Ethernet PCS Lane Multiplexing for MAN Resource Utilization

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Solution Overview

Problem

In metropolitan area networks, existing communication systems like SDH, OTN, and Ethernet devices operate with low resource utilization, leading to high power consumption and increased maintenance needs due to inefficient use of resources and space.

Innovation Solution

A method for transmitting service signals using an Ethernet channel, where multiple service signals are multiplexed and shared across Ethernet physical coding sublayer lanes, optimizing bandwidth and reducing idle resources through a fixed-length bearing area structure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple sets of devices (SDH, OTN, Ethernet) operate concurrently in metropolitan area network, then service requirements are met, but resource utilization drops to 30% or below and power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice requirementsVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple independent communication devices (SDH, OTN, Ethernet) into a single integrated device that can handle multiple service signals through a unified Ethernet channel, thereby reducing the number of separate devices and improving resource utilization to resolve the contradiction between meeting diverse service requirements and reducing power consumption

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated communication device is designed with multi-functionality to handle various service signals (SDH, OTN, Ethernet) through a common Ethernet interface, allowing one device to perform multiple functions that previously required separate dedicated devices, thus improving resource utilization while maintaining service versatility

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple sets of devices are deployed to meet complex service requirements, then service capability is improved, but device complexity and maintenance needs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice capabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple communication device functions into a single integrated device with unified control and management, reducing the complexity of managing multiple separate devices while maintaining the capability to handle diverse service requirements through standardized Ethernet interfaces

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple communication systems operate in parallel, then service coverage is expanded, but space occupation and maintenance requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice coverageVSAvoidroom space
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent consolidates multiple communication systems into a single integrated device that occupies less physical space while providing the same or enhanced service coverage through efficient resource sharing and multi-functionality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3627736B1Method for transmitting service signal by using ethernet channel and communications device
Publication Date: 2022.04.13 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP3627736B1 patent drawingFigure 1(A)~1(B)
  • EP3627736B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3627736B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Embodiments of the present invention provide a communications method and a communications device, so that multiple service signals can be borne in a same bearing area of a same Ethernet PCS lane. Therefore, it is implemented that multiple types of service signals share an Ethernet channel, so that the multiple types of service signals can share a link resource and an interface module resource. This provides a basis for convergence and integration of devices in a multi-technology system, and can improve utilization of link resources and reduce a quantity, a footprint, power consumption, maintenance costs, and the like of devices in a metropolitan area network.