Ethernet Frame Segmentation for Time-Sensitive IET-Blind Tunnels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional Ethernet is not designed to meet the needs of time-sensitive applications requiring strict control of latency and jitter, and frame preemption techniques face implementation challenges in IET-blind networks.
Innovation Solution
A method for time-sensitive Ethernet traffic transmission involving pre-provisioned tunnels for expedited and non-expedited traffic, with segmentation and encapsulation of frames to maintain priority and latency requirements, utilizing metadata structures for reassembly, and transmission over IET-blind networks like 5G mobile networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If frame preemption is implemented to expedite high-priority frames, then latency for time-sensitive applications is reduced, but device complexity and implementation difficulty increase in IET-blind networks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments Ethernet frames into multiple sub-frames that can be transmitted independently through the IET-blind network. Each sub-frame contains a portion of the original frame data along with metadata, allowing high-priority frames to be divided and expedited without requiring full frame preemption support from network infrastructure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary encapsulation layer with metadata structures that wrap the original Ethernet frames. This intermediary layer enables priority handling and reassembly functionality at the endpoints without requiring intermediate network devices to support IET, effectively mediating between standard Ethernet and time-sensitive requirements
2Loss of time
If frame preemption interrupts lower-priority frame transmission, then high-priority frame delivery time is improved, but transmission reliability and reassembly accuracy worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary encapsulation of Ethernet frames with metadata structures before transmission. This metadata includes sequence numbers, length information, and reassembly identifiers that are prepared in advance, ensuring that even if frames are interrupted or retransmitted, the receiving end has all necessary information for accurate reassembly
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms through metadata structures that track frame segmentation and reassembly status. The metadata contains information about transmitted segments and their expected arrival, allowing the system to verify successful delivery and trigger retransmission if reassembly fails, thereby maintaining reliability
3Adaptability or versatility
If Ethernet frames are segmented and encapsulated with metadata, then priority transmission through IET-blind networks is enabled, but device complexity and processing overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the metadata structure to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it provides encapsulation for IET-blind network compatibility, carries priority information for QoS handling, includes sequence data for reassembly, and enables error detection. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate mechanisms and minimizes processing overhead despite the added complexity
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a technique of time-sensitive transmission of Ethernet traffic in IET-blind network. A source endpoint network node receives expedited and non-expedited Ethernet frames; for each non-expedited Ethernet frame: detects a pre-provisioned designated non-expedited tunnel with a destination endpoint network node corresponding to a destination address specified in the Ethernet frame, segments non-expedited Ethernet frame into a plurality of segments, encapsulates each segment in accordance with the designated non-expedited tunnel; and sends the encapsulated segments to the destination endpoint network node via the designated non-expedited tunnel. When the designated non-expedited tunnel is constituted by a plurality of successive sub-tunnels (e.g. corresponding to a PDU-session of 5G), the technique further comprises initial encapsulating each segment in accordance with a first of successive sub-tunnels and, when swapping to a next sub-tunnel, relaying the encapsulation of each segment according to a network protocol characterizing the next sub-tunnel.