Method, chip, communication device, storage medium and program product for processing frames

Abstract

This application discloses a method, chip, communication device, storage medium, and program product for processing frames, belonging to the field of communication technology. In this method, a first control frame is obtained based on first control information. The first control frame carries second control information, which indicates a processing mode. Additionally, a data frame is obtained and forwarded according to the processing mode indicated by the second control information. The first control frame is either a first TDM or a first non-TDM frame, and the data frame is a second non-TDM frame. Alternatively, the first control frame is a second TDM frame, and the data frame is a third TDM frame, where the second and third TDM frames are TDM frames of different types. Alternatively, the first control frame is a conventional OTN frame, and the data frame is a conventional OTN frame. This application enables fast, flexible, and scalable processing of data frames, improving dynamic network performance. This method can be applied to OTN devices or OLTs included in an ON network.

Description

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202510581715.9, filed on May 6, 2025, entitled "Method for Processing Frames, Chip, Communication Device, Storage Medium and Program Product", as well as Chinese Patent Application No. 202510626034.X, filed on May 14, 2025, entitled "Method for Processing Frames, Chip, Communication Device, Storage Medium and Program Product", and Chinese Patent Application No. 202510691363.2, filed on May 26, 2025, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to methods for processing frames, chips, communication devices, storage media, and program products. Background Technology

[0003] In the field of communication technology, service data is carried out through data frames, and the normal operation of services is ensured through the processing of these data frames. Therefore, how to process data frames is a problem worthy of attention. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a method, chip, communication device, storage medium, and program product for processing frames, used to implement the processing of data frames. The technical solution provided by this application includes the following aspects.

[0005] Firstly, a method for processing frames is provided. In this method, a first control frame is obtained based on first control information. The first control frame carries second control information, which indicates a processing mode. Additionally, a data frame is obtained and forwarded according to the processing mode indicated by the second control information. The first control frame is either a time-division multiplexing (TDM) frame or a first non-TDM frame, and the data frame is a second non-TDM frame.

[0006] This application provides a layered architecture of control plane, extended control plane, and service plane. First control information transmitted through the control plane establishes the extended control plane, while second control information transmitted through the extended control plane (carried in the first control frame) indicates the processing method for data frames. Data frames can be transmitted through the service plane. Since the data frame is a second non-TDM frame, which uses non-TDM technology, it is not limited to fixed time slots and can be transmitted at any time. Therefore, the determination complexity and data volume of the second control information used to indicate the processing method for the data frame are relatively low. Thus, the extended control plane enables rapid transmission of the second control information, facilitating the rapid determination of various processing methods for data frames. This makes the data frame processing process fast, flexible, and scalable, improving dynamic network performance.

[0007] In one possible implementation, the first control frame is a TDM frame, which is a fine-grained optical transport network (fgOTN) frame, and the second non-TDM frame is an optical service unit (OSU) frame or an Ethernet frame.

[0008] In this implementation, the extended control plane uses fgOTN technology, while the service plane uses either OSU or Ethernet technology. Because the extended control plane and the service plane employ different technologies, there is hard isolation between them, improving security.

[0009] In one possible implementation, the first control frame is a first non-TDM frame, which is either an OSU frame or an Ethernet frame, and the second non-TDM frame is either an OSU frame or an Ethernet frame.

[0010] In this implementation, the extended control plane uses either OSU or Ethernet technology, and the service plane also uses either OSU or Ethernet technology. Both OSU and Ethernet technologies are non-TDM technologies, not limited by fixed time slots, making the transmission of the first control frame and data frame more flexible.

[0011] In one possible implementation, the first control frame also carries first indication information, which indicates a tributary port. Forwarding the data frame according to the processing method indicated by the second control information includes: if the tributary port containing the data frame is the same as the tributary port indicated by the first indication information, forwarding the data frame according to the processing method indicated by the second control information.

[0012] Therefore, fine-grained forwarding processing can be performed on data frames included in different tributary ports, which is more flexible and helps to meet the respective business needs of the services carried by different tributary ports.

[0013] In one possible implementation, the first control frame also carries second indication information, which indicates the service type. Forwarding the data frame according to the processing method indicated by the second control information includes: if the service type corresponding to the data frame is the same as the service type indicated by the second indication information, forwarding the data frame according to the processing method indicated by the second control information.

[0014] This implementation method can perform fine-grained forwarding processing for data frames of different service types, which is more flexible and helps to meet the business needs of different types of services.

[0015] In one possible implementation, the first control frame also carries third indication information, which indicates a time period. Forwarding the data frame according to the processing method indicated by the second control information includes: forwarding the data frame according to the processing method indicated by the second control information within the time period indicated by the third indication information.

[0016] The third instruction indicates the same time period as the second control information. This implementation allows the second control information, used to indicate processing methods, to take effect flexibly over time, making it highly adaptable and better suited to meet unexpected business needs.

[0017] In one possible implementation, the method is applied to a first communication device, and the method further includes: acquiring a second control frame based on first control information, wherein the second control frame is a TDM frame or a first non-TDM frame, and the second control frame carries parameters; and establishing a link with the second communication device according to the parameters, wherein the link is used to acquire data frames.

[0018] The link is established by transmitting parameters from the extended control plane (carried in the second control frame), and the link is also the service plane. This establishes the service plane and ensures the normal reception of data frames.

[0019] Secondly, a communication device is provided, comprising a signal processor. The signal processor is configured to: acquire a first control frame based on first control information, wherein the first control frame is a TDM frame or a first non-TDM frame, and the first control frame carries second control information indicating a processing mode; acquire a data frame, wherein the data frame is a second non-TDM frame; and forward the data frame according to the processing mode indicated by the second control information.

[0020] In one possible implementation, the first control frame is a TDM frame, the TDM frame is an fgOTN frame, and the second non-TDM frame is an OSU frame or an Ethernet frame.

[0021] In one possible implementation, the first control frame is a first non-TDM frame, which is either an OSU frame or an Ethernet frame, and the second non-TDM frame is either an OSU frame or an Ethernet frame.

[0022] In one possible implementation, the first control frame also carries first indication information, which indicates a tributary port. The signal processor is configured to forward the data frame according to the processing method indicated by the second control information, provided that the tributary port containing the data frame is the same as the tributary port indicated by the first indication information.

[0023] In one possible implementation, the first control frame also carries second indication information, which indicates the service type. The signal processor is used to forward the data frame according to the processing method indicated by the second control information, provided that the service type corresponding to the data frame is the same as the service type indicated by the second indication information.

[0024] In one possible implementation, the first control frame also carries third indication information, which indicates a time period. The signal processor is used to forward the data frame according to the processing method indicated by the second control information within the time period indicated by the third indication information.

[0025] In one possible implementation, the communication device including the signal processor is a first communication device. The signal processor is further configured to acquire a second control frame based on first control information, the second control frame being either a TDM frame or a first non-TDM frame, the second control frame carrying parameters; and to establish a link with the second communication device based on the parameters, the link being used to acquire data frames.

[0026] Thirdly, a chip is provided, the chip including a processor, the processor being configured to retrieve and execute instructions stored in a memory, such that a communication device on which the chip is mounted implements the method for processing frames provided in the first aspect or any possible implementation thereof.

[0027] Fourthly, another chip is provided, including: an input interface, an output interface, a processor, and a memory. The input interface, output interface, processor, and memory are connected through an internal connection path. The processor is used to execute code in the memory. When the code is executed, the communication device with the chip installed implements the method of processing frames provided in the first aspect or any possible implementation of the first aspect.

[0028] For example, the processor included in the chip in the third and fourth aspects is the signal processor included in the communication device provided in the second aspect or any possible implementation of the second aspect.

[0029] Fifthly, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, wherein at least one computer instruction is stored therein, the at least one computer instruction being loaded and executed by a processor to enable a communication device to implement the method for processing frames provided in the first aspect or any possible implementation thereof.

[0030] In a sixth aspect, a computer program or computer program product is provided, the computer program or computer program product including computer instructions that are executed by a processor to cause a communication device to implement a method for processing frames provided in the first aspect or any possible implementation of the first aspect.

[0031] Seventhly, a method for processing frames is provided. In this method, a first control frame is obtained based on first control information, the first control frame carrying second control information indicating a processing method. A data frame is obtained, and the data frame is forwarded according to the processing method indicated by the second control information.

[0032] In this configuration, the first control frame is either a first TDM frame or a first non-TDM frame, and the data frame is a second non-TDM frame. Alternatively, the first control frame is a second TDM frame, and the data frame is a third TDM frame, wherein the second and third TDM frames are TDM frames of different types. Alternatively, the first control frame is a conventional optical transport network (OTN) frame, and the data frame is a conventional OTN frame.

[0033] This application provides a layered architecture of control plane, extended control plane, and service plane. First control information transmitted through the control plane can establish the extended control plane, and second control information transmitted through the extended control plane (carried in the first control frame) can indicate the processing method for data frames. Data frames can be transmitted through the service plane. The first control frame and data frame provided in this application each have multiple types, forming various combinations of first control frames and data frames, making the data frame processing process more flexible.

[0034] In one possible implementation, the first control frame is a first TDM frame, which is either a regular OTN frame or an fgOTN frame, and the second non-TDM frame is either an Optical Service Unit (OSU) frame or an Ethernet frame.

[0035] In one possible implementation, the first control frame is a first non-TDM frame, which is either an OSU frame or an Ethernet frame, and the second non-TDM frame is either an OSU frame or an Ethernet frame.

[0036] In one possible implementation, the first control frame is a second TDM frame and the data frame is a third TDM frame, wherein the second TDM frame is a regular OTN frame and the third TDM frame is an fgOTN frame, or the second TDM frame is an fgOTN frame and the third TDM frame is a regular OTN frame.

[0037] In one possible implementation, the first control frame also carries first indication information, which indicates a tributary port. Forwarding the data frame according to the processing method indicated by the second control information includes: if the tributary port containing the data frame is the same as the tributary port indicated by the first indication information, forwarding the data frame according to the processing method indicated by the second control information.

[0038] In one possible implementation, the first control frame also carries second indication information, which indicates the service type. Forwarding the data frame according to the processing method indicated by the second control information includes: if the service type corresponding to the data frame is the same as the service type indicated by the second indication information, forwarding the data frame according to the processing method indicated by the second control information.

[0039] In one possible implementation, the first control frame also carries third indication information, which indicates a time period; the data frame is forwarded according to the processing method indicated by the second control information, including: within the time period indicated by the third indication information, the data frame is forwarded according to the processing method indicated by the second control information.

[0040] In one possible implementation, the method is applied to a first communication device, and the method further includes: acquiring a second control frame based on first control information, wherein the second control frame is a frame of the same type as the first control frame and carries parameters; and establishing a link with the second communication device according to the parameters, wherein the link is used to acquire data frames.

[0041] Eighthly, a communication device is provided, comprising a signal processor. The signal processor is configured to acquire a first control frame based on first control information, the first control frame carrying second control information indicating a processing method; acquire a data frame; and forward the data frame according to the processing method indicated by the second control information.

[0042] In this configuration, the first control frame is either a first TDM frame or a first non-TDM frame, and the data frame is a second non-TDM frame. Alternatively, the first control frame is a second TDM frame, and the data frame is a third TDM frame, wherein the second TDM frame and the third TDM frame are TDM frames of different types. Or, the first control frame is a regular OTN frame, and the data frame is a regular OTN frame.

[0043] In one possible implementation, the first control frame is a first TDM frame, which is either a regular OTN frame or an fgOTN frame, and the second non-TDM frame is either an OSU frame or an Ethernet frame.

[0044] In one possible implementation, the first control frame is a first non-TDM frame, which is either an OSU frame or an Ethernet frame, and the second non-TDM frame is either an OSU frame or an Ethernet frame.

[0045] In one possible implementation, the first control frame is a second TDM frame and the data frame is a third TDM frame, wherein the second TDM frame is a regular OTN frame and the third TDM frame is an fgOTN frame, or the second TDM frame is an fgOTN frame and the third TDM frame is a regular OTN frame.

[0046] In one possible implementation, the first control frame also carries first indication information, which indicates a tributary port. The signal processor is configured to forward the data frame according to the processing method indicated by the second control information, provided that the tributary port containing the data frame is the same as the tributary port indicated by the first indication information.

[0047] In one possible implementation, the first control frame also carries second indication information, which indicates the service type. The signal processor is used to forward the data frame according to the processing method indicated by the second control information, provided that the service type corresponding to the data frame is the same as the service type indicated by the second indication information.

[0048] In one possible implementation, the first control frame also carries third indication information, which indicates a time period. The signal processor is used to forward the data frame according to the processing method indicated by the second control information within the time period indicated by the third indication information.

[0049] In one possible implementation, the communication device including the signal processor is a first communication device. The signal processor is further configured to acquire a second control frame based on the first control information, the second control frame being a frame of the same type as the first control frame and carrying parameters; and to establish a link with the second communication device based on the parameters, the link being used to acquire data frames.

[0050] It should be understood that the technical effects achieved by the technical solutions provided by the second to eighth aspects of this application and their corresponding possible implementations can be found in the above description of the technical effects achieved by the technical solutions provided by the first aspect and their corresponding possible implementations, and will not be repeated here. Attached Figure Description

[0051] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a network structure in a related art provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0052] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a layered structure provided for an embodiment of this application;

[0053] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of an optical network (ON) provided for an embodiment of this application;

[0054] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of ON in an artificial intelligence (AI) scenario provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0055] Figure 5 A schematic diagram illustrating the interaction between a terminal and an AI data center, provided as an embodiment of this application;

[0056] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the interaction between two AI data centers, provided as an embodiment of this application.

[0057] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the structure of an optical transport network (OTN) device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0058] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the structure of an optical line terminal (OLT) provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0059] Figure 9 A flowchart illustrating a method for processing frames provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0060] Figure 10 A schematic diagram illustrating the establishment process of an original control plane, an extended control plane, and a service plane, provided for an embodiment of this application;

[0061] Figure 11 A schematic diagram illustrating batch dismantling and reconstruction of pipelines and real-time bandwidth adjustment, provided for an embodiment of this application;

[0062] Figure 12 A schematic diagram of a hierarchical structure between ONU, OLT and OTN devices provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0063] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an ONU provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0064] Figure 14 A schematic diagram of another layered structure provided for an embodiment of this application;

[0065] Figure 15 A flowchart of another method for processing frames provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0066] With the continuous development of communication technology, the types of communication networks are also increasing, and ON is one of them. ON includes multiple communication devices, which are connected by optical fibers. The optical fibers are used to transmit optical signals carrying information, thereby enabling communication between different communication devices. The communication devices include a control plane and a service plane, which can also be called the data plane, forwarding plane, or user plane, etc.

[0067] The control plane is the part of the ON that provides control functions. By enabling optical signals to carry control information, control information can be transmitted between different communication devices, thereby realizing the control functions provided by the control plane and achieving operation and maintenance management of the communication devices. Optionally, control functions include, but are not limited to, topology discovery, pipeline establishment, and global policy synchronization. Topology discovery is used by communication devices to determine the topology of the ON, which indicates the connection relationships between different communication devices in the ON. Pipeline establishment is used to establish logical pipelines between different communication devices that have a connection relationship (indicated by the topology). Logical pipelines are also called service pipelines. Each logical pipeline includes one or more physical paths, and each physical path includes multiple communication devices and optical fibers between different communication devices. Global policy synchronization is used by communication devices to obtain global policies, which are policies commonly used by all communication devices in the ON. For example, global policies include protection group configuration policies, which indicate the various protection groups in the ON. Each protection group includes multiple communication devices, and the communication devices in each protection group include primary paths and backup paths (both belonging to the aforementioned physical paths). In the event of a failure in the primary path, a switch to a backup path can be initiated. The backup path can be in the same or a different protection group as the primary path that has failed.

[0068] The service plane is the part of ON that carries services. By enabling optical signals to carry service information, service information can be transmitted between different communication devices, thereby realizing the carrying of services.

[0069] In an ON (On-Demand) architecture, the control plane and service plane need to cooperate. Each communication device in the ON performs topology discovery through the control plane to determine the ON's topology. Different communication devices with interconnections establish logical channels (including physical paths) through the control plane. Each communication device also synchronizes global policies through the control plane to obtain global policies. Thus, different communication devices can transmit service information based on the established logical channels and the obtained global policies through the service plane, thereby enabling service delivery. For example, the established logical channels include a primary path and a backup path. Communication device A sends an optical signal carrying service information to communication device B through the service plane based on the primary path. If the primary path fails, communication device A switches to the backup path based on the global policy, and then sends an optical signal carrying service information to communication device B through the service plane based on the backup path. This ensures the transmission of service information between communication device A and communication device B, achieving service delivery.

[0070] To improve user experience, services require high reliability, determinism, and scalability. Optionally, services may include, but are not limited to, AI computing. For example, AI computing includes computations involved in generative AI, an AI technology capable of intelligently generating new content. Accordingly, the communication network used to carry these services needs high reliability, static network performance, and dynamic network performance.

[0071] Regarding reliability, traditional Ethernet networks employ a best-effort service model, resulting in relatively low reliability. While reliability patches exist to improve reliability, these patches rely on various assumptions; in other words, they only take effect under specific conditions that the Ethernet network must meet, thus limiting their effectiveness. In contrast, ON (On-Demand) networks offer higher reliability. For example, ON can switch to a backup path in the event of a primary path failure, ensuring the transmission of service information, thus providing higher reliability. Therefore, compared to traditional Ethernet networks, ON is more suitable for carrying services requiring high reliability.

[0072] For example, higher static network performance is mainly reflected in deterministic bandwidth and deterministic latency to ensure the determinism of services. Optionally, higher dynamic network performance is mainly reflected in the ability to achieve rapid bandwidth adjustment of the control plane to ensure the scalability of services.

[0073] For example, by rapidly establishing or dismantling multiple logical channels (also known as batch channel creation / dismantling), the logical channels used to transmit business information can be changed. Different logical channels can meet different needs, thereby enabling business expansion. Because batch channel creation / dismantling is required, the amount of control information to be transmitted is also large. Therefore, it is necessary to rapidly increase the bandwidth of the control plane and improve the transmission speed of control information, so that the communication devices included in each of the multiple logical channels can quickly obtain the control information, thereby triggering the communication devices to quickly complete the batch channel creation / dismantling based on the control information.

[0074] For example, by rapidly adjusting the bandwidth of one or more logical channels (also known as real-time bandwidth adjustment), the speed at which service information is transmitted based on the logical channels can be changed (the larger the bandwidth, the faster the service information is transmitted), meeting different needs and thus enabling service expansion. During bandwidth adjustment, the transmission of service information needs to be paused, and then resumed after the bandwidth adjustment is complete. Therefore, the speed of bandwidth adjustment affects the duration of the pause in service information transmission. Thus, it is necessary to rapidly increase the bandwidth of the control plane and improve the transmission speed of control information, enabling the communication devices included in the logical channels to quickly obtain the control information. This triggers the communication devices to quickly complete the bandwidth adjustment based on the control information, thereby shortening the pause time in service information transmission and achieving real-time bandwidth adjustment. When the pause time in service information transmission is shortened to a sufficiently small value (e.g., to tens of milliseconds), the process of pausing service information transmission can be imperceptible to the user, further enabling lossless bandwidth adjustment.

[0075] Based on the above explanation, ON has high static network performance, but poor dynamic network performance. This is because the ON control plane has a fixed and small bandwidth, which is not adjustable and results in a low transmission speed of control information. Therefore, rapid bandwidth adjustment of the control plane is not possible, and the time required for batch pipe splitting and real-time bandwidth adjustment is long, leading to poor dynamic network performance of ON.

[0076] For example, ON includes OTN, and the control plane of OTN includes the global control channel (GCC). The bandwidth of the GCC is approximately 41 megabits per second (Mbps). When using four optical transport units (OTUs) or four optical data units (ODUs), the bandwidth of the GCC is 40 Mbps. Because this 40-41 Mbps bandwidth is fixed and relatively small, the dynamic network performance of OTN is poor.

[0077] The theoretical time required to establish multiple pipelines in OTN is given by formula (1) below. The pipeline establishment time is the theoretical time required for establishing multiple pipelines. The pipeline establishment time is positively correlated with the number of services. Signaling is an electrical signal carrying control information, and it can exist in frame form. Signaling can be converted into optical signals to form the aforementioned optical signals carrying control information. The signaling size indicates the amount of control information data. The connection hop count is the number of communication devices included in the logical pipeline.

[0078]

[0079] In one example, 10,000 services run concurrently, each service corresponds to 3 signaling messages (e.g., for a 3-way handshake), each signaling message is 64 bytes in size, the connection hop count is 30, and the control plane bandwidth is 40 Mbps. With the 40 Mbps control plane bandwidth fully utilized to achieve batch pipeline establishment, the theoretical time consumption for batch pipeline establishment is shown in formula (2) below. The established logical pipelines (the number is not limited) can be used to carry 10,000 services.

[0080]

[0081] The calculation method for the theoretical time of real-time bandwidth adjustment in OTN is similar to that for the theoretical time of batch pipeline establishment. In one example, 10,000 services are running concurrently, each service corresponds to 2 signaling messages (used to implement real-time bandwidth adjustment), each signaling message is 64 bytes in size, the connection hop count is 30, and the control plane bandwidth is 40Mbps. When the 40Mbps control plane bandwidth is fully occupied to implement real-time bandwidth adjustment, the theoretical time of real-time bandwidth adjustment is shown in the following formula (3).

[0082]

[0083] The time calculated above is the theoretical time. The actual time is often greater than the theoretical time. The reasons include, but are not limited to: the signaling size is greater than 64 bytes, and the control plane bandwidth needs to be reserved for other purposes and therefore cannot be fully occupied.

[0084] Therefore, for scenarios with tens of thousands of concurrent services, the time required for ON (including but not limited to OTN) to batch disconnect and rebuild pipelines and the time for real-time bandwidth adjustment are in the tens of seconds, such as several seconds, tens of seconds, or even hundreds of seconds, resulting in poor dynamic network performance. To meet service demands, dynamic network performance needs to be improved, reducing the time for ON to batch disconnect and rebuild pipelines and the time for real-time bandwidth adjustment (or lossless bandwidth adjustment) to the millisecond level for scenarios with tens of thousands of concurrent services. In this regard, the bandwidth of the ON's control plane is the bottleneck for improving dynamic network performance.

[0085] In one related technology, the bandwidth of the control plane is kept constant, and the control information is compressed to reduce the amount of control information data, thereby shortening the time for batch dismantling and rebuilding of pipelines and the time for real-time bandwidth adjustment, and improving dynamic network performance.

[0086] However, due to limitations in compression technology, the amount of signaling that can be reduced by compressing control information is limited, which also limits the improvement effect on dynamic network performance. Therefore, the related technologies are relatively limited.

[0087] See Figure 1 Taking ON including OTN as an example, Figure 1 Figure (a) illustrates an exemplary OTN structure. The service plane transmits service information based on fgOTN technology; that is, the service plane carries service information through fgOTN frames. An fgOTN frame is an electrical signal carrying service information, which can be converted into an optical signal to form the aforementioned optical signal carrying service information. The bandwidth of the service plane is approximately 10 Mbps to 1.25 gigabits per second (Gbps). The control plane includes a GCC, which is embedded in the overhead area of ​​the OTN frame in byte form. The GCC does not occupy the bandwidth of the service plane, and the rate at which control information is transmitted through the GCC is bound to the frame structure of the OTN frame. In other words, the overhead area of ​​the OTN frame includes a GCC field, which carries control information. The OTN frame is an electrical signal carrying control information, which can be converted into an optical signal to form the aforementioned optical signal carrying control information.

[0088] In related technology two, an extended control plane is added to the original control plane. This extended control plane provides extended control functions within the ON (On-State) architecture, and these extended functions differ from the original control functions provided by the original control plane. Optionally, the original control functions provided by the original control plane include, but are not limited to, topology discovery, pipe establishment, and global policy synchronization, as mentioned above. The extended control functions provided by the extended control plane include, but are not limited to, batch pipe creation / destruction and real-time bandwidth adjustment, as mentioned above. Therefore, although the bandwidth of the control plane remains unchanged, adding the extended control plane introduces new bandwidth, improving the transmission capacity and speed of control information. This reduces the time required for batch pipe creation / destruction and the time required for real-time bandwidth adjustment, thereby improving dynamic network performance.

[0089] In ON (On-State) communication, the original control plane, extended control plane, and service plane need to cooperate with each other. Each communication device in ON performs topology discovery, pipe establishment, and global policy synchronization through the original control plane. Different communication devices can transmit service information based on established logical pipes and acquired global policies through the service plane, thereby enabling service support. Building upon the established logical pipes, communication devices in ON can also perform batch pipe creation and dismantling and real-time bandwidth adjustment through the extended control plane to obtain new logical pipes. Different communication devices can then transmit service information based on these new logical pipes and acquired global policies through the service plane, thereby achieving scalable service support.

[0090] Since the extended control function differs from the original control function provided by the original control surface, the control information corresponding to the extended control surface and the original control surface is also different. The control information corresponding to the original control surface is denoted as Control Information 1, and this Control Information 1 is used to implement the aforementioned original control function. The control information corresponding to the extended control surface is denoted as Control Information 2, and this Control Information 2 is used to implement the aforementioned extended control function.

[0091] Furthermore, the extended control plane can utilize bandwidth from the service plane. That is, a portion of the service plane's bandwidth is used for transmitting control information (2) as the extended control plane bandwidth, while another portion is used for transmitting service information. The percentage of bandwidth used for the extended control plane within the total service plane bandwidth is x%, with the value of x determined based on actual requirements.

[0092] See also Figure 1 Taking ON including OTN as an example, Figure 1 (b) illustrates another exemplary OTN structure. A portion of the bandwidth of the service plane is used to transmit service information (carried via fgOTN frame 1), and another portion of the bandwidth of the service plane is used to transmit control information 2 corresponding to the extended control plane (carried via fgOTN frame 2, which is different from fgOTN frame 1). The original control plane includes the GCC, which is used to transmit the control information 1 corresponding to the original control plane (carried via OTN frames).

[0093] It can be seen that the service plane in related technology 2 is still based on fgOTN technology to transmit service information. fgOTN technology is a TDM technology, and fgOTN frames are TDM frames, which are frames that need to be transmitted within a fixed time slot. Communication equipment is configured with multiple fixed time slots, and fgOTN frame 1 carrying service information will be transmitted within a fixed time slot, which is relatively limited.

[0094] Furthermore, due to the existence of fixed time slots, on the one hand, determining control information 2 becomes more complex and time-consuming; on the other hand, the data volume of control information 2 becomes larger, and the transmission time of control information 2 also becomes longer. Therefore, the time spent on batch pipeline reconstruction and discontinuation, as well as real-time bandwidth adjustment, remains relatively long, resulting in limited improvement in dynamic network performance.

[0095] Furthermore, fgOTN technology offers bandwidth ranging from approximately 10Mbps to 1.25Gbps, which has limited scalability and can only cover a portion of service needs, such as those requiring bandwidth in the 10Mbps to 1.25Gbps range. It struggles to cover other service needs requiring bandwidth less than 10Mbps or greater than 1.25Gbps.

[0096] Taking AI computing as an example, the AI ​​computing process involves collaborative communication between different communication devices. For instance, communication device A might call or access tools or data deployed on communication device B, even though communication device A and communication device B are located in different locations. Furthermore, the AI ​​computing process requires communication devices to possess a certain level of computing power to complete the rapid and complex AI computing process. Therefore, the business information corresponding to the AI ​​computing process differs from traditional business information in at least the following ways.

[0097] Difference 1: Because AI computing processes generate and process business information faster, the amount of business information may increase, potentially requiring a larger bandwidth limit on the business side.

[0098] Difference 2: Because the AI ​​calculation process can repeatedly try to find the best solution, the AI ​​calculation process may be fast and tedious, resulting in a richer variety of business information data.

[0099] For example, there might be elephant flows that are long-lasting and involve large amounts of data, requiring significant bandwidth from the business side. For instance, the AI ​​computing process includes the creation and migration of AI models; the business information involved in these processes constitutes an elephant flow.

[0100] For example, there may be short-duration, small-data-volume "mouse flows," requiring limited bandwidth on the business side. For instance, the AI ​​computation process includes synchronization, notification, and event-driven processes between different agents deployed on communication devices; the business information involved in these processes falls under the category of "mouse flows."

[0101] Based on the two differences mentioned above, there may be business needs in the AI ​​computing process that require bandwidth in the range of 2.6Mbps to 100Gbps, which exceeds the bandwidth of 10Mbps to 1.25Gbps provided by fgOTN technology.

[0102] To address the problems existing in related technologies, this application provides a layered structure, including three different levels: the original control plane, the extended control plane, and the service plane. Referring to Table 1, these three different levels are explained below.

[0103] Table 1

[0104]

[0105] The first level, the original control level, is also known as the management level.

[0106] The existing control plane is used to transmit the first control information, which is used to implement the existing control functions to achieve the operation and maintenance management of the communication equipment. For example, the existing control functions include, but are not limited to, establishing an extended control plane, topology discovery, pipe establishment, and global policy synchronization. Establishing an extended control plane is used by the communication equipment in ON to establish the extended control plane. The extended control plane provides extended control functions; a description of the extended control plane can be found in the description corresponding to the second level below. Descriptions of topology discovery, pipe establishment, and global policy synchronization can be found above and will not be repeated here.

[0107] Optionally, the existing control functions are relatively infrequent. For example, once an extended control plane is established, it is unnecessary to establish it again, making extended control plane establishment a relatively infrequent control function. Similarly, since the ON topology does not change frequently, the interval between two different topology discoveries may be several months or even longer, making topology discovery a relatively infrequent control function. Furthermore, after obtaining logical pipes through pipe establishment, adjustments to the logical pipes (such as the aforementioned batch pipe splitting and creation or real-time bandwidth adjustment) no longer need to be implemented through management establishment, but belong to subsequent extended control functions, making pipe establishment a relatively infrequent control function. Finally, since global policies do not change frequently, the interval between two different global policy synchronizations may be relatively long, making global policy synchronization a relatively infrequent control function.

[0108] For example, the existing control plane transmits the first control information via GCC. For instance, the overhead area of ​​an OTN frame includes a GCC field, which carries the first control information. By converting the OTN frame (electrical signal) carrying the first control information into an optical signal and transmitting the optical signal through optical fiber, the first control information can be transmitted via GCC. OTN frames are TDM frames. GCC is a permanently online control channel, securely isolated from the extended control plane and service plane, ensuring the reliability of the first control information transmission.

[0109] The second layer is the extended control plane, also known as the signaling layer.

[0110] The extended control plane is used to transmit second control information (different from the first control information), which is used to implement extended control functions (different from the original control functions). Optionally, the extended control functions include, but are not limited to, batch pipe splitting and creation, real-time bandwidth adjustment (such as lossless bandwidth adjustment), rapid fault notification, and rapid fault protection. In the event of a physical path failure, such as a physical path failure due to fiber optic cable breakage, rapid fault notification is used by the communication equipment included in the ON to quickly learn about the failed physical path, preventing the communication equipment from continuing to use the failed physical path and avoiding transmission errors. Rapid fault protection is used by the communication equipment included in the ON to quickly take protective measures for the failed physical path, preventing the impact of the fault from expanding. Explanations of batch pipe splitting and creation and real-time bandwidth adjustment can be found above and will not be repeated here.

[0111] In this embodiment, the implementation of the extended control function relies on the rapid adjustment of the bandwidth of the extended control plane, or in other words, the bandwidth of the extended control plane is adjustable. This is because rapid adjustment of the bandwidth of the extended control plane enables the rapid transmission of second control information, thereby realizing the extended control function through the second control information.

[0112] Optionally, extended control functions are relatively high-frequency control functions. During ON operation, various sudden business demands may frequently arise. Accordingly, extended control functions need to be implemented frequently to meet these diverse business demands, making extended control functions relatively high-frequency control functions.

[0113] For example, the extended control plane transmits second control information using conventional OTN, fgOTN, OSU, or Ethernet technologies. For instance, conventional OTN frames, fgOTN frames, OSU frames, or Ethernet frames carry the second control information. By converting these conventional OTN frames, fgOTN frames, OSU frames, or Ethernet frames (electrical signals) carrying the second control information into optical signals and transmitting them through optical fiber, the transmission of the second control information using conventional OTN frames, fgOTN, OSU, or Ethernet technologies can be achieved. Here, conventional OTN frames and fgOTN frames are TDM frames, while OSU frames and Ethernet frames are non-TDM frames. Non-TDM frames are not limited to fixed time slots and can be transmitted at any time.

[0114] Conventional OTN technology provides a bandwidth greater than or equal to 1Gbps. A conventional OTN frame includes a Flexible Rate Optical Channel Data Unit (ODUflex), an Optical Channel Data Unit-k (ODUk), an Optical Channel Data Unit-Cn (ODUCn), or a Flexible Optical Transport Network Interface (FlexO). The bandwidth provided by ODUflex is flexibly adjustable within the range of 1.25Gbps to 100Gbps. The value of 'k' in ODUk can have several values. When k is 0, ODU0 provides approximately 1.25Gbps of bandwidth. When k is 1, ODU1 provides approximately 2.5Gbps of bandwidth. When k is 2, ODU2 provides approximately 10Gbps of bandwidth. When k is 3, ODU3 provides approximately 40Gbps of bandwidth. When k is 4, ODU4 provides approximately 100Gbps of bandwidth. ODUCn provides bandwidth approximately n times 100Gbps, where n can have various values. For example, when n is 4, ODUCn provides approximately 400Gbps of bandwidth. FlexO provides bandwidth that is flexibly adjustable in the range above 100Gbps.

[0115] The third layer is the business layer, also known as the data layer.

[0116] Optionally, the service plane transmits service information based on non-TDM technology to achieve service carrying. For example, non-TDM frames carry service information. According to actual needs, the non-TDM frames carrying service information are converted into optical signals at appropriate times, and the optical signals are transmitted through optical fibers. This enables the transmission of service information via non-TDM technology to achieve service carrying. Exemplarily, non-TDM technologies include, but are not limited to, OSU technology or Ethernet technology, and non-TDM frames include, but are not limited to, OSU frames or Ethernet frames. Since non-TDM frames are not limited to fixed time slots, the embodiments of this application offer greater flexibility in the transmission of service information.

[0117] Furthermore, since it is not limited by fixed time slots, the complexity and time required to determine the second control information used to implement extended control functions are lower. The data volume of the second control information is also smaller, and the transmission time is shorter, resulting in a shorter implementation time for extended control functions and effectively improving dynamic network performance. By implementing extended control functions such as batch pipe splitting and real-time bandwidth adjustment, the logical pipe can have appropriate bandwidth. As explained above, the logical pipe includes a physical path, which includes optical fibers for transmitting optical signals. Therefore, with appropriate bandwidth in the logical pipe, transmitting optical signals carrying service information through the optical fibers included in the logical pipe can meet various service requirements. For example, it can meet the SLA requirements of various services, which are reflected in the requirements for bandwidth, latency, and reliability.

[0118] Furthermore, when transmitting service information on the service plane based on OSU technology, the bandwidth provided by OSU technology is approximately 2.6Mbps to 100Gbps, which is about 300 times larger than the 10Mbps to 1.25Gbps bandwidth range provided by fgOTN technology. Compared to the solution of transmitting service information on the service plane based on fgOTN technology in related technology 2, the embodiment of this application, which uses OSU technology to transmit service information on the service plane, can expand the bandwidth range, has stronger scalability, and thus can cover more service needs, improve the service carrying capacity, and enhance the competitiveness of the layered structure.

[0119] Alternatively, the service plane can transmit service information based on TDM technology to achieve service carrying. For example, TDM frames carry service information; converting the TDM frames carrying service information into optical signals and transmitting the optical signals through optical fibers can achieve the transmission of service information via TDM technology. Exemplarily, TDM technology includes, but is not limited to, conventional OTN technology or fgOTN technology, and TDM frames include, but are not limited to, conventional OTN frames or fgOTN frames.

[0120] In summary, the embodiments of this application provide a layered structure, including three different levels: the original control plane, the extended control plane, and the service plane. The original control plane transmits first control information. The extended control plane uses TDM frames (e.g., conventional OTN frames or fgOTN frames) or non-TDM frames (e.g., OSU frames or Ethernet frames) to transmit second control information. The extended control plane has adjustable bandwidth and strong scalability. The service plane uses TDM frames (e.g., conventional OTN frames or fgOTN frames) or non-TDM frames (e.g., OSU frames or Ethernet frames) to transmit service information. The service plane can flexibly transmit service information, and its bandwidth is also adjustable, providing strong scalability and meeting requirements for bandwidth, latency, and reliability. Based on the layered structure provided by the embodiments of this application, the ON (On-Network Adapter) can have high reliability, static network performance, and dynamic network performance, thereby ensuring that the services carried by the ON have high reliability, determinism, and scalability, making it suitable for carrying various services such as AI computing.

[0121] In one example, see Figure 2 In (a) of this diagram, the original control plane uses GCC, the extended control plane uses fgOTN technology, and the service plane uses OSU technology. Because the extended control plane and the service plane use different technologies, there is a security isolation (also known as hard isolation) between them. The communication equipment can accurately distinguish between fgOTN frames carrying second control information and OSU frames carrying service information, thus providing high security.

[0122] The extended control plane using fgOTN technology has at least the following effects (a) to (e).

[0123] (a) Bandwidth scalability: The bandwidth limit of the extended control plane is approximately 1.25Gbps, which is greater than the bandwidth of GCC by 40-41Mbps.

[0124] (b) Pre-configured bandwidth: Bandwidth negotiation is eliminated during each implementation of extended control functions, reducing the amount of data in the second control information. The second control information includes, but is not limited to, generalized multi-protocol label switching (GMPLS) messages or routing signaling messages such as resource reservation protocol-traffic engineering (RSVP-TE).

[0125] (c) Stable and predictable: Fixed time slots can provide stable and predictable delays to ensure the stable implementation of extended control functions.

[0126] (d) Backward compatibility: fgOTN technology is quite similar to OTN technology (both are TDM technology), which is conducive to smooth upgrades based on the current OTN.

[0127] (e) No need to recover the clock jump by jump: reduces complexity.

[0128] The adoption of OSU technology in the business layer has at least the following effects (f) to (i).

[0129] (f) Statistical reuse: OSU provides statistical reuse mechanisms such as cell-switching, which has a high bandwidth utilization rate.

[0130] (g) More comprehensive granularity: OSU technology provides a bandwidth range of approximately 2.6Mbps to 100Gbps, which includes multiple orders of magnitude of bandwidth granularity, capable of supporting both large and small streams.

[0131] (h) Generalized timeslot protocol (GTP) timeslot reuse: GTP allows dynamic reuse of the timeslot of optical payload unit k (OPUk), which is more flexible than fixed timeslots and is suitable for meeting sudden service demands.

[0132] (i) Lossless bandwidth adjustment: OSU can support lossless bandwidth adjustment.

[0133] See another example. Figure 2 In example (b), the original control plane uses GCC, the extended control plane uses OSU technology, and the service plane uses OSU technology. Because the extended control plane uses OSU technology, it is not limited to fixed time slots, allowing for more flexible transmission of the second control information. However, since the extended control plane and the service plane use the same technology, the aforementioned security isolation does not exist, which may slightly reduce security. Therefore, this example can be applied to ON systems where security requirements are not high.

[0134] In yet another example, see Figure 14 In (a) of this diagram, the original control plane uses GCC, the extended control plane uses conventional OTN technology, and the service plane uses OSU or Ethernet technology. Because the extended control plane and service plane use different technologies, there is a security isolation between them. The communication equipment can accurately distinguish between conventional OTN frames carrying second control information and OSU frames (or Ethernet frames) carrying service information, thus providing high security. Since the service plane uses OSU or Ethernet technology, both of which are non-TDM technologies, it is not limited to fixed time slots, allowing for more flexible transmission of service information.

[0135] In yet another example, see Figure 14 In (b), the original control plane uses GCC, the extended control plane uses conventional OTN technology, and the service plane uses fgOTN technology.

[0136] As explained above, when the extended control plane uses conventional OTN technology, the second control information can be carried through conventional OTN frames. When the service plane uses OSU, Ethernet, or fgOTN technology, since these technologies are inherently compatible with conventional OTN technology, they support carrying the second control information through conventional OTN frames. Therefore, no additional configuration of the communication equipment is required to achieve the transmission of the second control information.

[0137] For example, if the service plane uses OSU technology and the communication equipment supports OSU technology, and the extended control plane uses fgOTN technology, additional configuration may be required for the communication equipment to support both OSU and fgOTN technologies. If the extended control plane uses conventional OTN technology, since OSU technology is inherently compatible with conventional OTN technology, devices supporting OSU will naturally support conventional OTN technology without requiring additional configuration. Examples of scenarios where the service plane uses Ethernet or fgOTN technology and the extended control plane uses conventional OTN technology will not be elaborated upon here.

[0138] Optionally, the second control information is carried in a container included in a conventional OTN frame, such as ODUflex, ODUk, ODUCN, or FlexO as described above. The minimum bandwidth of the container (e.g., ODUk) is approximately 1Gbps. In synchronous burst scenarios, i.e., scenarios with a large number of concurrent and bursty services, the amount of data in the second control information is large, which can fully utilize the bandwidth of ODUk. In asynchronous burst scenarios, the amount of data in the second control information is small, but the transmission speed of the second control information can be improved through ODUk, achieving fast transmission of the second control information. For example, when the second control information is used for pipeline construction and dismantling, referring to the above formula (1), the larger the bandwidth of ODUk, the larger the control plane bandwidth in formula (1), the faster the transmission speed of the second control information, and the shorter the pipeline establishment time. Thus, the bandwidth of ODUk can be effectively utilized. Therefore, whether in synchronous or asynchronous burst scenarios, the embodiments of this application can use conventional OTN technology in the extended control plane without wasting bandwidth.

[0139] In yet another example, see Figure 14 In (c), the original control plane uses GCC, the extended control plane uses fgOTN technology, and the service plane uses conventional OTN technology.

[0140] In yet another example, see Figure 14 In (d), the original control plane uses GCC, the extended control plane uses conventional OTN technology, and the service plane uses conventional OTN technology.

[0141] The hierarchical structure provided in this application embodiment can be applied to communication devices included in ON. For example... Figure 3 As shown, ON includes OTN, and OTN includes OTN devices. Different OTN devices can be interconnected. The hierarchical structure provided in this embodiment can be applied to OTN devices. Optionally, ON may also include an optical access network (OAN), such as... Figure 3 The diagram illustrates a passive optical network (PON). A PON includes an OLT (Optical Line Terminal) at the central office, an optical distribution network (ODN), and optical network units (ONUs) at the user side. The OLT is connected to the OTN equipment, and the ONU is connected to the terminal. The hierarchical structure provided in this embodiment can also be applied to the OLT. The hierarchical structure provided in this embodiment can also be applied to the ONU.

[0142] See Figure 12 When ONU, OLT, and OTN devices all employ a layered architecture, there are extended control planes and service planes between the ONU and OLT, and also between the OLT and OTN devices, forming a point-to-multipoint (P2MP) ONU (where the original control plane is not present). Figure 12 (As shown in the diagram, to avoid redundancy). In one example, any one of the communication devices among the ONU, OLT, and OTN can transmit and parse (including but not limited to mapping and demapping) the frames used by the extended control plane and service plane. In another example, the ONU and OTN devices transmit and parse the frames used by the extended control plane and service plane, while the OLT does not need to perform parsing; the OLT simply transmits the frames transparently.

[0143] For example, see [link to previous article] Figure 3 The ON also includes a network controller (also known as a network manager or smart gateway). The network controller connects to both the OTN device and the OLT. In AI computing scenarios, see [link to documentation]. Figure 4 OTN devices can be deployed in cloud-based AI data centers, for example, as ingress nodes of the AI ​​data center. In this scenario, the network controller can also be called the network AI brain.

[0144] Because the OLT connects to the OTN device and the ONU connects to the terminal, a connection between the terminal and the AI ​​data center is achieved. For example, see... Figure 5 The terminal and the AI ​​data center exist within a layered structure as described in this application embodiment. The original control plane includes GCC, the extended control plane uses fgOTN technology, and the service plane uses OSU technology (this is just one example). The extended control plane can be tightly coupled with the service plane, enabling the extended control plane and the service plane to share bandwidth.

[0145] The existing control plane, extended control plane, and service plane work together (i.e., collaborate) to support AI computing services and meet their Service Level Agreement (SLA) requirements. Specifically, the OLT and OTN devices transmit first control information through the existing control plane to establish the extended control plane. The terminal sends a service request to the network controller, indicating the service's SLA requirements. The network controller determines second control information based on the service request. The OLT and OTN devices transmit this second control information through the extended control plane, enabling extended control functions such as batch pipe splitting and creation or real-time bandwidth adjustment to obtain logical pipes that meet the SLA requirements. Finally, the service plane transmits service information based on these logical pipes to satisfy the service's SLA requirements.

[0146] Because different OTN devices can be interconnected, connections between AI data centers have also been achieved. For example, see... Figure 6 The AI ​​data centers exist within a hierarchical structure as described in this embodiment. The original control plane includes a GCC, the extended control plane uses fgOTN technology, and the service plane uses OSU technology (this is just one example). The GCC occupies a fixed bandwidth, and the first control information transmitted through the GCC can be generated by the network controller. The extended control plane and the service plane share a 400Gbps bandwidth; for example, the extended control plane occupies y Gbps of bandwidth, and the service plane occupies 400-y Gbps of bandwidth. The value of y can be determined according to actual needs. For example, if the amount of second control information that needs to be transmitted through the extended control plane is large, the value of y is larger to increase the bandwidth occupied by the extended control plane, facilitating the rapid transmission of the second control information.

[0147] As explained above, the extended control plane can carry second control information via fgOTN frames, while the service plane can carry service information via OSU frames. Optionally, both the second control information and the service information can be mapped to a fine-grained ODUflex (fgODUflex, bandwidth flexibly adjustable between 10Mbps and 1.25Gbps). fgODUflex is mapped to ODUflex, ODUflex is mapped to OTU4, OTU4 is mapped to OTUCn, and OTUCn is mapped to flexO, thus achieving framing (fgOTN frames or OSU frames). These fgOTN frames or OSU frames can be transmitted through a suitable physical interface, which corresponds to the client.

[0148] Regarding the OTN devices and OLTs mentioned above, through Figure 7 and Figure 8 The structures of OTN equipment and OLT are explained separately.

[0149] like Figure 7 As shown, Figure 7 An exemplary structure of an OTN device is shown. An OTN device includes one or more of a contributor board, line board, or cross-connect board. Contributor boards, line boards, and cross-connect boards are primarily used to process OTN electrical layer signals (also referred to as frames, including but not limited to OTN frames, fgOTN frames, OSU frames, and Ethernet frames mentioned above). OTN devices may also include one or more of system control boards, power supply boards, fan boards, or auxiliary boards. When the OTN device is a box-type device, the contributor board and line board can be integrated. The line board can also be an optical layer processing board. Depending on different practical needs, the types and number of boards included in different OTN devices may vary. For example, an OTN device acting as a core node in an OTN may not have a contributor board, while an OTN device acting as an edge node in an OTN may have multiple contributor boards. These boards are described below.

[0150] The tributary board may include a client-side optical module and a signal processor. The client-side optical module is used to receive and / or transmit client signals (including but not limited to the first control information, second control information, and service information mentioned above). Client signals are, for example, constant bit rate (CBR) signals (e.g., synchronous digital hierarchy (SDH) signals) and packet signals (e.g., Ethernet signals). The signal processor is used to perform the mapping and demapping processing of client signals to frames. The signal processor may be located inside or outside the client-side optical module. If the signal processor is a combination of multiple chips, one (or some) of the chips may be inside the client-side optical module, while the others may be outside.

[0151] The circuit board is used to implement frame processing on the line side. The circuit board may include a line-side optical module and a signal processor. The line-side optical module is used to receive and / or transmit optical signals carrying frames (e.g., corresponding to converting frames into optical signals and transmitting them as described above). The signal processor is used to perform multiplexing and demultiplexing, or mapping and demapping, of the line-side frames. The signal processor may be located inside or outside the line-side optical module. If the signal processor is a combination of multiple chips, one (or some) of the chips may be inside the line-side optical module, while the others may be outside.

[0152] Customer-side optical modules or line-side optical modules can also be collectively referred to as optical modules or optical transceivers. The signal processors in customer-side optical modules or line-side optical modules can be optical digital signal processors (oDSPs) or framers, or combinations of oDSPs and framers.

[0153] Crossboards are used to implement frame swapping, such as swapping one or more types of frames.

[0154] System control boards are used for system control. For example, a system control board can collect information from different boards or send control commands to the corresponding boards. Power supply boards are used to power the OTN equipment and may include primary and backup power supplies. Fan boards are used to cool the OTN equipment. Auxiliary boards are used to provide auxiliary functions such as external alarms or access to external clocks.

[0155] like Figure 8 As shown, Figure 8An exemplary structure of an OLT is shown. An OLT may include an OTN framer, an OLT media access control (MAC), a signal processing module, a physical (PHY) chip, a photodetector, and a laser.

[0156] In the receiving direction, the photodetector receives uplink optical signals from the ONU or downlink optical signals from the OTN device, converting the received optical signals into electrical signals. These electrical signals can be analog or digital. The signal processing module can be implemented using analog devices (such as amplifiers) or digital devices (such as digital signal processors), thus allowing it to perform analog correlation processing or digital signal processing. The OLT MAC and OTN Framer process the electrical signals processed by the signal processing module to obtain the aforementioned client signals.

[0157] In the transmission direction, the OTN framer and OLT MAC map the aforementioned client signals into frames for processing by the signal processing module. Under the control of the optical PHY, the laser modulates the electrical signal processed by the signal processing module into an optical signal, and sends the modulated optical signal to the ONU or OTN device.

[0158] OLTs may also include wavelength division multiplexers for transmitting optical signals generated by the laser into optical fibers, and for transmitting optical signals received from the optical fibers into photodetectors.

[0159] Regarding the ONU mentioned above, through Figure 13 Explain the structure of ONU.

[0160] like Figure 13 As shown in (a), the ONU includes a framer, which is used to map client signals to frames or demap frames to client signals. In addition, the ONU also includes devices such as a processor and memory, including but not limited to a central processing unit (CPU) and memory including but not limited to random-access memory (RAM).

[0161] In one example, see Figure 13 In (b), the framer includes a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) and a media access control (MAC) chip. The FPGA is used to process (such as mapping and demapping) at least one of OTN frames, fgOTN frames, or OSU frames, and the MAC chip is used to process Ethernet frames.

[0162] See another example, see here. Figure 13 In (c), the framer includes an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) and a MAC chip. The ASIC is used to process at least one of OTN frames, fgOTN frames, or OSU frames, and the MAC chip is used to process Ethernet frames.

[0163] In yet another example, see Figure 13 In (d), the framer includes an ASIC, which is used to process at least one of OTN frames, fgOTN frames, OSU frames, or Ethernet frames.

[0164] Optionally, Figure 13 The implementation complexity of (b), (c), and (d) increases sequentially, as does their performance. This embodiment of the application can be used when the number of ONUs is relatively small. Figure 13 The ONU shown in (b) is used when the number of ONUs is large. Figure 13 The ONU shown in (b) is used when higher performance is required. Figure 13 The ONU shown in (d) is shown in the image.

[0165] This application provides a method for processing frames, which is applied in a communication device included in an OTN device, such as an OTN device or an OLT, or even an ONU. Optionally, the method is applied to a signal processor included in an OTN device, or to an OTN framer included in an OLT, or to a framer included in an ONU. Figure 9 As shown, the method includes the following steps 901 to 903.

[0166] Step 901: Obtain a first control frame based on the first control information. The first control frame is either a TDM frame or a first non-TDM frame. The first control frame carries second control information, which indicates the processing method.

[0167] As explained above, the first control information is transmitted through the existing control plane and is used to implement existing control functions, such as establishing an extended control plane, topology discovery, pipe establishment, and global policy synchronization. The second control information is transmitted through the extended control plane and is used to implement extended control functions, such as batch pipe splitting and creation, real-time bandwidth adjustment (e.g., lossless bandwidth adjustment), rapid fault notification, and rapid fault protection. In addition, there is a service plane used for transmitting service information.

[0168] Below, let's first combine Figure 10Explain the process of establishing the original control plane, the extended control plane, and the business plane.

[0169] like Figure 10 As shown, between different communication devices with a connection, enable information is first transmitted. This enable information is used to enable the GCC interface (including but not limited to the GCC0 interface), thereby establishing the original control plane. After enabling the GCC interface, the connectivity of the GCC interface can be verified by means of ping (a connectivity testing tool). If the verification is successful, the establishment of the original control plane is completed (Phase 1).

[0170] Next, different communication devices transmit first control information for establishing an extended control plane through the existing control plane, enabling each communication device to obtain the first control information for establishing the extended control plane through the existing control plane, and thus establish the extended control plane based on the first control information. Optionally, the first control information for establishing the extended control plane includes, but is not limited to, the following: Figure 10 The diagram shows the basic routing establishment message and the routing confirmation message. The basic routing establishment message indicates the establishment of an extended control plane, and the routing confirmation message indicates that the establishment of the extended control plane has been successfully implemented. The basic routing establishment message is, for example, a GMPLS PATH message, and the routing confirmation message is, for example, a GMPLS RESV message. After transmitting the first control information used to establish the extended control plane, the connectivity of the extended control plane between different communication devices can be verified. If the verification passes, the establishment of the extended control plane is complete (establishment can also be called activation, phase 2).

[0171] Optionally, in addition to verifying the connectivity of the extended control plane, the resource allocation of each communication device can also be verified. The embodiments of this application do not limit the content to be verified.

[0172] Then, different communication devices transmit parameters through the extended control plane, enabling each device to obtain parameters and establish a link based on them—that is, to establish a service plane. The service plane is used to transmit service information, which can be carried in data frames. Optionally, the parameters include, but are not limited to, service parameters, tags, and configuration information. Service parameters can be carried in the extended routing message, which indicates the establishment of the service plane. Tags can be carried in the extended routing confirmation message, which indicates that the service plane has been established. When the service plane uses OSU technology, the service parameters are OSU service parameters, and the tags are OSU tags. Configuration information is used by each communication device to configure the service plane. After transmitting the parameters used to establish the service plane, the connectivity of the service plane between different communication devices can be verified. If the verification passes, the establishment of the service plane is complete (establishment can also be called activation, stage 3).

[0173] In addition, after the establishment of the original control plane, extended control plane and service plane is completed, end-to-end connection testing can be carried out to verify various performance indicators and ensure the connectivity between different communication devices (Phase 4).

[0174] Regarding stage 3 above, the different communication devices that need to establish a service plane are referred to as the first communication device and the second communication device. Accordingly, the method provided in this application embodiment further includes the first communication device obtaining a second control frame based on the first control information, the second control frame carrying the aforementioned parameters. The first communication device establishes a link (i.e., a service plane) with the second communication device according to the parameters, and the link is used by the first communication device to obtain data frames (carrying service information to realize the transmission of service information).

[0175] As explained above, the extended control plane is established based on the first control information used to establish the extended control plane. Furthermore, since the first communication device obtains parameters through the extended control plane, it can be assumed that the first communication device obtains the second control frame (carrying parameters to establish the service plane) based on the first control information. Specifically, the first communication device obtaining the second control frame based on the first control information can mean that the first communication device receives the second control frame through the extended control plane, or it can mean that the first communication device generates the second control frame and sends it to other communication devices (such as the second communication device) through the extended control plane.

[0176] The preceding text explained the establishment process of the original control plane, extended control plane, and service plane between different communication devices included in ON. It can be seen that in this establishment process, the communication device first establishes the original control plane, then transmits first control information through the original control plane to establish the extended control plane, and finally transmits a second control frame carrying parameters through the extended control plane to establish the service plane. Optionally, the first control information transmitted through the original control plane, in addition to being used to establish the extended control plane, can also be used to implement original control functions such as topology discovery, pipeline establishment, and global policy synchronization; see the explanation above for details, which will not be repeated here.

[0177] Since an extended control plane is established based on the first control information, the communication device can obtain the first control frame through the extended control plane, thus realizing the acquisition of the first control frame based on the first control information in step 901. For example, the communication device receives the first control frame through the extended control plane. The second control information carried by the first control frame can be generated by the network controller or by other communication devices. The communication device receiving the first control frame means that the communication device receives the optical signal through the optical fiber, and obtains the first control frame (electrical signal) based on the optical signal through photoelectric conversion and other processes. The reception of other frames mentioned below by the communication device will not be described in detail. For another example, if the communication device generates the first control frame through the extended control plane and sends it to other communication devices through the extended control plane, then the second control information carried by the first control frame is generated by the communication device itself. The communication device sending the first control frame means that the communication device converts the first control frame into an optical signal and sends it through the optical fiber. The sending of other frames mentioned below by the communication device will not be described in detail.

[0178] In one example, the first control frame is a TDM frame, which is an fgOTN frame. In another example, the first control frame is a first non-TDM frame, which is an OSU frame or an Ethernet frame. Similarly, the second control frame described above can also be a TDM frame (e.g., an fgOTN frame) or a first non-TDM frame (e.g., an OSU frame or an Ethernet frame).

[0179] The second control information carried in the first control frame is used to implement extended control functions and indicate the processing method. Examples of the second control information are given below, using different extended control functions as examples.

[0180] When the extended control function includes batch pipe creation and dismantling, the second control information includes routing signaling messages. These messages instruct the communication device to update its configured routing table and forwarding table, resulting in updated tables that indicate new logical pipes, thus enabling batch pipe creation and dismantling. When the communication device subsequently receives data frames carrying service information, it queries the updated routing table and forwarding table to forward the data frames.

[0181] When the extended control function includes real-time bandwidth adjustment (e.g., lossless bandwidth adjustment), the second control information includes bandwidth negotiation information. This bandwidth negotiation information is used to negotiate a new bandwidth, thereby achieving real-time bandwidth adjustment. When the communication device subsequently receives a data frame carrying service information, it will query the configured routing table and forwarding table according to the new bandwidth (i.e., the bandwidth after real-time bandwidth adjustment) and forward the data frame accordingly.

[0182] When the extended control function includes rapid fault notification, the second control information includes fault notification information. This fault notification information indicates a faulty logical pipe (including the physical path), enabling the communication device to become aware of the faulty logical pipe and achieving rapid fault notification. The communication device can update its routing table and forwarding table based on the fault notification information, for example, by invalidating entries in the routing table and forwarding table related to the faulty logical pipe, thus preventing the continued use of the faulty logical pipe. When the communication device subsequently receives a data frame carrying service information, it will query the updated routing table and forwarding table to forward the data frame.

[0183] When the extended control function includes rapid fault protection, the second control information includes protection measure information. This information indicates the protective measures that need to be taken in response to the fault, enabling the communication equipment to be aware of these measures and thus achieving rapid fault protection. The communication equipment can execute these protection measures, such as updating the routing table and forwarding table, to prevent the impact of the fault from spreading. When the communication equipment subsequently receives a data frame carrying service information, it will query the updated routing table and forwarding table and forward the data frame accordingly.

[0184] Combination Figure 4 and Figure 11 The process of expanding control functions, including batch dismantling and rebuilding of pipelines and real-time bandwidth adjustment, is illustrated with examples.

[0185] Figure 4 The thin solid line and black squares between the OLT and OTN devices represent traditional logical channels, which are established through channels included in the original control functions. Each black square represents a communication device, thus a traditional logical channel involves multiple communication devices (multi-hop). Data frames are transmitted slowly through traditional logical channels, making it difficult to guarantee the quality of service (QoS).

[0186] To address this, a new logical pipeline (also known as a deterministic service pipeline) can be established through a process of batch dismantling and rebuilding existing pipelines. Compared to traditional logical pipelines, the new logical pipeline involves fewer communication devices and transmits data frames at a faster speed, which is beneficial for ensuring QoS. For example, this new logical pipeline is a direct connection between the OLT and OTN devices, enabling one-hop direct access between the OLT and OTN devices.

[0187] like Figure 11As shown, the terminal has an application (APP) deployed on it, and the user determines the service request through the APP. A connection is established between the terminal and the network controller, and the terminal sends the service request to the network controller. The service request indicates the service's SLA requirements, which can be reflected in requirements for bandwidth, latency, and reliability.

[0188] If the network controller determines that the SLA requirements cannot be met, it returns a rejection message to the terminal and either continues to use the traditional logical pipeline to carry services related to the terminal, or terminates the carrying of services.

[0189] If the network controller confirms that the SLA requirements can be met, it determines the second control information 1 for implementing batch pipeline splitting and rebuilding (specifically, for establishing a new logical pipeline with one hop), and sends the second control information 1 to the OLT and OTN devices through extended control.

[0190] Both the OLT and OTN devices establish new logical channels based on the second control information 1. For example, the OLT updates its routing table and forwarding table based on the second control information 1. If the OLT subsequently receives data frame 1 sent by the terminal, it queries the updated routing table and forwarding table and forwards data frame 1 to the OTN device based on the new logical channel. The OTN device also updates its routing table and forwarding table based on the second control information 1. If the OTN device subsequently needs to send data frame 2 to the terminal (e.g., for feedback on data frame 1), it queries the updated routing table and forwarding table and sends data frame 2 to the OLT based on the new logical channel, facilitating the OLT's forwarding of data frame 2 to the terminal.

[0191] After the new logical channel is established, the network controller returns authentication and authorization information and a "ready" message to the terminal. The authentication and authorization information indicates that the terminal has the permission to use the new logical channel, and the "ready" message indicates that the new logical channel has been successfully established. When the terminal sends data frame 1, it can include the authentication and authorization information in data frame 1. After receiving data frame 1, the OLT can determine that the terminal has the permission to use the new logical channel based on the authentication and authorization information. Then, according to the above description, it queries the updated routing table and forwarding table and forwards data frame 1 to the OTN device based on the new logical channel.

[0192] In AI computing scenarios, the number of consumers (terminals) exceeds the number of producers (AI data centers). If different terminals connected to the same OLT all need to access the same AI data center, these terminals are considered to have the same "destination." To address this, a new logical pipeline can be established between the OLT connected to these terminals and the OTN devices included in the AI ​​data center (which serves as the "destination"), as described above. This allows for service aggregation through the OLT, improving efficiency.

[0193] Optionally, if the number of terminals accessing the same AI data center changes, the bandwidth of the new logical pipeline can be adaptively adjusted. For example, if the number of terminals accessing the same AI data center increases, the bandwidth is increased; if the number of terminals accessing the same AI data center decreases, the bandwidth is reduced, thereby improving bandwidth utilization. Accordingly, the network controller can determine the second control information 2 for implementing real-time bandwidth adjustment, and send the second control information 2 to the OLT and OTN devices through extended control, enabling the OLT and OTN devices to negotiate bandwidth and obtain new bandwidth, thereby achieving real-time bandwidth adjustment (e.g., lossless bandwidth adjustment).

[0194] Step 902: Obtain the data frame, which is the second non-TDM frame.

[0195] Because a service plane is established, the communication device can obtain data frames through the service plane, and the data frames carry service information. For example, the communication device receives data frames, or the communication device generates data frames (and can also send the generated data frames to other communication devices). This application embodiment does not limit the way the communication device obtains data frames. The data frame is a second non-TDM frame, which is an OSU frame or an Ethernet frame.

[0196] Step 903: Forward the data frame according to the processing method indicated by the second control information.

[0197] For example, the processing method indicated by the second control information is the method by which the communication device processes data frames. The processing method indicated by the second control information includes: sending the data frame, or discarding the data frame. When the processing method is to send the data frame, the forwarding processing performed by the communication device according to the processing method includes: the communication device sending the data frame to other communication devices. Alternatively, when the processing method is to discard the data frame, the forwarding processing performed by the communication device according to the processing method includes: the communication device discarding the data frame, i.e., not sending the data frame to other communication devices.

[0198] For example, as explained in step 901, when the second control information includes routing signaling messages, fault notification information, and protection measure information, the communication device will update the routing table and forwarding table according to the second control information. Accordingly, the communication device queries the updated routing table and forwarding table. If a next-hop communication device and an output port are obtained, the data frame is sent to the next-hop communication device through the output port. If a next-hop communication device and an output port are not obtained, or if the data frame reaches its lifecycle before being sent due to congestion, the data frame is discarded.

[0199] For example, as explained in step 901, when the second control information includes bandwidth negotiation information, the communication device will negotiate a new bandwidth based on the second control information and forward the data frame using the configured routing table and forwarding table (which may not be updated). Accordingly, the communication device queries the configured routing table and forwarding table. If a next-hop communication device and an output port are obtained, and the new bandwidth is sufficient to support the transmission of the data frame, the data frame is sent to the next-hop communication device through the output port. If a next-hop communication device and an output port are not obtained, or the new bandwidth is insufficient to support the transmission of the data frame, the data frame is discarded.

[0200] In an exemplary embodiment, step 903 includes, but is not limited to, at least one of the following cases.

[0201] In the first scenario (associating extended control plane and service plane), the first control frame also carries first indication information, which indicates the tributary port. Step 903 includes: if the tributary port where the data frame is located is the same as the tributary port indicated by the first indication information, forwarding the data frame according to the processing method indicated by the second control information.

[0202] Optionally, the first indication information is located in the payload portion of the first control frame. The tributary port indicated by the first indication information can be a physical port, which corresponds to the physical path included in the logical pipe.

[0203] After receiving a data frame, the communication device parses the data frame to obtain the tributary port number (TPN) carried in the data frame. The tributary port indicated by the TPN is the tributary port where the data frame is located. If the tributary port where the data frame is located is the same as the tributary port indicated by the first indication information, the communication device then forwards the data frame according to the processing method indicated by the second control information.

[0204] Therefore, fine-grained forwarding processing can be performed on data frames transmitted from different branch ports (corresponding to different physical paths) in the same logical pipeline.

[0205] In the second scenario (associating the extended control plane and service plane), the first control frame also carries second indication information, which indicates the service type. Step 903 includes: if the service type corresponding to the data frame is the same as the service type indicated by the second indication information, forwarding the data frame according to the processing method indicated by the second control information.

[0206] Optionally, the second indication information is located in the payload portion of the first control frame. The service type indicated by the second indication information can be at least one of the various service types carried by the physical port.

[0207] After receiving a data frame, the communication device parses the data frame to obtain its payload and determines the service type corresponding to the data frame based on the payload. If the service type of the data frame matches the service type indicated by the second indication information, the communication device then forwards the data frame according to the processing method indicated by the second control information.

[0208] Therefore, fine-grained forwarding processing can be performed on data frames corresponding to different service types in the same branch port.

[0209] In the third case (aligning extended control plane and service plane), the first control frame also carries third indication information, which indicates a time period. Step 903 includes: within the time period indicated by the third indication information, forwarding the data frame according to the processing method indicated by the second control information.

[0210] Optionally, the third indication information is located in the payload portion of the first control frame, and the third indication information is, for example, a timestamp. The time period indicated by the third indication information is also the effective time period of the second control information.

[0211] During the time period indicated by the third indication information, the second control information is valid. Therefore, if the communication device receives a data frame, it forwards the data frame according to the processing method indicated by the second control information.

[0212] By associating and / or aligning the extended control plane with the service plane, the extended control plane becomes a companion control channel to the service plane, enabling flow-based companion control. Optionally, the extended control plane using fgOTN technology is suitable for supporting this type of flow-based companion control.

[0213] See Figure 15 This application also provides another method for processing frames. Compared to Figure 9 The method shown, Figure 15 The method shown is not limited to the first control frame being a TDM frame or a first non-TDM frame, nor is it limited to the data frame being a second non-TDM frame. For example... Figure 15 As shown, the method includes the following steps 1501 to 1503.

[0214] Step 1501: Obtain a first control frame based on the first control information. The first control frame carries second control information, which indicates the processing method.

[0215] Step 1502: Obtain the data frame.

[0216] Step 1503: Forward the data frame according to the processing method indicated by the second control information.

[0217] The types of the first control frame and data frame include, but are not limited to, the following:

[0218] In the first case, the first control frame is either the first TDM frame or the first non-TDM frame, and the data frame is the second non-TDM frame.

[0219] For example, the first control frame is a first TDM frame, which is either a regular OTN frame or an fgOTN frame, and the second non-TDM frame is either an OSU frame or an Ethernet frame. Or, for another example, the first control frame is a first non-TDM frame, which is either an OSU frame or an Ethernet frame, and the second non-TDM frame is either an OSU frame or an Ethernet frame.

[0220] In the first scenario, if the first TDM frame is a regular OTN frame and the second non-TDM frame is an OSU frame or an Ethernet frame, then refer to the above. Figure 14 The explanation corresponding to (a) in the first case. For other cases included in the first case, please refer to the explanations corresponding to steps 901 and 902 above.

[0221] In the second scenario, the first control frame is the second TDM frame, and the data frame is the third TDM frame. The second and third TDM frames are TDM frames of different types. This second scenario can be found in the text above. Figure 14 The explanations for (b) and (c) are omitted here.

[0222] For example, the first control frame is the second TDM frame, and the data frame is the third TDM frame, wherein the second TDM frame is a regular OTN frame and the third TDM frame is an fgOTN frame, or the second TDM frame is an fgOTN frame and the third TDM frame is a regular OTN frame.

[0223] In the third scenario, both the first control frame and the data frame are regular OTN frames. This third scenario can be found in the text above. Figure 14 The explanation corresponding to (d) in the text will not be repeated here.

[0224] The first control frame and data frame provided in this application embodiment each have multiple types, which can form multiple combinations of the first control frame and data frame, thereby making the data frame processing process more flexible.

[0225] In addition, Figure 15 In the method shown, the second control frame (the function of which is explained in step 901) is a frame of the same type as the first control frame. For example, the first control frame may be any type of frame, such as a regular OTN frame, an fgOTN frame, an OSU frame, or an Ethernet frame. When the first control frame is a regular OTN frame, the second control frame is also a regular OTN frame. Other types of first control frames will not be listed here.

[0226] For the specific implementation of steps 1501 to 1503, please refer to the descriptions in steps 901 to 903.

[0227] This application provides a communication device, which includes a signal processor. The communication device may be, for example, the aforementioned OTN device, OLT, or ONU. The signal processor is configured to: acquire a first control frame based on first control information, wherein the first control frame is a TDM frame or a first non-TDM frame, and the first control frame carries second control information indicating a processing mode; acquire a data frame, wherein the data frame is a second non-TDM frame; and forward the data frame according to the processing mode indicated by the second control information.

[0228] In one possible implementation, the first control frame is a TDM frame, the TDM frame is an fgOTN frame, and the second non-TDM frame is an OSU frame or an Ethernet frame.

[0229] In one possible implementation, the first control frame is a first non-TDM frame, which is either an OSU frame or an Ethernet frame, and the second non-TDM frame is either an OSU frame or an Ethernet frame.

[0230] In one possible implementation, the first control frame also carries first indication information, which indicates a tributary port. The signal processor is configured to forward the data frame according to the processing method indicated by the second control information, provided that the tributary port containing the data frame is the same as the tributary port indicated by the first indication information.

[0231] In one possible implementation, the first control frame also carries second indication information, which indicates the service type. The signal processor is used to forward the data frame according to the processing method indicated by the second control information, provided that the service type corresponding to the data frame is the same as the service type indicated by the second indication information.

[0232] In one possible implementation, the first control frame also carries third indication information, which indicates a time period. The signal processor is used to forward the data frame according to the processing method indicated by the second control information within the time period indicated by the third indication information.

[0233] In one possible implementation, the communication device including the signal processor is a first communication device. The signal processor is further configured to acquire a second control frame based on first control information, the second control frame being either a TDM frame or a first non-TDM frame, the second control frame carrying parameters; and to establish a link with the second communication device based on the parameters, the link being used to acquire data frames.

[0234] This application embodiment also provides another communication device, which includes a signal processor. The communication device is, for example, the aforementioned OTN device, OLT, or ONU. The signal processor is configured to: acquire a first control frame based on first control information, wherein the first control frame carries second control information indicating a processing method; acquire a data frame; and forward the data frame according to the processing method indicated by the second control information.

[0235] In this configuration, the first control frame is either a first TDM frame or a first non-TDM frame, and the data frame is a second non-TDM frame. Alternatively, the first control frame is a second TDM frame, and the data frame is a third TDM frame, wherein the second TDM frame and the third TDM frame are TDM frames of different types. Or, the first control frame is a regular OTN frame, and the data frame is a regular OTN frame.

[0236] In one possible implementation, the first control frame is a first TDM frame, which is either a regular OTN frame or an fgOTN frame, and the second non-TDM frame is either an OSU frame or an Ethernet frame.

[0237] In one possible implementation, the first control frame is a first non-TDM frame, which is either an OSU frame or an Ethernet frame, and the second non-TDM frame is either an OSU frame or an Ethernet frame.

[0238] In one possible implementation, the first control frame is a second TDM frame and the data frame is a third TDM frame, wherein the second TDM frame is a regular OTN frame and the third TDM frame is an fgOTN frame, or the second TDM frame is an fgOTN frame and the third TDM frame is a regular OTN frame.

[0239] In one possible implementation, the first control frame also carries first indication information, which indicates a tributary port. The signal processor is configured to forward the data frame according to the processing method indicated by the second control information, provided that the tributary port containing the data frame is the same as the tributary port indicated by the first indication information.

[0240] In one possible implementation, the first control frame also carries second indication information, which indicates the service type. The signal processor is used to forward the data frame according to the processing method indicated by the second control information, provided that the service type corresponding to the data frame is the same as the service type indicated by the second indication information.

[0241] In one possible implementation, the first control frame also carries third indication information, which indicates a time period. The signal processor is used to forward the data frame according to the processing method indicated by the second control information within the time period indicated by the third indication information.

[0242] In one possible implementation, the communication device including the signal processor is a first communication device. The signal processor is further configured to acquire a second control frame based on the first control information, the second control frame being a frame of the same type as the first control frame and carrying parameters; and to establish a link with the second communication device based on the parameters, the link being used to acquire data frames.

[0243] This application also provides a chip, which includes a processor. The processor is used to retrieve and execute instructions stored in a memory, enabling a communication device with the chip installed to perform... Figure 9 or Figure 15 The method for processing frames is shown.

[0244] This application embodiment also provides another chip, including: an input interface, an output interface, a processor, and a memory. The input interface, output interface, processor, and memory are connected via internal interconnection paths. The processor is used to execute code in the memory. When the code is executed, the communication device with the chip installed implements... Figure 9 or Figure 15 The method for processing frames is shown.

[0245] For example, the processor included in the chip is the signal processor included in the OTN device, or the OTNFramer included in the OLT, or the framer included in the ONU.

[0246] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing at least one computer instruction, which is loaded and executed by a processor to enable a communication device to perform... Figure 9 or Figure 15 The method for processing frames is shown.

[0247] This application also provides a computer program or computer program product, which includes computer instructions that are executed by a processor to enable a communication device to perform... Figure 9 or Figure 15 The method for processing frames is shown.

[0248] Those skilled in the art will understand that all or part of the steps of the above embodiments can be implemented by hardware or by a program instructing related hardware. The program can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium, including but not limited to read-only memory, disk or optical disk.

[0249] In this application, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used to distinguish identical or similar items that have essentially the same function. It should be understood that there is no logical or temporal dependency between "first," "second," and "nth," nor does it limit the quantity or order of execution. It should also be understood that although the following description uses the terms "first," "second," etc., to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by the terms. These terms are merely used to distinguish one element from another.

[0250] It should also be understood that, in the various embodiments of this application, the sequence number of each process does not imply the order of execution. The execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of this application.

[0251] In this application, the term "at least one" means one or more, and the term "multiple" means two or more; for example, "multiple" means two or more. The terms "system" and "network" are often used interchangeably in this document.

[0252] It should be understood that the terminology used in the description of the various examples herein is for the purpose of describing the particular examples only and is not intended to be limiting. As used in the description of the various examples and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0253] It should also be understood that the term "and / or" as used herein refers to and covers any and all possible combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. The term "and / or" describes an association between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist; for example, A and / or B can represent: A alone, A and B simultaneously, or B alone. Additionally, the character " / " in this application generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects are in an "or" relationship.

[0254] It should also be understood that the terms “if” and “if” can be interpreted as meaning “when” or “upon”, or “in response to determination” or “in response to detection”. Similarly, depending on the context, the phrases “if determination…” or “if detection [the stated condition or event]” can be interpreted as meaning “when determination…”, or “in response to determination…”, or “when detection [the stated condition or event]” or “in response to detection [the stated condition or event]”.

[0255] The above are merely embodiments of this application and are not intended to limit this application. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the principles of this application should be included within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A method for processing frames, characterized in that, The method includes: A first control frame is obtained based on the first control information, and the first control frame carries second control information, the second control information indicating the processing method; Acquire data frames; The data frame is forwarded according to the processing method indicated by the second control information; Wherein, the first control frame is a first time-division multiplexing (TDM) frame or a first non-TDM frame, and the data frame is a second non-TDM frame; Alternatively, the first control frame may be a second TDM frame, and the data frame may be a third TDM frame, wherein the second TDM frame and the third TDM frame are TDM frames of different types. Alternatively, the first control frame may be a conventional optical transport network (OTN) frame, and the data frame may be a conventional OTN frame.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first control frame is the first TDM frame, which is a conventional OTN frame or a fine-grained optical transport network (fgOTN) frame, and the second non-TDM frame is an optical serving unit (OSU) frame or an Ethernet frame.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first control frame is the first non-TDM frame, which is either an Optical Service Unit (OSU) frame or an Ethernet frame, and the second non-TDM frame is either an OSU frame or an Ethernet frame.

4. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first control frame is the second TDM frame, and the data frame is the third TDM frame, wherein the second TDM frame is a conventional OTN frame and the third TDM frame is a fine-grained optical transport network (fgOTN) frame, or the second TDM frame is an fgOTN frame and the third TDM frame is a conventional OTN frame.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The first control frame also carries first indication information, which indicates the tributary port; The forwarding of the data frame according to the processing method indicated by the second control information includes: If the tributary port where the data frame is located is the same as the tributary port indicated by the first indication information, the data frame is forwarded according to the processing method indicated by the second control information.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The first control frame also carries second indication information, which indicates the service type; The forwarding of the data frame according to the processing method indicated by the second control information includes: If the service type corresponding to the data frame is the same as the service type indicated by the second indication information, the data frame is forwarded according to the processing method indicated by the second control information.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The first control frame also carries third indication information, which indicates a time period; The forwarding of the data frame according to the processing method indicated by the second control information includes: During the time period indicated by the third indication information, the data frame is forwarded according to the processing method indicated by the second control information.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The method is applied to a first communication device, and the method further includes: A second control frame is obtained based on the first control information. The second control frame is a frame of the same type as the first control frame, and the second control frame carries parameters. A link is established with the second communication device according to the parameters, and the link is used to acquire the data frame.

9. A chip, characterized in that, The chip includes a processor configured to retrieve and execute instructions stored in a memory, causing a communication device equipped with the chip to implement the method for processing frames according to any one of claims 1-8.

10. A communication device, characterized in that, The communication device includes: A signal processor is configured to acquire a first control frame based on first control information, wherein the first control frame carries second control information and the second control information indicates a processing method; acquire a data frame; and forward the data frame according to the processing method indicated by the second control information. Wherein, the first control frame is a first time-division multiplexing (TDM) frame or a first non-TDM frame, and the data frame is a second non-TDM frame; Alternatively, the first control frame may be a second TDM frame, and the data frame may be a third TDM frame, wherein the second TDM frame and the third TDM frame are TDM frames of different types. Alternatively, the first control frame may be a conventional optical transport network (OTN) frame, and the data frame may be a conventional OTN frame.

11. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores at least one computer instruction, which is loaded and executed by a processor to enable the communication device to implement the method for processing frames according to any one of claims 1-8.

12. A computer program product, characterized in that, The computer program product includes computer instructions that are executed by a processor to cause the communication device to implement the method for processing frames according to any one of claims 1-8.

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