries and rules, and distributes QoS queue parameters to the forwarding matrix. This decouples control logic from forwarding hardware, supports remote centralized management, provides standardized protocol support, and is compatible with equipment from different vendors.

[0136] Status monitoring module 1507 monitors network status (e.g., link quality, port load, packet loss rate) and detects abnormal events (e.g., link failures, loops). It automatically adjusts the queue scheduling algorithm when port congestion is detected. Upon detecting a link failure, it notifies the controller to recalculate forwarding routes and paths. This triggers dynamic policy adjustments (e.g., failover, load balancing), and generates logs and alarm reports to assist in troubleshooting.

[0137] The rule synchronization module 1505 ensures the consistency of forwarding table entries in a distributed forwarding matrix (e.g., in a multi-line card scenario) and supports atomic rule updates (e.g., to avoid forwarding interruptions caused by rule conflicts). In a distributed system, forwarding table entries are synchronized using a consensus protocol (e.g., RAFT). During online forwarding table upgrades, a batch update strategy is used to avoid service interruptions. This maintains globally consistent forwarding behavior in complex architectures (e.g., distributed switches) and supports dynamic rule loading during hot-swappable line cards.

[0138] like Figure 16 As shown, the logical plane control unit 0420 may include: a data plane control unit management module 1601, a routing protocol module policy delivery interface module 1602, a management protocol module 1603, a security control module 1604, a QoS (Quality of Service) module 1605, a spanning tree protocol module 1606, a protocol conversion unit management module 1607, a power management module 1608, a VLAN management module 1609, a multicast management module 1610, a DHCP module 1611, a time synchronization module 1612, a log and alarm module 1613, a configuration management interface module 1614, and a logical control plane master control module 1615.

[0139] The data plane control unit management module 1601, through the management function of the relevant modules in the main control unit, presets the data forwarding strategy of the data plane control unit and the working mode of the protocol conversion unit, and manages the configuration management, control and detection of other modules in the integrated circuit.

[0140] Routing protocol module policy delivery interface module 1602 is used to run dynamic routing protocols (such as OSPF, BGP, and RIP), exchange routing information with other network devices, generate and maintain routing tables, and determine the optimal data forwarding path. This enables cross-subnet and cross-network communication, supports complex network topologies, and automatically adapts to network changes (such as link failures) to ensure route accessibility.

[0141] The management protocol module 1603 supports chip configuration and management protocols, providing a CLI (command line interface) or web interface for administrator operation. It is used to remotely configure chip parameters (such as VLAN, port speed, and security policy) and monitor device status (such as CPU usage, port traffic, and temperature).

[0142] Security control module 1604 implements access control lists (ACLs) to filter illegal traffic, supports port security, 802.1X authentication, MAC address binding, and defends against network attacks (e.g., MAC flooding and ARP spoofing). It protects the chip from unauthorized access and malicious traffic, ensuring the confidentiality and integrity of network data.

[0143] The QoS (Quality of Service) module 1605 implements traffic shaping, rate limiting, and congestion management based on traffic priority classification, such as DSCP, VLAN tags, and port numbers. This ensures bandwidth and low latency for critical services (e.g., voice and video), avoids network congestion, and optimizes resource allocation.

[0144] The Spanning Tree Protocol module 1606 runs STP (or its improved version RSTP / MSTP) to detect and eliminate network loops and automatically switch to redundant links, improving network reliability. It prevents broadcast storms and infinite packet loops, supports network topology redundancy, and enables rapid recovery from failures.

[0145] The protocol conversion unit management module 1607 sets the working state of the protocol conversion unit through the management function of the main control module, and manages the protocol conversion unit through the management function of the corresponding module of the logical plane control unit.

[0146] The power management module 1608 is used to ensure power supply management of the logic plane control unit.

[0147] The VLAN management module 1609 creates and manages virtual local area networks (VLANs), divides broadcast domains, and supports VLAN trunking (such as 802.1Q tagging) and inter-VLAN routing (requires Layer 3). It is used to isolate different service flows (for example, data services, monitoring, and multicast services) to improve security and efficiency, flexibly expand network scale, and simplify broadcast domain management.

[0148] The multicast management module 1610 runs IGMP Snooping / Proxy (IPv4) or MLD Snooping (IPv6) to manage multicast group members. It supports multicast routing protocols such as PIM (Protocol Independent Multicast) and supports multicast protocol conversion when IGMP is not enabled. This optimizes multicast traffic distribution, avoids bandwidth waste due to flooding, and enables efficient one-to-many content transmission (for example, live video streaming).

[0149] DHCP module 1611 acts as a DHCP server or relay, assigning IP addresses to terminals and managing address pools, leases, and DNS configuration. It simplifies network configuration for terminal devices and supports dynamic IP allocation, adapting to scenarios where mobile devices frequently access the network.

[0150] The time synchronization module 1612 supports NTP (Network Time Protocol) or PTP (Precision Time Protocol) to synchronize and forward clocks, ensuring the time consistency of logs and traffic statistics, and meeting the needs of time-sensitive applications (such as data exchange and protocol conversion).

[0151] The log and alarm module 1613 records event logs (e.g., port status changes, security events) and triggers alarm notifications (e.g., SNMP traps, email notifications). This module assists with troubleshooting and network auditing, monitors network anomalies in real time, and improves operation and maintenance efficiency.

[0152] Configuration management interface module 1614: The configuration management module provides detection, configuration, testing and management interface functions for the logical control plane control unit to achieve full life cycle management of the integrated circuit.

[0153] Furthermore, the workflow of the logical plane control unit 0420 is completed by the main control CPU, which implements the protocol conversion process by scheduling the above functional modules. Its workflow is mainly as follows:

[0154] S1: Initial configuration: The administrator configures VLANs, routing protocols, security policies, etc. through the CLI or SNMP.

[0155] S2: Protocol operation: The routing protocol module generates the routing table, the STP module calculates the loop-free topology, and the multicast module manages group members.

[0156] S3: Dynamic adjustment: Update the configuration in real time (e.g., switching routing paths, adjusting QoS policies) based on network status (e.g., link failure, traffic congestion).

[0157] S4: Security protection: ACL and port security modules filter illegal traffic to prevent attacks.

[0158] S5: Monitoring and maintenance: The log module records operations and events, and the alarm module notifies administrators of abnormal conditions.

[0159] The logical control plane master module 1615 is the core control module of the integrated circuit. It implements the management of the integrated circuit's data plane control unit, routing protocol management, management protocol generation, security control management, QoS (Quality of Service) management, spanning tree protocol management, protocol conversion unit management, power management, VLAN management, multicast protocol management, DHCP function management, clock synchronization management, and log and alarm management to ensure multicast service protocol conversion and multi-service multiplexing and forwarding of data services and unicast services.

[0160] Furthermore, the logic plane control unit 0420 can set the working mode of the integrated circuit to adapt to the multiple modes and multiple services multiplexing and demultiplexing as well as data forwarding requirements.

[0161] The integrated circuit provided in this example can have the following optional operating modes:

[0162] 1) Multi-service model of communication services, broadband services and radio and television program multicast services.

[0163] In this mode, there are two states: one supporting the multicast group protocol and the other not. In the multicast group protocol state, the protocol conversion module is disabled, and the core network and access terminals support the multicast group protocol. In the non-multicast group protocol state, the protocol conversion unit is enabled, receiving and caching all multicast or broadcast streams on the service side. It then performs protocol conversion on the destination multicast or broadcast stream according to user requests and forwards it to the destination user.

[0164] 2) A single business model of communication services, broadband services or radio and television program multicast services.

[0165] In the communication and broadband service modes, the protocol conversion module within the chip is disabled, and the chip only receives and forwards signaling for communication and broadband services. In the broadcast and television program multicast service mode, the service side only has broadcast and television program multicast services for which the multicast protocol has not been activated. The protocol conversion module is activated, receiving and buffering all multicast or broadcast streams on the service side. It then performs protocol conversion on the target multicast or broadcast stream based on user requests and forwards it to the destination user.

[0166] like Figure 17As shown, the protocol conversion unit 0421 may include: an input network interface module 1701, DMA engines 1702 and 1705, a cache interface and cache management module 1703, a protocol conversion encapsulation and forwarding module 1704, a unicast output network interface module 1706, a user request network interface module 1707, a user request, permission management and port mapping management module 1708, a monitoring and alarm management module 1709, a protocol parsing module 1710, a main storage module 1711, a clock management module 1712, a power supply module 1713, a configuration management module 1714, and a protocol conversion unit main control module 1715.

[0167] The protocol conversion unit has the TCP / IP protocol transport layer, network layer, data link layer, media independent layer and physical layer, as well as related functions such as receiving, unloading, caching, protocol conversion, loading, and forwarding.

[0168] Specifically, the network interface layer may include: an input network interface module 1701, DMA engines 1702 and 1705, a unicast output network interface module 1706, and a user request network interface module 1707; it also includes: a physical layer, a media-independent layer, a MAC control layer, a DMA engine (direct memory access), a receive / transmit buffer (Rx / Tx Buffer), a hardware offload engine (Offload Engine), and RSS (receive side extension).

[0169] The physical layer, consisting of the PMD, PMA, and PCS sublayers, performs optical-to-electrical conversion, serial-to-parallel conversion, clock recovery, and physical sublayer 66B / 64B decoding and descrambling. The physical layer's primary task is to convert the bit stream received from the transmission medium into raw data frames (including destination MAC, source MAC, and CRC checksum). These frames are then transmitted to the MAC control layer via the media-independent MII interface for processing.

[0170] The media-independent layer is the interface between the data link layer and the physical layer for transmitting raw frames. In this example, it may include the following interfaces:

[0171] 1) XAUI (10 Gigabit Attachment Unit Interface):

[0172] Rate support: 10 Gbps; Transmission method: 4 pairs of differential lines (3.125 Gbps per pair), total bandwidth 10 Gbps; Low interference: Reduce signal integrity risks through serialization and channel bonding.

[0173] 2) XLGMII / CGMII: used for 25G / 25G / 100G Ethernet, using a higher-speed serial interface (such as 25Gbps per channel).

[0174] 3) CAUI / KR4: 100G Ethernet standard, through multi-channel bonding (for example: 4×25G or 10×10G).

[0175] The MAC control layer (data link layer) is used to process data link layer protocols (such as Ethernet frame encapsulation / decapsulation), manage MAC addresses and frame checksums (CRCs), and implement the writing of received data to the receive / transmit buffer (Rx / Tx Buffer) and the reading and forwarding of forwarded data from the receive / transmit buffer (Rx / Tx Buffer).

[0176] The receive / transmit buffer (Rx / Tx Buffer) is used to temporarily store data packets to be processed, balance the difference between network rate and processing speed, cache burst traffic (such as high-concurrency multicast streams), and prevent packet loss.

[0177] The DMA engine (Direct Memory Access) reads and writes directly to host memory, bypassing the CPU for zero-copy data transfer. It transfers multicast data directly from the receive buffer to host memory, and also transfers unicast streams directly from host memory to the forwarding buffer, reducing CPU load.

[0178] The hardware offload engine frees up CPU resources by processing specific protocols (for example, TCP / UDP checksum, VLAN tagging, offloading CRC check, VLAN stripping, etc.) through dedicated hardware.

[0179] RSS (Receive Side Scaling) is used to distribute data streams by hashing them into multiple queues, supporting multi-core parallel processing. It distributes different multicast streams to different CPU cores to improve concurrent processing capabilities.

[0180] Furthermore, protocol conversion unit 0421 includes a multicast stream reception network interface layer and a unicast forwarding network interface layer. The multicast stream reception network interface layer monitors all multicast streams with pre-set multicast addresses and ports (e.g., 239.1.1.1:5000-239.1.1.1:5999) without IGMP enabled, performing basic tasks such as multicast stream reception, CRC checksum verification, and VLAN stripping. Hardware dependencies: Supports concurrent reception of multiple multicast streams, offloading CRC checksums and reducing CPU interrupt pressure. Receiving rates are selectable at 10G / 25G. The unicast stream forwarding network interface layer receives user requests and forwards them to protocol conversion unit 0421. It then encapsulates the destination unicast stream into data frames based on the user's request and forwards it to the destination user via the physical layer, reducing CPU interrupt pressure. Forwarding rates are selectable at 25G / 4*25G.

[0181] Specifically, the signal flow of the multi-service multiplexing integrated circuit is as follows:

[0182] 1. The process of receiving data stream and storing it in Rx Buffer:

[0183] PHY chip (physical layer chip) converts physical signals (such as optical signals and electrical signals) into digital signals and completes physical layer processing such as clock synchronization and signal decoding.

[0184] The data flow is: physical signal → PHY chip → digital signal output to MAC controller.

[0185] The MAC controller (media access control layer) parses the Ethernet frame structure (for example, source / destination MAC address, frame type), verifies frame integrity (CRC check), filters invalid frames (such as broadcast storm control), and writes valid data packets to the receive buffer (Rx Buffer).

[0186] The data flow is: PHY output → MAC controller processing → data stored in Rx Buffer.

[0187] DMA engine (direct memory access) transfers data in the Rx Buffer directly to the host memory via DMA, bypassing CPU intervention (zero-copy technology).

[0188] The data flow is: Rx Buffer → DMA engine → host memory (for protocol stack or application processing).

[0189] 2. The process of sending data stream and storing it in Tx Buffer:

[0190] The DMA engine writes the data to be sent in the host memory directly to the Tx Buffer through DMA, avoiding the CPU from participating in data transfer.

[0191] The data flow is: host memory → DMA engine → data is stored in Tx Buffer.

[0192] The MAC controller reads data packets from the Tx Buffer, encapsulates them into Ethernet frames (adds MAC addresses and CRC checksums), and passes the encapsulated frames to the PHY chip for transmission.

[0193] The data flow is: Tx Buffer → MAC controller processing → PHY chip sending.

[0194] The PHY chip converts digital signals into physical signals (for example, optical pulses and electrical signals) and sends them to the network through physical media (optical fiber / network cable).

[0195] The data flow is: MAC controller output → PHY chip → physical network.

[0196] Protocol parsing module 1710 is used to disassemble multicast data, for example, stripping Ethernet frame headers and trailers to extract the IP / UDP payload. It is also used to parse TS streams, for example, parsing the MPEG-TS packet structure and verifying the validity of the PID and synchronization byte (0x47). It is also used to extract metadata, for example, extracting program name, bitrate, and audio and video track information from the PMT / PAT table.

[0197] By using a lightweight TS parsing library, the CPU overload problem is avoided, and a program information table is generated for use by the EPG and monitoring modules.

[0198] The cache interface and cache management module 1703 are used to perform the following functions:

[0199] a. Time window cache: Allocate an independent ring buffer (for example, 5 seconds) for each multicast stream, write data by time slice, and cache the multicast data of the last 5 seconds to cope with the suddenness of user requests.

[0200] b. Sliced ​​storage: cache channels or programs independently to avoid data mixing.

[0201] c. Time window elimination: Timeout data is automatically discarded to ensure real-time performance (for example, caching the content of the last 5 seconds).

[0202] d. Data continuity guarantee: Detect and repair packet loss or disorder in TS stream (through PCR clock synchronization).

[0203] e. Fast retrieval: Locate the data block in the cache based on the timestamp of the user request.

[0204] Furthermore, the memory pool can pre-allocate fixed-size memory blocks to reduce dynamic memory allocation overhead. Cache partitioning: Set up an independent cache area for each multicast stream (for example: 239.1.1.1:5000 → Cache Area 1).

[0205] In actual implementation, the memory cache uses efficient data structures (such as circular queues) to store TS packets. The disk cache is used to support time-shifted TV or playback. The cache format is a standard UDP socket: IP header + UDP header + TS payload (without Ethernet header and FCS).

[0206] The authority management and port mapping management module 1708 is used to implement the following functions:

[0207] Function 1, port mapping function:

[0208] Static mapping table maintenance: records the fixed binding relationship between multicast streams and unicast ports (for example: 239.1.1.1:5000 → 6000).

[0209] Port conflict detection: Check whether the port is occupied by other services at startup.

[0210] Configuration loading: read port mapping rules from a configuration file or database.

[0211] Implementation example:

[0212] {"CCTV-1": { "multicast": "239.1.1.1:5000", "unicast_port": 6000},

[0213] "CCTV-2": { "multicast": "239.1.1.2:5000","unicast_port": 6001}}.

[0214] Function 2, user request processing function:

[0215] HTTP API service: Receives user requests (such as http: / / 192.168.10.100:6000) and resolves the target unicast port.

[0216] Permission verification: Check whether the user IP or Token has the right to access the program corresponding to the port.

[0217] Session log recording: records user playback behavior (start time, IP, port, bit rate).

[0218] Implementation example:

[0219] GET / play?channel=CCTV-1 → Redirects to the unicast address http: / / 192.168.10.100:6000.

[0220] Function 3: Permission management function:

[0221] After receiving a user request, the multi-service multiplexer first performs permission authentication. This permission authentication function involves obtaining and binding unique user attributes within the live streaming platform's user management system to the user's permission to view platform services. This permission specifies the permission to view content broadcast on the live streaming platform and the validity period of the permission. When the user's set-top box or smart TV is powered on, this permission is bundled with the IP address and MAC address into a token and sent to the permission management and port mapping management module 1708. The permission management module verifies the user's token permissions with the platform's user management system. Once the permissions expire, they are stored in a rewritable, power-off memory, eliminating the need for the user to confirm with the platform each time they request content. When the user's set-top box or smart TV issues a request to access live streaming content, the permission management module verifies the token and confirms that the permissions are within the validity period. The user's request is then processed through function 2. Once a user's computer or mobile phone is bound to the set-top box or smart TV that has obtained the permissions, it can share the permissions of the set-top box or smart TV.

[0222] The unicast encapsulation module 1704 is used to implement the following functions:

[0223] 1) Protocol encapsulation: re-encapsulate the cached TS data into a unicast UDP stream, replacing the target IP and port.

[0224] 2) Traffic replication: The data stream is replicated independently for each user request (e.g., if user A and user B watch the same program, two unicast streams are generated).

[0225] 3) QoS marking: Add DSCP priority to unicast streams (for example, EF class to ensure real-time performance).

[0226] Specifically, DPDK or Netmap is used to accelerate packet encapsulation, bypassing the kernel protocol stack, and each unicast port is bound to an independent thread for multi-threaded parallel processing.

[0227] The monitoring and alarm module 1709 is used to implement the following functions:

[0228] 1) Traffic statistics: monitor the bandwidth, number of concurrent users, and packet loss rate of each unicast port.

[0229] 2) Cache status detection: Check the fill rate of the ring buffer and warn of overflow risks.

[0230] 2) Hardware health check: monitor CPU and memory temperature and load.

[0231] Specifically, you can use Prometheus to collect protocol converter metrics in real time, and use Grafana to visualize traffic and system status.

[0232] The configuration and management module 1714 is used to implement the following functions:

[0233] 1) Dynamic configuration: supports hot loading of multicast address mapping, cache strategy and other parameters.

[0234] 2) Status monitoring: Real-time statistics of bandwidth, number of concurrent users, cache hit rate and other indicators.

[0235] 3) Logging: Record user access logs and error logs to facilitate troubleshooting.

[0236] Specifically, parameters are dynamically adjusted through configuration files or APIs, and Prometheus / Grafana is integrated to implement monitoring, data collection, and visual monitoring.

[0237] During implementation, the workflow for multicast-to-unicast conversion using a non-dynamic port mechanism may include:

[0238] S1: Receive and cache multicast streams:

[0239] Multicast subscription: The port mapping table is loaded when the integrated circuit starts up. Port 0404 of the protocol conversion unit 0421 listens to all preset multicast addresses (for example: 239.1.1.1:5000 ~ 239.1.1.192:5000) through the multicast service interface 0402 and floods to the physical layer interface 0403 through the VLAN in promiscuous mode.

[0240] Protocol parsing: The network module driver strips the Ethernet frame and passes the IP / UDP payload to the protocol parsing module to parse the TS packet header and verify the PID and continuity counter.

[0241] Cache write: Writes the TS packet to the corresponding ring buffer according to the multicast address and port (for example: 239.1.1.1:5000 → Cache 1).

[0242] The old data is overwritten by the new data, and the latest 5 seconds of content are retained.

[0243] S2: Processing user requests:

[0244] User initiates a request: The user clicks "CCTV-1" on the EPG and accesses the fixed URL http: / / 192.168.10.100:6000 through the browser.

[0245] HTTP redirection: After verifying the permissions, the user request processing module returns the unicast stream address (actually still 192.168.10.100:6000).

[0246] Player connection: The user device (for example, VLC) initiates a UDP connection request to port 6000 of the cache.

[0247] S3: Encapsulate and send unicast stream:

[0248] Data retrieval: The unicast stream encapsulation module searches the mapping table based on the unicast port 6000 and finds the corresponding multicast stream 239.1.1.1:5000. The latest TS data is extracted from buffer 1.

[0249] Protocol encapsulation: Encapsulates TS data into unicast UDP packets. For example, source IP: protocol converter IP (192.168.10.100), source port: statically bound port (e.g., 6000); destination IP: user device IP (192.168.1.101), destination port: user device random port (e.g., 50000).

[0250] Traffic replication and transmission: If multiple users request the same port (e.g., 6000) simultaneously, the network interface module 2 replicates an independent unicast stream for each user and transmits data in parallel through multiple threads or multiple queues of the network interface module 2.

[0251] S4: Session maintenance and termination:

[0252] Heartbeat monitoring (optional): The user player sends heartbeat packets (for example, RTCP packets) periodically, and the monitoring module updates the session activity time.

[0253] Timeout release: If the user stops playing and there is no heartbeat, the IC stops sending data, but the unicast port 6000 still keeps listening.

[0254] Resource release: Buffer and port resources are released only when the IC is restarted or manually shut down.

[0255] S5: Protocol converter port binding mechanism:

[0256] In this embodiment, a non-dynamic port binding management mechanism is determined, that is, a mapping relationship of converting the port number of a multicast stream into the port number of a unicast stream is a static port binding management mechanism.

[0257] The following describes the non-dynamic port binding mechanism and the dynamic port binding mechanism:

[0258] 1. Fixed unicast port number (static mapping)

[0259] Scenario description:

[0260] EPG pre-configuration: The unicast port number of each channel is hard-coded directly in the Electronic Program Guide (EPG), for example:

[0261] CCTV-1 → http: / / 192.168.10.100:6000 / udp / 239.1.1.1:5000

[0262] CCTV-2 → http: / / 192.168.10.100:6001 / udp / 239.1.1.2:5000.

[0263] Static rules for the protocol converter: pre-bind ports 6000 to 6192, each port corresponds to a multicast stream, for example:

[0264] Port 6000 is mapped to the multicast stream 239.1.1.1:5000;

[0265] Port 6001 is mapped to 239.1.1.2:5000;

[0266] And so on.

[0267] Based on this, the user request process can include:

[0268] S1: The user clicks the "CCTV-1" button in the EPG.

[0269] S2: EPG generates a fixed URL: http: / / 192.168.10.100:6000 / udp / 239.1.1.1:5000.

[0270] S3: After receiving the request, the protocol converter extracts the data from the multicast stream 239.1.1.1:5000 and then sends it to the user through the unicast port 6000.

[0271] This fixed unicast port number handling method eliminates the need for dynamic EPG queries and directly constructs a fixed URL, making it simple and straightforward. Ports correspond to channels one-to-one, providing clear logging and monitoring, making troubleshooting easy. However, this method requires pre-allocation of 192 ports, which wastes port resources even when no users are watching. Furthermore, adding new channels requires manual modification of the protocol converter and EPG configuration, resulting in poor scalability.

[0272] 2. Dynamic unicast port number (assigned on demand)

[0273] Scenario description:

[0274] EPG dynamic request: EPG does not hard-code port numbers, but instead requests temporary ports from the protocol converter through the API.

[0275] Example request: http: / / 192.168.10.100 / api / request?channel=239.1.1.1:5000.

[0276] Dynamic protocol converter allocation: Upon receiving the request, it allocates an idle port (e.g., 52000) from the dynamic port pool (e.g., 50000 to 65535). This creates a mapping: 52000 → 239.1.1.1:5000. The response is: { "url": "http: / / 192.168.10.100:52000"}.

[0277] Based on this, the user request process can include:

[0278] S1: The user clicks the "CCTV-1" button in the EPG.

[0279] S2: EPG sends an API request to the protocol converter:

[0280] http: / / 192.168.10.100 / api / request?channel=239.1.1.1:5000.

[0281] S3: The protocol converter assigns port 52000 and returns { "url": "http: / / 192.168.10.100:52000"}.

[0282] S4: The user player connects to 192.168.10.100:52000 to receive the unicast stream.

[0283] This dynamic unicast port number processing method allocates ports on demand and automatically releases them when idle, achieving efficient resource utilization and supporting massive numbers of users and channels without pre-configuration, resulting in strong scalability. However, this method requires implementing port allocation, session management, and timeout recovery, resulting in high complexity. Furthermore, the player needs to support dynamic URL retrieval (e.g., via JSON API), which requires meeting terminal compatibility requirements.

[0284] The comparison between the fixed unicast port solution and the dynamic unicast port number solution can be shown in Table 1 below:

[0285] Table 1

[0286]

[0287] The final configuration example is as follows:

[0288] 1. Fixed port solution (EPG hard-coded):

[0289] EPG channel list:

[0290] CCTV-1: http: / / 192.168.10.100:6000 / udp / 239.1.1.1:5000

[0291] CCTV-2: http: / / 192.168.10.100:6001 / udp / 239.1.1.2:5000 ...

[0293] CCTV-192: http: / / 192.168.10.100:6192 / udp / 239.1.1.192:5000.

[0294] Protocol converter configuration:

[0295] map 6000 http: / / 192.168.

[0296] map 6001 http: / / 192.168. ...

[0298] map 6192 http.1.1.192:5000.

[0299] 2. Dynamic port solution (API interaction):

[0300] EPG request logic: The user clicks CCTV-1 and sends GET / api / request?channel=239.1.1.1:5000.

[0301] The protocol converter responds: 1:50001.1:5000nel=239.1.1.1:5000 / 23.

[0302] Protocol converter session table:

[0303] Session 1:

[0304] User IP: 192.168.1.101

[0305] Channel: 239.1.1.1:5000

[0306] Port: 52000 (timeout: 2023-10-01 14:30:00).

[0307] In the fixed port solution, when a user requests a URL like http: / / 192.168.10.100:6000 / udp / 239.1.1.1:5000, the EPG must hardcode the port number. This approach is simple, has low latency, and can save 100-500ms compared to the dynamic port solution. In the dynamic port solution, users obtain a temporary port through the API (such as http: / / 192.168.10.100:52000), and the EPG does not need to pre-set the port. However, this approach requires developing session management logic, is complex, and has high latency.

[0308] Based on the above, we can see that the protocol conversion integrated circuit captures multicast streams through the multicast stream receiving interface module, parses the multicast streams through the protocol parsing module, and implements static mapping management between multicast and unicast ports through the port mapping module. Cache management ensures real-time performance, while the protocol encapsulation module encapsulates unicast streams, the unicast stream forwarding interface forwards unicast streams, the user request management module manages user requests, and the configuration management module configures and monitors the integrated circuit, ultimately achieving efficient and stable multicast-to-unicast conversion. Its core lies in hardware-accelerated protocol processing and intelligent resource management, enabling high-concurrency, low-latency multicast-to-unicast conversion and forwarding.

[0309] The configuration management, monitoring, and control interface module 0428 includes a control interface, a test interface, and a management interface. The control interface coordinates internal resource scheduling and external communication protocol adaptation; the test interface ensures chip manufacturing yield and service reliability, reducing lifecycle costs; and the management interface enables observability and programmability throughout the chip lifecycle. Interface types include I2C, USB, and SerDes.

[0310] The power management unit 0429 includes: the power supply and power supply part of all units in the integrated circuit, which is used for monitoring and management, as well as the power input interface.

[0311] The storage unit 0417 includes SRAM, Flash, CAM and TCAM, which are used to implement data cache, running program cache, configuration storage and MAC table storage.

[0312] The clock unit 0418 is based on a crystal oscillator or a silicon clock chip, and provides the system with a precise clock signal (eg, 125 MHz) to ensure timing consistency of data transmission and reception.

[0313] The cache interface management module 0422 may specifically include:

[0314] 1. Cache composition:

[0315] The cache unit is mainly composed of the following core components:

[0316] 1. Storage media, memory (RAM), high-speed read and write, and extremely low latency (nanosecond level), suitable for scenarios with high real-time requirements (e.g. live streaming).

[0317] 2. Data structure:

[0318] Ring Buffer:

[0319] Features: Loop overwriting of old data, fixed capacity, and avoidance of memory overflow.

[0320] Application: Real-time live stream caching (for example, each channel maintains a separate ring buffer).

[0321] Hash Table:

[0322] Features: Quickly locate cached content (for example, by channel ID or URL index).

[0323] Application: Manage multi-channel cache and support fast retrieval.

[0324] Time window queue:

[0325] Features: Stores data fragments in chronological order (such as HLS .ts files).

[0326] Application: Supports time-shift playback and dynamic generation of playlists (.m3u8).

[0327] 3. Cache management strategy:

[0328] Elimination algorithm:

[0329] LRU (Least Recently Used): Eliminates data that has not been accessed for a long time.

[0330] LFU (Least Frequently Used): Eliminates data with low access frequency.

[0331] Time window elimination: overwrite old data at a fixed time (for example, 5 seconds), suitable for real-time streaming.

[0332] 4. Protocol adaptation module:

[0333] Multicast → Unicast Encapsulation: Converts multicast streams (e.g., UDP / TS) into unicast formats such as HTTP-FLV and HLS.

[0334] Dynamic bitrate adaptation: Switching between segments with different bitrates (e.g., HLS multi-bitrate versions) based on network conditions.

[0335] 2. The core functions of cache:

[0336] 1. Accelerate content distribution: Reduce user access latency by providing data locally (for example, by pushing live streams directly from memory).

[0337] 2. Reduce the source site load: Reduce repeated requests to the multicast source or backend server to avoid bandwidth bottlenecks.

[0338] 3. Support high concurrency: By sharing cached content, it can serve a large number of user requests (for example, thousands of people watching the same channel at the same time).

[0339] 4. Fault tolerance and redundancy: When the origin server fails, the cache continues to provide services (for example, playing the last 5 seconds of cached content).

[0340] 5. Protocol compatibility: Adapt to different terminal protocols (for example: mobile phone → HLS, PC → HTTP-FLV).

[0341] 3. Cache capacity selection method:

[0342] Real-time live streaming scenario:

[0343] 1. Calculation formula: Total cache (Bytes) = Number of channels × ((Bitrate of the high-bitrate channel among the channels × Cache time) / 8) × Safety factor. For a Cache time of 5 seconds, the Safety factor is 1.5.

[0344] For example, assuming there are 192 channels, with 50 120 Mbps 8K programs, 50 36 Mbps 4K programs, 50 25 Mbps HD programs, and 42 8M SD programs, the average bitrate for the 192 channels is 48 Mbps. Therefore, the total cache capacity = 192 × ((120,000,000 * 5) / 8) × 1.5 = 22 GB.

[0345] 2. Storage media selection:

[0346] Memory: If the capacity requirement is low (≤32GB) and the real-time requirement is high, DDR5 can be selected.

[0347] Capacity: 32GB memory.

[0348] 3. Capacity optimization strategy:

[0349] Deduplication and compression: Deduplication of duplicate content (e.g., multi-bitrate streams from the same channel) and use compression algorithms (such as H.265) to reduce storage usage.

[0350] 4. Dynamic adjustment: Automatically expand / contract cache capacity based on real-time traffic (e.g., elastic storage on cloud servers).

[0351] VLAN management planning:

[0352] All multicast streams (equivalent to broadcast streams) broadcast by the platform without IGMP enabled are transmitted via multicast flooding to the integrated circuit multicast service interface 0402. These streams are then transmitted via the forwarding matrix within the integrated circuit to the internal integrated circuit SerDes interface 0403 via multicast flooding. These streams are then connected to the SerDes interface 0404 of the protocol conversion unit 0421 via the internal integrated circuit SerDes adaptation bus, enabling access to all multicast streams. To prevent the multicast streams from the integrated circuit multicast service interface 0402 from being flooded to other interfaces, the logical plane control unit 0420 assigns the integrated circuit multicast service interface 0402 and the internal integrated circuit SerDes interface 0403 to a single VLAN, for example, VLAN 100. This ensures that all multicast streams from the integrated circuit multicast service interface 0402 are transparently transmitted only to the internal integrated circuit SerDes interface 0403 and cannot be broadcast to other ports within the chip, thus ensuring that other ports are not affected.

[0353] Furthermore, to ensure secure transmission and port isolation for broadband and unicast services, the logical plane control unit 0420 can assign the user-side interface 0407 and the unicast service SerDes interface 0406 to a unicast service VLAN, such as VLAN 200. Meanwhile, the service-side data service interface 0401 and the user-side interface 0407 are assigned to a broadband service VLAN, such as VLAN 300. Furthermore, to facilitate chip testing, control, and management, a management VLAN, such as VLAN 400, is planned. This VLAN management ensures port isolation for multiple services while ensuring fast forwarding QoS for each service.

[0354] Further, such as Figure 5 The figure shows a flow chart of how all multicast services or broadcast services on the service side of the integrated circuit are connected to the protocol conversion unit and cached.

[0355] exist Figure 5In the figure, multiple sets of program TS over UDP data frames transmitted by the broadcast platform are connected to the physical layer 0413 through the multicast service interface 0402. The physical layer 0413 restores the data frame to the original frame and transmits it to the data plane control unit 0419 through the media independent layer 0414. After parsing the UDP data frame, the data plane control unit 0419 confirms that the destination IP address of the data frame is a multicast address, and the destination MAC address is the multicast address of an undetermined receiving host, a multicast IP address (for example: 239.1.1.1), and the mapped MAC address is 01:00:5E:01:01:01. The data plane control unit 0419 broadcasts the UDP data frame to the SerDes interface 0413 in the VLAN through the multicast service forwarding matrix 0415 and the multicast service forwarding bus 0426 according to the MAC layer flooding rule. The SerDes interface 0413 within the VLAN also floods all multicast streams to the SerDes interface 0404 of the protocol conversion unit 0421 via the multicast service forwarding bus 0426. Protocol conversion unit 0421 monitors all multicast frames on the internal SerDes interface 0403 of the integrated circuit in promiscuous mode. It receives the entire UDP stream through the physical layer and media-independent layer, strips off the frame header and trailer, and then caches it in the external cache 0430 via the cache interface management module 0422 in the format of a standard UDP socket: IP header + UDP header + TS payload (without the Ethernet header and FCS). The cache caches the IP packets of each program by channel fragment. A circular buffer is maintained based on the length of time, which is automatically overwritten upon timeout. The time window can be set to 5 seconds.

[0356] exist Figure 5 The dotted line in the middle represents the execution process, where 501, 502, 503, and 504 are the decision-making process of the data plane control unit 0419; 505 and 506 are the forwarding process of the multicast service forwarding matrix unit 0415 and the receiving process of the protocol conversion unit 0421; 507 is the caching process of the protocol conversion unit 0421 caching to the external cache 0430 through the cache interface management module 0422.

[0357] like Figure 6The figure shows a flow chart of multicast to unicast conversion. When a user wants to watch CCTV-1 programs, he presses CCTV-1 on the EPG display through the remote control. The application system in the TV generates a request to watch CCTV-1 programs: http: / / protocol converter IP address: unicast stream port number / udp / multicast stream IP address: multicast stream port number, such as http: / / 192.168.10.100:6000 / udp / 239.1.1.1:5000. The data frame is forwarded through the home router to the user-side interface 0407 corresponding to the integrated circuit in the access network terminal device. The user-side interface 0407 connects the data frame to the physical layer 0413. The physical layer 0413 restores the data frame to the original frame and transmits it to the data plane control unit 0419 through the medium-independent layer 0414. The data plane control After unit 0419 parses the data frame, confirms the destination IP address and destination MAC address of the data frame, and performs port and MAC address mapping and updating, it forwards the data frame to multicast service forwarding bus 0426 in the VLAN through unicast service forwarding matrix 0416 and unicast service forwarding bus 0427. The physical layer of protocol conversion unit 0421 receives the data frame through unicast service SerDes interface 0405. Based on the user request, protocol conversion unit 0421 finds udp / 239.1.1.1:5000 from external cache 0430 and converts it into a unicast stream. Unicast service forwarding matrix 0416 forwards the data frame to user-side interface 0407 through unicast service SerDes interface 0405, unicast service SerDes interface 0406, and unicast service forwarding bus 0427, completing the multicast-to-unicast process.

[0358] The specific process of multicast to unicast can be as follows: Figure 6 The dotted line in the figure shows:

[0359] 1) Receive request:

[0360] 601, 602, 603, and 604 are the decision-making process of the data plane control unit 0419;

[0361] 605 and 606 are the processes of the unicast service forwarding matrix 0416 forwarding and the protocol conversion unit 0421 receiving the request;

[0362] 2) Forwarding process:

[0363] 607, 608, 609, 610, and 611 are the processes of the protocol conversion unit 0421 completing the multicast to unicast conversion and the unicast service forwarding matrix 0416 forwarding.

[0364] Figure 7This is a flowchart for forwarding communication services and broadband Internet services. When a user initiates a communication service or broadband Internet service request, such as https: / / www.baidu.com / , and forwards it to the user-side interface 0407 corresponding to the integrated circuit in the access network terminal device through the home router, the user-side interface 0407 accesses the data frame to the physical layer 0413. The physical layer 0413 restores the data frame to the original frame and transmits it to the data plane control unit 0419 through the medium-independent layer 0414. The data plane control unit 0419 parses the data frame and confirms that the data After the destination IP address and destination MAC address of the frame are mapped and updated with the port and MAC address, the data frame is forwarded to the service side data service interface 0401 in the VLAN through the data forwarding matrix unit 0412 and the data service forwarding bus 0425, and then connected to the core network server through the service side data service interface 0401. After receiving the request, the core network server returns the requested page along the original path and forwards it to the user side interface 0407 through the multicast service interface 0402, the data service forwarding bus 0425, and the data forwarding matrix unit 0412, completing the process of the user opening the Baidu browser.

[0365] The process of forwarding communication services and broadband Internet services is as follows: Figure 7 The dotted line shows:

[0366] 1) Receive request:

[0367] 701, 702, 703, and 704 are the decision-making process of the data plane control unit 0419;

[0368] 705 and 706 are the forwarding process of the data forwarding matrix unit 0412.

[0369] 2) Business return process:

[0370] 707, 708, and 709 are the return and forwarding processes of the broadband Internet service.

[0371] Furthermore, the integrated circuit proposed in this embodiment, while satisfying the above-mentioned aggregation, forwarding and protocol conversion functions, also meets the following functional requirements: first, it must meet the high concurrency requirement; second, it must support the IPV4 / IPV6 dual protocol stack function; third, it must provide access network core functions, transmission functions and user-side node functions according to the access network definition; fourth, it must meet the characteristics of the access network with a wide variety of services, low traffic density and high interface density; fifth, the integrated circuit provided in this example can have various forms of ASIC solutions to meet the needs of better reducing access network coverage costs and home access costs.

[0372] 1) High concurrency requirements:

[0373] Assume that a chip provides 48 user interfaces, more user access capabilities and the request and forwarding capabilities of different services in the same time period, and at the same time, the access capabilities of multiple terminals within the same user interface must be met. The packet forwarding capacity of the integrated circuit per unit time can be calculated according to the peak concurrency rate. For the needs of Internet services, the service-side interface rate and packet forwarding capacity per unit time of the chip can be determined according to the number of concurrent users and the average access bandwidth per user. For multicast services, the number of access channels and the bit rate of each channel determine the access bandwidth of the service. The two factors that can be considered are the number of concurrent terminals and the number of terminals watching the same program at the same time, as well as the forwarding measures. The forwarding of concurrent terminals can be determined by multiplying the bit rate of each program by the number of concurrent terminals to determine the packet forwarding capacity. When multiple users watch the same program at the same time, the following processing solutions can be used:

[0374] 1. Session sharing:

[0375] Unicast stream multiplexing: All users requesting the same program share the same cached data, and the protocol conversion unit maintains only independent session state (e.g., TCP connection or UDP port) for each terminal. This approach reduces memory and CPU overhead and avoids repeated data extraction and encapsulation.

[0376] For example, suppose user A and user B request 239.1.1.1:5000 at the same time. The protocol conversion unit reads data from the same buffer and sends it through different TCP connections.

[0377] 2. Concurrent processing:

[0378] Multithreading / coroutine: Assign an independent thread or coroutine to each user session to achieve high concurrent response.

[0379] Zero copy: Avoid copying data between user mode and kernel mode through memory mapping (mmap) or direct I / O.

[0380] 3. Bandwidth Management:

[0381] Speed ​​limit: Ensure that the bandwidth of a single user does not exceed the program bit rate.

[0382] Priority queue: Assign high priority to real-time video streams to avoid being blocked by other services.

[0383] 2) Dual-stack mechanism:

[0384] TS over UDP meets compatibility requirements in an IPv4 / IPv6 dual-stack environment and supports dual protocol stacks. The chip design supports both IPv4 and IPv6 protocols. Multicast address mapping correctly configures IPv4 / IPv6 multicast addresses and corresponding MAC addresses. UDP checksums must be enabled for mandatory IPv6 checksums. Path MTU management controls the UDP payload size to avoid fragmentation. All network devices must support dual-protocol multicast flooding, and routers can optionally support PIM / PIM6. This ensures efficient and reliable transmission of TS over UDP in a mixed IPv4 / IPv6 environment.

[0385] 3) Access Network Definition:

[0386] The integrated circuit provided in this example is different from a general-purpose switching chip. The multi-service multiplexing integrated circuit does not require switching capabilities between user-side ports, but must meet access network service port functions, core functions, transmission functions, user port functions, and management functions. It also needs to have strong uplink data aggregation and downlink data distribution capabilities to implement access network multiplexing, cross-connection, and transmission functions. It also needs to have protocol conversion capabilities to meet multicast to unicast requirements.

[0387] IV) The access network has a wide range of services, low traffic density, and high interface density:

[0388] The integrated circuit in this example has multi-service access functions and high-density user interface capabilities, thereby supporting multi-service multiplexing and demultiplexing and high-density user interfaces, reducing access network coverage costs and home access costs.

[0389] 5) There are various ASIC solutions:

[0390] The multi-service multiplexer of the local equipment using this ASIC chip can better meet the needs of reducing the access network coverage cost and the cost of entry. Furthermore, the meaning of ASIC itself is a dedicated integrated circuit. Therefore, in addition to meeting the aforementioned component and function definitions, the ASIC solution also meets the model and architecture characteristics of the required equipment. The better the combination of the two, the higher the cost performance. In order to achieve this goal, in this example, the device model and architecture of the proposed integrated circuit are used to refine the form of the ASIC solution, such as: the number and bandwidth of the service side interfaces, the number and bandwidth of the user side interfaces, the capacity of the internal buffer, cache and memory, the number of cores and threads of the main control CPU, the packet forwarding rate of the forwarding matrix, the number of cores and threads of the protocol converter CPU, the cache capacity and many other parameters, and in Figure 4 Based on the basic model shown, different architectures and specification finalization methods for the multi-service multiplexing ASIC chip to be developed are determined.

[0391] In multiple embodiments, the multi-service multiplexer can be designed as an integrated model, a plug-in model, and a split model. Moreover, regardless of whether it is an integrated model, a plug-in model, or a split model, in order to facilitate the control of access network coverage costs and home costs, it can be designed into a two-level architecture of a secondary multiplexing unit and a primary multiplexing unit, wherein the secondary multiplexing unit faces the service side and the primary multiplexing unit faces the user side, and the secondary multiplexing unit and the primary multiplexing unit are connected through a backplane bus (integrated model), a motherboard slot (plug-in model), and a fiber optic interface (split model). Therefore, whether it is an integrated model, a plug-in model or a split model, they all have the common point that they all have a secondary multiplexing unit facing the service side and a primary multiplexing unit facing the user side. At the same time, if the secondary multiplexing unit is regarded as the aggregation layer, one secondary multiplexing unit can be equipped with multiple primary multiplexing units, thereby meeting the access network aggregation layer and access layer architecture, and combining the structures of the integrated model, plug-in model and split model to meet the deployment of various scenarios.

[0392] Based on the above concept, the integrated circuit provided in this example can be applied to a multi-service multiplexer and can include the following implementation forms:

[0393] Example 1:

[0394] like Figure 8 As shown, the multi-service multiplexer consists of a secondary multiplexing unit 0801 and 1-M primary multiplexing units 0806, where the value of M includes but is not limited to 4, 6, 8, 12, and 24.

[0395] Among them, the secondary multiplexing unit 0801 of the multi-service multiplexer can be composed of a secondary multiplexing unit core module 0802, a service side 10G / 25G / 100G optional rate communication service, a broadband Internet service core network interface 0803, a 10G / 25G optional rate core network multicast service interface 0804, and a user side 10G / 25G optional rate multi-service interface 0805 that can access 1-M primary multiplexing units.

[0396] The first-level multiplexing unit 0806 of the above-mentioned multi-service multiplexer can be composed of a core module 0807, a service-side 10G / 25G selectable rate multi-service interface 0808, 1-m 1G / 10G user-side interfaces 0809, a multi-channel integrated optoelectronic converter 0810 and 1-N multi-core fiber pigtail adapters 0811.

[0397] like Figure 8 As shown, in this example, the ASIC chip of the integrated circuit or the FPGA chip with the same functional code is used in the core module 0802 in the secondary multiplexing unit 0801 of the multi-service multiplexer, so as to meet the broadband service, communication service aggregation and multicast service protocol conversion and forwarding functions, as shown in FIG. Figure 9The core chip of the core module 0802 in the secondary multiplexing unit 0801 of the multi-service multiplexer shown.

[0398] Will Figure 9 and Figure 4 Compared with each other, the internal structure and components of the two are exactly the same. The functions and principles of their internal modules can be found in detail. Figure 4 Description, Figure 9 and Figure 4 Compared to determining that the number of user-side interfaces 0407 is M 10G / 25G optional rate SerDes interfaces, the number of M includes but is not limited to 4, 6, 8, 12, 24, so as to meet Figure 8 The architecture requirements of the multi-service multiplexer shown in the figure meet the core functions of (broadband service, communication service) aggregation / multicast service protocol conversion, aggregation, multiplexing and forwarding.

[0399] Further, Figure 8 The core functions of the core module 0807 in the first-level multiplexing unit 0806 shown are: first, forwarding user communication services, broadband Internet services and multicast service requests to the second-level multiplexing unit; second, forwarding the content obtained by the user from the core network through the second-level multiplexing unit to the user. Therefore, the first-level multiplexing unit has multi-service access function. The core chip of its core module 0807 can be an ASIC chip or a general-purpose second-layer switching chip, or an FPGA chip with the same functional code. The core requirements are: it has access to more user interfaces, the number of multi-core fiber optic adapters 0811 is 1-m, and the number of m should meet 48, 64, 72, and 96. The transmission rate is 1G / 10G optional rate to meet the needs of gigabit / 10G home access.

[0400] Each primary multiplexing module is equipped with W multi-channel integrated optoelectronic conversion assemblies 0810, which perform optoelectronic conversion for the user interfaces of the multi-service access module 0806. The number of channels in a multi-channel integrated optoelectronic conversion assembly 0810 can be L, with values ​​for L including, but not limited to, 12, 24, or 48. Each multi-channel integrated optoelectronic conversion assembly 0810 is connected to a multi-fiber pigtail adapter 0811 on the chassis panel via a multi-fiber pigtail, enabling fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) for multiple users.

[0401] Example 2:

[0402] like Figure 10 The multi-service multiplexer shown, Figure 10 and Figure 8 The difference is that the ASIC chip of the integrated circuit proposed in this example or the FPGA chip with the same functional code is used in the core module 1005 of the first-level multiplexing unit 0806 of the multi-service multiplexer, so as to meet the access of broadband services and communication services and the conversion and forwarding functions of multicast service protocols, and obtain the satisfaction. Figure 10The core chip of the core module 1005 of the multi-service multiplexer first-level multiplexing unit 0806 shown can be as follows Figure 11 shown.

[0403] exist Figure 10 The secondary multiplexing unit 0801 of the multi-service multiplexer is composed of a broadband service / communication service aggregation module 1001, a multicast service relay forwarding module 1003, and 1-M primary multiplexing units 0806. The value of M includes but is not limited to 4, 6, 8, 12, and 24.

[0404] The broadband service / communication service aggregation module 1001 of the secondary multiplexing unit 0801 of the above-mentioned multi-service multiplexer can be composed of a 10G / 25G / 100G optional rate communication service on the service side, a multicast service relay forwarding module 1003 and a 10G / 25G optional rate data service interface 1002 on the user side that can access 1-M primary multiplexing units.

[0405] The multicast service relay forwarding module 1003 of the secondary multiplexing unit 0801 of the above-mentioned multi-service multiplexer can be composed of a 10G / 25G optional rate multicast service core network interface 0804 on the service side and a 10G / 25G optional rate data service interface 1004 on the user side that can access 1-M primary multiplexing units.

[0406] The aforementioned multi-service multiplexer's primary multiplexing unit 0806 may comprise a core module 1005 for access / multicast services (broadband services, communications services), a service-side 10G / 25G selectable-rate data service interface 1006 and a multicast service interface 1007, 1-m 1G / 10G user-side interfaces 0809, a multi-channel integrated optoelectronic converter 0810, and 1-N multi-fiber pigtail adapters 0811. The primary multiplexing unit is capable of accessing more user interfaces, with the number of user interfaces 0810 ranging from 1-m, where the number m should be 48, 64, 72, or 96. The transmission rate is selectable at 1G / 10G, meeting Gigabit / 10G home access requirements.

[0407] exist Figure 10 In this embodiment, the ASIC chip of the integrated circuit or the FPGA chip with the same function code is used in the core module 1005 of the first-level multiplexing unit 0806 of the multi-service multiplexer, so as to meet the broadband service, communication service aggregation and multicast service protocol conversion and forwarding functions, thereby meeting the requirements of the present invention. Figure 10 The core chip of the core module 1005 of the first-level multiplexing unit 0806 of the multi-service multiplexer can be as follows: Figure 11 shown.

[0408] Further, Figure 11 and Figure 4 、 Figure 9 Compared with the previous example, its internal structure and components are exactly the same. The functions and principles of its internal modules are detailed in Figure 4 Description. Figure 11 and Figure 9 The difference is that the data service and multicast service interface rates on the service side are all 10G / 25G optional, and the number of user side interfaces is m 1G / 10G optional rate SerDes interfaces, which fully meets the requirements. Figure 10 The architecture of the multi-service multiplexer shown in the figure satisfies the core functions of (broadband service, communication service) access / multicast service protocol conversion, aggregation, multiplexing and forwarding.

[0409] Figure 10 The core function of the broadband / communications service aggregation module 1001 of the secondary multiplexing unit 0801 is to aggregate and forward the communications services and broadband internet services of the primary service units. This function is similar to that of a Layer 2 switch. The core chip can be an ASIC chip, a general-purpose Layer 2 switch chip, or an FPGA chip with equivalent functional code. The core function of the multicast service relay and forwarding module 1003 is to relay and forward all multicast services of the platform to M primary multiplexing units. The core chip can be an ASIC chip or can also utilize the intra-VLAN broadcast function of the Layer 2 switch chip.

[0410] Furthermore, each primary multiplexing unit 0806 is equipped with W multi-channel integrated optoelectronic conversion assemblies 0810 to perform optoelectronic conversion for the user interfaces of primary multiplexing unit 0806. The number of channels in a multi-channel integrated optoelectronic conversion assembly 0810 can be L, with values ​​for L including, but not limited to, 12, 24, or 48. Each multi-channel integrated optoelectronic conversion assembly 0810 is connected to a multi-fiber pigtail adapter 0811 on the chassis panel via a multi-fiber pigtail, enabling fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) for multiple users.

[0411] Example 3:

[0412] like Figure 12 As shown, the multi-service multiplexer consists of a secondary multiplexing unit 0801 and 1-M primary multiplexing units 0806, where the value of M includes but is not limited to 4, 6, 8, 12, and 24.

[0413] Furthermore, the secondary multiplexing unit 0801 of the multi-service multiplexer can be composed of a broadband service / communication service aggregation module 1001 and a multicast service protocol conversion module 1201. Specifically, the broadband service / communication service aggregation module 1001 comprises a service-side 10G / 25G / 100G selectable-rate communication service and broadband Internet service core network interface 0803, and a user-side 10G / 25G selectable-rate data service interface 1002 that can access 1-M primary multiplexing units. The multicast service protocol conversion module 1201 comprises a service-side 10G / 25G selectable-rate multicast service core network interface 0804, and a user-side 10G / 25G selectable-rate unicast service interface 1202 that can access 1-M primary multiplexing units.

[0414] Among them, the multi-service multiplexer first-level multiplexing unit 0806 consists of a multi-service multiplexing access module 1204, a service-side 10G / 25G optional rate data service interface 1006 and a unicast service interface 1203. The user side can provide a 1G / 10G user-side interface 0809 that can access 1-m users, a multi-channel integrated optoelectronic converter 0810 and 1-N multi-core fiber optic adapters 0811.

[0415] exist Figure 12 In this embodiment, the ASIC chip of the integrated circuit or the FPGA chip with the same functional code is used in the multicast service protocol conversion module 1201 of the secondary multiplexing unit 0801 of the multi-service multiplexer, so as to meet the broadband service, communication service aggregation and multicast service protocol conversion and forwarding functions, thereby meeting the requirements of the present invention. Figure 12 The core chip of the multicast service protocol conversion module 1201 of the secondary multiplexing unit 0801 of the multi-service multiplexer shown in FIG. Figure 13 shown.

[0416] Figure 13 and Figure 9 Compared with the two, the common point is that they are both used in the secondary multiplexing unit of the multi-service multiplexer, but the difference is that in Figure 13 Cancelled Figure 9 The data service forwarding matrix unit 0412 and the corresponding transmission bus in the data service forwarding matrix unit 0412 also cancel the service side communication service and the service side data service interface 0401, that is, cancel the service side communication service and the data service interface 0401. Figure 4 The data service convergence part only retains the multicast service interface 0402, multicast service reception, caching, multicast to unicast and unicast service forwarding functional units and modules. It is an independent multicast service protocol conversion and forwarding integrated circuit solution for the secondary multiplexing unit of the multi-service multiplexer. The functions and principles of its internal components are detailed in Figure 4 Description. Figure 13 and Figure 4In comparison, the number of user-side interfaces 0407 is determined to be M 10G / 25G optional rate SerDes interfaces, thus fully meeting Figure 12 The architecture of the multi-service multiplexer shown in the figure satisfies the core functions of (broadband service, communication service) aggregation / multicast service protocol conversion, aggregation, multiplexing and forwarding.

[0417] In summary, Figure 12 In the example shown, the secondary multiplexing unit 0801 is independently configured with a broadband service / communication service aggregation module 1001. The service side of the broadband service / communication service aggregation module 1001 provides a 10G / 25G / 100GSerDes interface 0803 for communication services and broadband Internet, and the user side provides a 10G / 25G selectable rate SerDes interface 1002 that can access 1-M primary multiplexing units. The core chip of the broadband service / communication service aggregation module 1001 can be an ASIC chip or a general-purpose Layer 2 switching chip, or an FPGA chip with equivalent functional code, to implement broadband service and communication service aggregation and forwarding functions.

[0418] Figure 12 The core functions of the multi-service multiplexing access module 1204 of the first-level multiplexing unit 0806 in the shown example are: first, forwarding user communication services, broadband Internet services and multicast service requests to the second-level multiplexing unit through the service side 10G / 25G optional rate data service interface 1006 and the unicast service interface 1203 respectively; second, forwarding the content obtained by the user from the core network through the second-level multiplexing unit to the user, so the first-level multiplexing unit has a multi-service multiplexing access function. The core chip of its multi-service multiplexing access module 1204 can be an ASIC chip or a general-purpose Layer 2 switching chip, or an FPGA chip with the same functional code. The core requirements are: it has access to more user interfaces, the number of user interfaces 0809 is 1-m, the number of m should meet 48, 64, 72, 96, and the transmission rate is 1G / 10G optional rate to meet the requirements of gigabit / 10G home access.

[0419] Furthermore, each primary multiplexing module is equipped with W multi-channel integrated optoelectronic conversion assemblies 0810, which perform optoelectronic conversion for the user interfaces of the multi-service multiplexing access module 1204. The number of channels in each multi-channel integrated optoelectronic conversion assembly 0810 can be L, with values ​​for L including, but not limited to, 12, 24, and 48. Each multi-channel integrated optoelectronic conversion assembly 0810 is connected to a multi-fiber pigtail adapter 0811 on the chassis panel via a multi-fiber pigtail, enabling fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) for multiple users.

[0420] Furthermore, in the above three examples, the solution for various home application terminals, such as mobile phones, computers, and TV terminals to watch on-demand services is based on Figure 3According to the planning, the data service channel of the above embodiment is used to realize the listening and watching of the on-demand service, and the system platform will push the required content according to the bit rate required by different terminals.

[0421] Specifically, integrated circuits with multi-service multiplexing and protocol conversion functions can be applied to two forms of multi-service multiplexing access network central office equipment: the secondary multiplexing unit and the primary multiplexing unit of the multi-service multiplexer. Specifically, the integrated circuit with multi-service multiplexing and protocol conversion functions applied to the secondary multiplexing unit provides a 10G / 25G / 100G selectable-rate data service interface and an independent 10G / 25G selectable-rate multicast service interface on the service side, and a 10G / 25G selectable-rate interface that can access M primary service units on the user side, where M can be a maximum of 24. The integrated circuit with multi-service multiplexing and protocol conversion functions applied to the primary multiplexing unit provides a 10G / 25G selectable-rate multi-service access interface on the service side, and a 1G / 10G selectable-rate user interface that can access m users on the user side, where m can be a maximum of 96. Furthermore, the independent protocol conversion integrated circuit method, when combined with a universal switching chip, can be applied to the secondary multiplexing unit and the primary multiplexing unit of the multi-service multiplexer of the multi-service multiplexing access network terminal equipment, and its service side interface rate, user side interface rate and number of interfaces meet the above requirements.

[0422] There are two ways to watch live broadcasts on mobile phones and computers:

[0423] 1) The live broadcast platform broadcasts all live content at two bit rates. One bit rate is the large-screen bit rate of HD and UHD standards for viewing on TV. The TV uses the protocol converter channel in the above embodiment to watch the live content at the large-screen bit rate. The other bit rate is the small-screen bit rate suitable for viewing on mobile phones and computers. Mobile phones and computers, like TV terminals, use the protocol converter channel in the above embodiment to watch the live content at the small-screen bit rate.

[0424] 2) When a mobile phone or computer requests to watch a live channel, the system will transcode the live channel in real time and push it to the destination terminal through the data service channel, enabling the mobile phone or computer to listen to and watch the live channel.

[0425] above Figure 9 、 Figure 11 and Figure 13 The integrated circuit shown in the figure is combined with other functional chips to form Figure 8 、 Figure 10 and Figure 12The multi-service multiplexer shown provides users with communication services and broadband Internet services. At the same time, it converts the broadcast signals of cable TV live channels or multicast signals of IPTV platforms into protocols and then accesses them to users as unicast streams, thus solving the problem of insufficient compatibility of broadcast signals or multicast signals with home terminals.

[0426] Furthermore, from the above Figure 9 、 Figure 11 and Figure 13 The multi-service multiplexer implemented by the integrated circuit method and other functional chips shown above includes: a secondary multiplexing unit and M primary multiplexing units, where the number M includes but is not limited to 4, 6, 8, 12, and 24; each primary multiplexing unit provides m user interfaces on the user side, where the value of m includes but is not limited to 48, 64, 72, and 96; and after being converted into optical signals by W multi-channel integrated optoelectronic conversion devices, they are connected to the multi-core fiber pigtail adapter seat on the chassis panel through multi-core fiber pigtails and multi-core fiber pigtail adapter female connectors, so as to be connected to the multi-core fiber pigtail adapter male connector outside the chassis, and each user can have exclusive access to a single core of optical fiber. Wherein, the value of W of the multi-channel integrated optoelectronic conversion device of each primary multiplexing unit includes but is not limited to 4, 6, and 8; the number of channels of each multi-channel integrated optoelectronic conversion device is L; thus, the entire chassis panel can provide N = M * W multi-core fiber pigtail adapter seats, where W = m / L.

[0427] If the letter n is used to represent the number of users that can be connected to each multi-service multiplexer, then the number of users that can be connected to each multi-service multiplexer is n=M*m=M*W*L=N*L.

[0428] According to the above statement:

[0429] M includes but is not limited to 4, 6, 8, 12, and 24 (the number of primary multiplexing units in each multi-service multiplexer);

[0430] m includes but is not limited to 48, 64, and 96 (the number of user-side interfaces of each first-level multiplexing module);

[0431] W includes but is not limited to 4, 6, 8, and 12 (the number of multi-channel integrated photoelectric converters in each first-level multiplexing unit);

[0432] N includes but is not limited to = M*W (the number of multi-core pigtail adapters for each multi-service multiplexer);

[0433] L includes but is not limited to 12, 16, and 24 (the number of channels of the photoelectric converter in the multi-channel integrated photoelectric conversion transceiver or the number of fiber cores in the multi-core pigtail);

[0434] Therefore, the number of access users of each multi-service multiplexer is n=M*m=M*W*L=N*L, including but not limited to 192, 256, 384, 512, 768 and 1152 users.

[0435] above Figure 10 In Example 2 shown, the first-level multiplexing unit of the multi-service multiplexer deploys Figure 11 The protocol conversion function integrated circuit shown in the figure can connect to m = 96 households per primary multiplexing unit. Figure 11 As long as the forwarding matrix, data plane control unit, protocol conversion unit, cache unit, and user-side interface rate in the integrated circuit shown meet the concurrency rate of m=96 households, the chip development cost will be low.

[0436] and Figure 8 Example 1 and Figure 12 In Example 3 shown, the secondary multiplexing unit of the multi-service multiplexer deploys Figure 9 、 Figure 13 The protocol conversion function integrated circuit shown in the figure, because each secondary multiplexing unit can access M primary multiplexing units with access to m users, when M=8, m=96, a multi-service multiplexer can access n=8*96=768 households, so Figure 9 and Figure 13 The forwarding matrix, data plane control unit, protocol conversion unit, cache unit and user-side interface rate of the integrated circuit shown need to be magnified M times, which will increase the chip development cost.

[0437] Furthermore, although Figure 10 The chip development cost of the solution shown is lower than Figure 8 、 Figure 12 The chip development cost of the solution shown is Figure 10 The chip of the solution shown can only be shared by 96 users, and each level one multiplexing unit must be equipped with a protocol conversion function chip. Figure 8 、 Figure 12 The chip in the solution shown is shared by 768 households. If the price difference between the two is less than M times, the latter will have a higher cost-performance ratio than the former. However, the former is more suitable for all-in-one models, while the latter is more suitable for plug-in and split models. Therefore, different solutions can achieve better cost-performance when combined with different architecture models.

[0438] The multi-service multiplexing integrated circuit method proposed in this example, when applied to a multi-service multiplexing broadband access network system using Ethernet technology and dedicated optical fiber, not only solves the technical problems of high cost of access to homes due to dual-channel data and broadcast services in cable TV networks, and the lack of compatibility of broadcast services with home networks after access, but also addresses the technical problems of high investment costs in IPTV core networks and the inability of live broadcast service transmission quality to meet broadcast-grade transmission standards. Furthermore, the multi-service multiplexing integrated circuit method disclosed in this example supports a star network architecture based on Ethernet technology and dedicated optical fiber. Compared with existing tree-based PON networks, it offers the following advantages: multiple optical ports on the user side of central office equipment, one for each user; multiple optical fiber cores from the central office cabinet to the unit cabinet, with each user receiving a dedicated optical fiber core; the access network gateway ONU is eliminated in user homes, with each user receiving a dedicated optical fiber core replacing the PON network gateway ONU; high user access bandwidth, including but not limited to 1000M, and low per-user cost.

[0439] Furthermore, the multi-service multiplexing integrated circuit provided in this example has a protocol conversion portion that receives all multicast or broadcast messages that do not enable the IGMP protocol and converts them into unicast messages according to user needs. These messages are then connected to the user's home router along with broadband and communication services. Under the conditions that the front-end service platform and the performance of the home television are sufficient, the television can be used to watch large-screen content without a set-top box. Various terminals such as televisions, computers, and mobile phones can obtain multi-service services through the home router, thereby resolving the problem of incompatibility and inconvenience in operation caused by the inability of cable TV services to access home routers, resulting in the need for users to have two local area networks, cable TV and data networks, in their homes. Compared with the existing network that enables the IGMP protocol to receive live TV services, this solution significantly reduces the investment cost of the core network CDN node while eliminating the need for users to be equipped with a home gateway, thereby reducing the investment cost of the integrated network for broadband services, communication services, and broadcast and television services.

[0440] The various embodiments in this specification are described in a progressive manner. Similar portions between the various embodiments can be referenced to each other. Each embodiment focuses on the differences between the other embodiments. In particular, the hardware + program embodiments are generally similar to the method embodiments, so their description is relatively simple. For relevant portions, refer to the description of the method embodiments.

[0441] The foregoing description of this specification describes specific embodiments. Other embodiments are within the scope of the appended claims. In some cases, the actions or steps recited in the claims can be performed in an order different from that described in the embodiments and still achieve the desired results. Furthermore, the processes depicted in the accompanying drawings do not necessarily require the specific order shown or the sequential order to achieve the desired results. In certain embodiments, multitasking and parallel processing are also possible or may be advantageous.

[0442] Although this application provides method operation steps as described in the embodiments or flowcharts, more or fewer operation steps may be included based on routine or non-creative work. The order of steps listed in the embodiments is only one way of executing the steps among many, and does not represent the only execution order. When an actual device or client product executes the method steps shown in the embodiments or the figures, the steps may be executed sequentially or in parallel (for example, in a parallel processor or multi-threaded processing environment).

[0443] Although the embodiments of this specification provide method operation steps as described in the embodiments or flow charts, more or fewer operation steps may be included based on conventional or non-creative means. The order of steps listed in the embodiments is only one way of executing the order of many steps and does not represent the only execution order. When the device or terminal product in practice is executed, it can be executed in sequence or in parallel according to the method shown in the embodiments or the drawings (for example, in an environment of parallel processors or multi-threaded processing, or even in a distributed data processing environment). The terms "comprise", "include" or any other variants thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, so that the process, method, product or device including a series of elements includes not only those elements, but also includes other elements not explicitly listed, or also includes elements inherent to such process, method, product or device. In the absence of further restrictions, it is not excluded that there are other identical or equivalent elements in the process, method, product or device including the elements.

[0444] For the convenience of description, the above devices are described in terms of functions divided into various modules. Of course, when implementing the embodiments of this specification, the functions of each module can be implemented in the same or multiple software and / or hardware, or the modules that implement the same function can be implemented by a combination of multiple sub-modules or sub-units, etc. The device embodiments described above are merely schematic. For example, the division of the units is only a logical function division. In actual implementation, there may be other division methods, such as multiple units or components can be combined or integrated into another system, or some features can be ignored or not executed. Another point is that the mutual coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed can be an indirect coupling or communication connection through some interfaces, devices or units, which can be electrical, mechanical or other forms.

[0445] Those skilled in the art will also appreciate that, in addition to implementing the controller in pure computer-readable program code, it is entirely possible to implement the same functionality by logically programming the method steps in the form of logic gates, switches, application-specific integrated circuits, programmable logic controllers, embedded microcontrollers, and the like. Therefore, such a controller can be considered a hardware component, and the devices included therein for implementing various functions can also be considered structures within the hardware component. Alternatively, the devices for implementing various functions can be considered both software modules implementing the method and structures within the hardware component.

[0446] The present application is described with reference to the flowcharts and / or block diagrams of the methods, 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, as well as 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 a processor of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, an embedded processor, or other programmable data processing device to produce a machine, so that the instructions executed by the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing device generate instructions for implementing the processes in the flowchart and / or block diagram. Figure 1 a process or multiple processes and / or boxes Figure 1 A device that provides the functions specified in a block or multiple blocks.

[0447] These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer readable memory that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing device to work in a specific manner, so that the instructions stored in the computer readable memory produce an article of manufacture comprising an instruction device, which implements the process Figure 1 a process or multiple processes and / or boxes Figure 1 The function specified in one or more boxes.

[0448] These computer program instructions can also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing device so that a series of operational steps are executed on the computer or other programmable device to produce a computer-implemented process, thereby providing the instructions executed on the computer or other programmable device for implementing the process. Figure 1 a process or multiple processes and / or boxes Figure 1 A step that specifies a function in one or more boxes.

[0449] In a typical configuration, a computing device includes one or more processors (CPUs), input / output interfaces, network interfaces, and memory.

[0450] Memory may include non-permanent storage in a computer-readable medium, random access memory (RAM) and / or non-volatile memory in the form of read-only memory (ROM) or flash RAM. Memory is an example of a computer-readable medium.

[0451] Computer-readable media includes permanent and non-permanent, removable and non-removable media that can be implemented by any method or technology to store information. The information can be computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data. Examples of computer storage media include, but are not limited to, phase change memory (PRAM), static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), other types of random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory or other memory technology, compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), digital versatile disc (DVD) or other optical storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other non-transmission media that can be used to store information that can be accessed by a computing device. As defined herein, computer-readable media does not include transitory media such as modulated data signals and carrier waves.

[0452] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the embodiments of this specification may be provided as methods, systems, or computer program products. Therefore, the embodiments of this specification may take the form of entirely hardware embodiments, entirely software embodiments, or embodiments combining software and hardware. Furthermore, the embodiments of this specification may take the form of a computer program product implemented on one or more computer-usable storage media (including but not limited to magnetic disk storage, CD-ROMs, optical storage, etc.) containing computer-usable program code.

[0453] Embodiments of this specification may be described in the general context of computer-executable instructions executed by a computer, such as program modules. Generally, program modules include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, and the like that perform specific tasks or implement specific abstract data types. Embodiments of this specification may also be practiced in distributed computing environments where tasks are performed by remote processing devices connected via a communications network. In distributed computing environments, program modules may be located in local and remote computer storage media, including storage devices.

[0454] The various embodiments in this specification are described in a progressive manner. Similar or identical parts between the various embodiments can be referenced across them. Each embodiment focuses on the differences from the other embodiments. In particular, since the system embodiments are generally similar to the method embodiments, their description is relatively simple. For relevant parts, reference can be made to the description of the method embodiments. Throughout this specification, reference to the terms "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples" means that the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in conjunction with that embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of the embodiments in this specification. In this specification, the schematic representations of these terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in any one or more embodiments or examples. Furthermore, those skilled in the art may combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples, and features of different embodiments or examples, described in this specification, without conflict.

[0455] The above description is merely an example of the embodiments of this specification and is not intended to limit the embodiments of this specification. For those skilled in the art, various modifications and variations of the embodiments of this specification are possible. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc. made within the spirit and principles of the embodiments of this specification shall be included within the scope of the claims of the embodiments of this specification.

Claims

1. An integrated circuit for a multi-service multiplexing access network central office device, characterized in that: include: Data forwarding matrix unit, multicast service forwarding matrix unit, unicast service forwarding matrix, data plane control unit, logical plane control unit and protocol conversion unit; wherein: The data forwarding matrix unit, the multicast service forwarding matrix unit, and the unicast service forwarding matrix receive the forwarding strategy and forwarding table entries of the data plane control unit through the forwarding matrix control bus and the management interface module, and coordinate the functional modules through the main control module of the forwarding matrix to complete the rapid forwarding of data frames; The data plane control unit includes: a MAC control layer and a data forwarding matrix management module, which is used to dynamically configure and control the switching matrix, generate and send forwarding table entries to the data forwarding matrix unit, the multicast service forwarding matrix unit, and the unicast service forwarding matrix, monitor the network status, receive and dynamically adjust the global policy instructions of the logical plane control unit; The logical plane control unit is the core control unit of the data forwarding matrix unit, the multicast service forwarding matrix unit, the unicast service forwarding matrix, and the data plane control unit, and is used to determine the optimized unitized and modularized global policy instructions to implement protocol conversion, service multiplexing, and data forwarding for communication services, broadband Internet services, and cable TV services; The protocol conversion unit is used to implement the live broadcast service transmitted by the cable TV network in the access network local end equipment, including: after performing protocol conversion on UDP messages and IP broadcast streams that do not start the IGMP protocol, accessing the home router together with the communication service and broadband Internet service through the Ethernet technology-based access network that does not require the user to be equipped with a home gateway, providing the user's various terminals with multi-service services of communication service, broadband Internet service, and cable TV service with unified protocol, wherein the protocol conversion is to convert the multicast or broadcast stream into a unicast stream.

2. The integrated circuit of the multi-service multiplexing access network central office equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that: The data forwarding matrix unit, the multicast service forwarding matrix unit, and the unicast service forwarding matrix include: an inter-port forwarding interface, a cross-switch matrix, a forwarding matrix master control module, a queue management module, a control logic module, and a search engine module; wherein: The crossbar switch matrix, as a data exchange channel at the physical level, is used to forward data packets from input ports directly to designated output ports. All input ports can send data to any output port at the same time, and multiple data packets can be transmitted simultaneously. The search engine module is used to parse the data packet header and match the destination port according to the forwarding table entry, supports wildcard matching rules, stores the forwarding table entries, and is also used to perform multi-field matching based on priority; The forwarding matrix master control module is used to coordinate the data flow between the crossbar switch matrix and the search engine module and the interface, and allocate the transmission time slot of the data packet, congestion control and virtualization processing; The cross-port forwarding interface is used to interact with the external physical link, including: receiving, parsing, checking and sending data packets, realizing physical transmission of data packets between ports, logical isolation and efficient scheduling. The physical interface is used for signal forwarding, the logical interface is used for isolating traffic, providing interconnection with the backplane bus, and coordinating chip modules for the internal bus; The control logic module is used to manage the operating status of the forwarding matrix, including: loading of forwarding table entries, error detection and fault recovery; The queue management module is used to queue and schedule data packets at the output port based on priority queue management and active queue management.

3. The integrated circuit of the multi-service multiplexing access network central office equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that: The data plane control unit includes: a MAC layer interface module, a forwarding table management module, a policy delivery interface module, a data plane control unit main control module, a management interface module, a status monitoring module, a policy execution engine module and a rule synchronization module; wherein: The data plane control unit main control module is used to receive the input data frames of each port through the MAC layer interface module, parse the received data frames, manage the MAC address table and VLAN management, form forwarding table entries, and drive the forwarding matrix through the policy delivery interface module to complete the forwarding of data frames; The forwarding table management module is used to automatically generate forwarding table entries through MAC address learning, provide the latest matching rules for the forwarding matrix, and handle conflicts in the forwarding table; The policy execution engine module is used to map high-level policies to low-level forwarding rules and support dynamic adjustment of policies; The management interface module includes a southbound interface and a northbound interface, wherein the southbound interface communicates with the upper control plane, is used to receive global policy instructions, receives flow table entries issued by the controller through the protocol, and converts them into TCAM configurations; the northbound interface interacts with the forwarding matrix, is used to issue forwarding table entries and rules, and issues QoS queue parameters to the forwarding matrix; The status monitoring module is used to monitor the network status and detect abnormal events. When port congestion is detected, it automatically adjusts the queue scheduling algorithm. When a link failure is found, it notifies the controller to recalculate the forwarding route and forwarding path. The rule synchronization module is used to synchronize forwarding table entries in a distributed system through a consistency protocol and upgrade the forwarding table online using a batch update strategy; maintain globally consistent forwarding behavior in complex architectures and support dynamic loading of rules when hot-plugging line cards.

4. The integrated circuit of a multi-service multiplexing access network central office device according to claim 1, wherein: The logical plane control unit includes: a data plane control unit management module, a routing protocol module policy delivery interface module 1602, a management protocol module, a security control module, a QoS module, a spanning tree protocol module, a protocol conversion unit management module, a power management module, a VLAN management module, a multicast management module, a DHCP module, a time synchronization module, a log and alarm module, a configuration management interface module, and a logical control plane master control module; wherein: The data plane control unit management module is used to manage the configuration management, control and detection of each module in the integrated circuit according to the data forwarding strategy of the preset data plane control unit and the working mode of the protocol conversion unit; The routing protocol module policy delivery interface module is used to run dynamic routing protocols, exchange routing information with other network devices, generate and maintain routing tables, and determine the optimal data forwarding path; The management protocol module supports chip configuration and management protocols, is used to provide a command line interface or a web interface for administrator operation, and is also used to remotely configure chip parameters and monitor device status; The security control module is used to access the control list, filter illegal traffic, and defend against network attacks to ensure the confidentiality and integrity of network data; The QoS module is used to implement traffic shaping, rate limiting and congestion management according to the determined traffic priority; The spanning tree protocol module is used to detect and eliminate network loops and automatically switch redundant links; The protocol conversion unit management module is used to set the working state of the protocol conversion unit and manage the protocol conversion unit through the management function of the corresponding module of the logical plane control unit; The power management module is used to manage the power supply of the logic plane control unit; The VLAN management module is used to create and manage virtual local area networks and divide broadcast domains; The multicast management module is used to manage multicast group members, support multicast routing protocols, support multicast stream protocol conversion without starting the IGMP protocol, and optimize multicast traffic distribution; The DHCP module is used to allocate IP addresses to terminals and manage address pools, lease periods, and DNS configurations; The time synchronization module is used to ensure the time consistency of logs and traffic statistics by synchronizing and forwarding clocks to meet the needs of time-sensitive applications; The log and alarm module is used to assist in troubleshooting and network auditing by recording event logs and monitoring network anomalies in real time; The configuration management interface module is used to provide detection, configuration, testing and management interface functions for the logic control plane main control module 1615 to achieve full life cycle management of integrated circuits; The logical control plane master control module is used to implement management of the integrated circuit's data plane control unit, routing protocol management, management protocol generation, security control management, QoS management, spanning tree protocol management, protocol conversion unit management, power management, VLAN management, multicast protocol management, DHCP function management, clock synchronization management, and log and alarm management to ensure multicast service protocol conversion and multi-service multiplexing and forwarding of data services and unicast services.

5. The integrated circuit of the multi-service multiplexing access network central office equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that: The integrated circuit operation modes provided by the logic plane control unit include: a multi-service mode of communication service, broadband service and broadcast television program multicast service and a single service mode of communication service, broadband service or broadcast television program multicast service; wherein: In the multi-service mode of communication services, broadband services, and radio and television program multicast services, there are two states: the state in which the multicast group protocol is enabled and the state in which the multicast group protocol is not enabled. In the state in which the multicast group protocol is enabled, the protocol conversion unit is disabled, and the core network and access terminals support the multicast group protocol. In the state in which the multicast group protocol is not enabled, the protocol conversion unit is enabled. After receiving and caching all multicast streams or broadcast streams on the service side, it performs protocol conversion on the destination multicast stream or broadcast stream according to the user's request and forwards it to the destination user. In the single service mode of communication service, broadband service or radio and television program multicast service, the protocol conversion part in the chip is turned off, and the chip only performs signaling reception and service forwarding for communication service and broadband service. In the single radio and television program multicast service mode, the service side only has the radio and television program multicast service for which the multicast protocol is not started. The protocol conversion unit is started. After receiving and caching all multicast streams or broadcast streams on the service side, it performs protocol conversion on the destination multicast stream or broadcast stream according to the user's request and forwards it to the destination user.

6. The integrated circuit of the multi-service multiplexing access network central office equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that: The protocol conversion unit includes: a physical layer and a medium-independent layer; wherein: The physical layer is used to convert the bit stream received from the transmission medium into an original data frame, and transmit the original data frame to the MAC control layer through the MII interface of the medium independent layer for data frame processing; The medium-independent layer is an interface for transmitting original frames between the data link layer and the physical layer.

7. The integrated circuit of the multi-service multiplexing access network central office equipment according to claim 6, characterized in that: The protocol conversion unit also includes: a multicast stream receiving network interface layer and a unicast stream forwarding network interface layer, wherein the multicast stream receiving network interface layer is used to monitor all multicast streams with preset multicast addresses and ports without starting the IGMP protocol, and realize multicast stream reception, CRC check, and VLAN stripping; the unicast stream forwarding network interface layer is used to receive user requests and forward them to the protocol conversion unit, and encapsulate the destination unicast stream into data frames according to the user request, and then forward it to the destination user through the physical layer.

8. The integrated circuit of a multi-service multiplexing access network central office device according to claim 1, wherein: Also includes: The cache interface and cache management module are used to allocate an independent ring buffer for each multicast stream of a real-time live program, and cache it independently by channel or program; It writes data by time slice, caches the most recent multicast data of a preset duration, responds to the burstiness of user requests, and locates data blocks in the cache according to the timestamp of the user request. It detects and repairs packet loss or disorder in the TS stream through PCR clock synchronization, and supports overwriting old data at a fixed time.

9. The integrated circuit of the multi-service multiplexing access network central office equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that: The integrated circuit is applied in the secondary multiplexing unit of a multi-service multiplexer, or in the primary multiplexing unit of a multi-service multiplexer, or in both the primary multiplexing unit of a multi-service multiplexer and the secondary multiplexing unit of a multi-service multiplexer.

10. The integrated circuit of the multi-service multiplexing access network central office equipment according to claim 9, characterized in that: The multi-service multiplexer is one of the following models: an integrated model, a plug-in model and a split model. The multi-service multiplexer is a two-level architecture of a secondary multiplexing unit and a primary multiplexing unit, wherein the secondary multiplexing unit faces the service side and the primary multiplexing unit faces the user side. Between the secondary multiplexing unit and the primary multiplexing unit, the integrated model uses a backplane bus, the plug-in model is provided with a motherboard slot, and the split model is provided with an optical fiber interface; when the secondary multiplexing unit is used as a convergence layer, one secondary multiplexing unit is equipped with multiple primary multiplexing units.

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