Differential-Delay Link Grouping for Robust FlexE/FlexO Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing Ethernet and optical transport networks face challenges in efficiently utilizing bandwidth and maintaining link availability due to limitations in link aggregation technologies, such as LAG, FlexE, and FlexO, which result in unbalanced bandwidth allocation, congestion, and differential delay issues that can lead to network failures.
Innovation Solution
A method and device for link group configuration that utilizes differential delay compensation and status information transmission at a granularity of links or devices, allowing for flexible link group formation and compensation to align service data across multiple links, ensuring that only links within the compensation capability of the receive end device are utilized, thereby improving network robustness and availability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If link aggregation is implemented using LAG technology to increase bandwidth, then bandwidth rate is improved, but bandwidth allocation becomes unbalanced and congestion occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the link aggregation group into multiple sub-groups based on differential delay characteristics. Each sub-group contains links with similar delay properties, allowing independent configuration and management. This segmentation enables balanced bandwidth allocation across different service types while maintaining the overall aggregated bandwidth capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic link group configuration that adapts to changing network conditions. The system continuously monitors differential delay and dynamically adjusts link grouping to maintain optimal bandwidth allocation. This dynamic approach prevents congestion by redistributing traffic based on real-time link status.
2Power
If links with large differential delay are bundled into LAG to increase bandwidth, then bandwidth rate is improved, but link availability deteriorates due to exceeding compensation capability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments links into multiple groups based on their differential delay characteristics relative to the compensation capability. Links are divided into first link groups (within compensation capability) and second link groups (exceeding compensation capability). This segmentation ensures that only compatible links are bundled together, maintaining link availability while still providing increased bandwidth through multiple groups.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a configuration method that acts as an intermediary between link physical characteristics and aggregation requirements. The system evaluates differential delay against compensation capability and mediates the grouping process to ensure reliability constraints are met while achieving bandwidth goals through coordinated multi-group operation.
3Reliability
If strict differential delay compensation is enforced to ensure service alignment, then service transmission reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the compensation requirement into manageable units by creating link groups with homogeneous differential delay characteristics. Each group can be compensated independently using simpler mechanisms, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining service alignment reliability. The segmentation transforms a complex global compensation problem into multiple simpler local compensation tasks.
4Ease of operation
If link aggregation is configured without considering differential delay, then configuration simplicity is improved, but network robustness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments links into configurable groups based on differential delay characteristics, enabling systematic management without overwhelming complexity. The segmentation provides a structured approach that maintains robustness while keeping configuration manageable through clear grouping rules and automated evaluation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the configuration parameter from simple link identification to include differential delay characteristics. This parameter change enables the system to automatically evaluate and group links based on their timing properties, improving robustness while maintaining configuration simplicity through automated parameter-based grouping.
Data Source
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AI summary
This application provides a link group configuration method and device. The method includes: obtaining, by a first device, first status information of M links between a source end device and a receive end device, where the first status information is used to indicate a status of a differential delay between any two of the M links, any one link is a FlexE or FlexO physical connection link, and M is an integer greater than or equal to 2; obtaining, by the first device, first capability information of the receive end device, where the first capability information is used to indicate a first capability of performing differential delay compensation on the M links by the receive end device; grouping, by the first device, N of the M links into a first link group based on the first status information and the first capability information, where N is an integer less than or equal to M and greater than or equal to 2; and sending, by the first device, first configuration information to a second device, where the first configuration information includes information used to indicate the first link group. The method provided in this application can improve availability and robustness of a link in a transport network.