CPRI Port Configuration Detection Through FlexE Overhead Frames

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing CPRI port configuration management is inadequate, leading to inconsistent configurations between terminals and a lack of communication alarms when mismatches occur, which can cause data transmission issues.

Innovation Solution

A method is introduced to acquire and add first port attribute information of a CPRI port to a FlexE overhead frame in a service flow, allowing for comparison and alarm generation if inconsistencies are detected in the port attribute information at the receiving terminal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If port configuration management follows existing CPRI protocols, then device compatibility is maintained, but port configuration detection and alarm capabilities are absent

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveport configuration consistencyVSAvoidprotocol management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent embeds port attribute information within the existing FlexE overhead frame structure, nesting the detection mechanism inside the current protocol framework rather than creating a separate management system. This allows configuration detection to be integrated without adding external complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-detection by automatically comparing port attribute information embedded in overhead frames against local configuration, generating alarms without external intervention. The protocol manages its own configuration validation, eliminating the need for separate manual verification processes

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Difficulty of detecting and measuring

If port attribute information is embedded in FlexE overhead frames, then port configuration detection is enabled, but overhead frame structure complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveport configuration detectabilityVSAvoidoverhead frame structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Difficulty of detecting and measuringVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The FlexE overhead frame structure is enhanced to serve multiple functions: it maintains its original timing and synchronization roles while simultaneously carrying port attribute information for configuration detection. This multi-functionality avoids creating separate detection protocols

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent modifies the overhead frame by adding specific parameter fields (port attribute information) rather than changing the fundamental frame structure. This allows detection capability while preserving the original simple and efficient overhead frame design

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If manual port configuration checking is performed, then configuration consistency can be verified, but transmission efficiency is reduced due to additional processing time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconfiguration verification accuracyVSAvoiddata transmission efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The port configuration detection operates continuously in the background during normal data transmission, using the existing FlexE overhead frames that are already being transmitted. The detection process is embedded within the continuous data flow rather than interrupting it for separate checking operations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

Port attribute information is embedded in advance within the overhead frames before data transmission occurs. The receiving end has the information readily available for immediate comparison, eliminating the need for separate configuration querying or verification steps during transmission

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3873029B1Port configuration detection method, terminal, and computer-readable storage medium
Publication Date: 2025.09.10 ZTE CORP
  • EP3873029B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3873029B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3873029B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A port configuration detection method, a terminal, and a computer-readable storage medium are provided in embodiments of the present disclosure. The method includes: acquiring first port attribute information of a Common Public Radio Interface (CPRI) port of a first terminal; adding the first port attribute information of the CPRI port to a Flexible Ethernet (FlexE) overhead frame in a first service flow; and sending the first service flow to a second terminal. Therefore, by adding port attribute information to service flows, the second terminal can perform comparison according to the port attribute information in the service flows upon receiving the service flows and can give an alarm once there is a mismatching in the port attribute information in the service flows, thereby achieving detection and alarming of port configuration.