Ethernet Switch Transparent Transmission via Superframe Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing Ethernet switches terminate and alter received Ethernet signals, preventing transparent and clock-transparent transmission of data packets, especially in long-distance networks where maintaining the integrity of Ethernet frames and interframe gaps is crucial.
Innovation Solution
The method involves inserting incoming Ethernet signals, including interframe gaps, into Ethernet superframes, allowing them to be transmitted as a payload within a higher-rate Ethernet transport signal, which can be switched without altering the original signal, and demapping them back to the original form for output.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If Ethernet switches are used to switch data packets, then packet switching capability is improved, but transparent transmission of Ethernet signals is deteriorated because switches terminate and alter received signals
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments Ethernet signals into two distinct processing paths: TDM mode preserves the original Ethernet signal structure (frames, payload, control information, and interframe gaps) for transparent transmission, while Ethernet mode extracts and processes only the payload portion for packet switching. This segmentation allows both transparent transmission and packet switching to coexist without interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism that converts Ethernet signals into a TDM-compatible format for transmission through the network. The Ethernet signal is mapped onto TDM frames with preserved interframe gaps, allowing standard TDM equipment to handle Ethernet traffic transparently while maintaining the original signal characteristics.
2Reliability
If synchronous systems (SDH/OTN) are used for transparent transmission, then transparent and clock-transparent transmission is improved, but Ethernet packet switching capability is deteriorated
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements multi-functionality by enabling TDM equipment to handle both traditional TDM signals and Ethernet signals transparently. The same infrastructure can process Ethernet packets when needed while maintaining transparent transmission mode for other traffic, making the system versatile across different protocol requirements.
3Productivity
If multiple Ethernet signals are combined into higher data rate signals, then transmission medium efficiency is improved, but the complexity of maintaining transparency is deteriorated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple Ethernet signals onto a single TDM transmission channel by combining them into higher-order TDM frames. The interframe gaps from individual Ethernet signals are preserved within the TDM frame structure, allowing efficient multiplexing while maintaining the transparency requirements for each individual Ethernet signal throughout the combined transmission.
Data Source
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AI summary
The method involves inserting Ethernet packets including respective interframe gaps of incoming ethernet signals into ethernet superframes. The superframes with the inserted ethernet packets and the interframe gaps are conveyed to an ethernet switch (ESW) as outgoing ethernet transport signals (UES1S). The ethernet transport signals are guided via the switch along counter direction. The ethernet packets including the interframe gaps are buffered and output as outgoing ethernet signal in a quasi-synchronous manner. An independent claim is also included for an arrangement for transparent-transmission of Ethernet signal via an Ethernet switch.