FlexE Clock Synchronization via Multi-PHY Redundancy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing FlexE technologies face challenges in reliably transmitting clock synchronization signals and improving the reliability of clock synchronization in flexible Ethernet networks.
Innovation Solution
The method involves carrying clock synchronization packets in multiple flexible Ethernet FlexE instances transmitted between a transmit end and a receive end in a FlexE group, across multiple PHYs, ensuring that the receive end can obtain the packets even if one PHY is faulty.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If clock synchronization packets are transmitted through a single PHY in FlexE, then the transmission path is simple, but the reliability of clock synchronization is reduced when that PHY fails
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the clock synchronization transmission by distributing clock synchronization packets across multiple FlexE instances that are carried over different PHYs. Instead of relying on a single transmission path, the system divides the synchronization traffic into multiple independent channels, so that if one PHY fails, clock synchronization can continue through other intact paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements prior cushioning by pre-configuring multiple alternative transmission paths for clock synchronization packets before any failure occurs. The system prepares redundant FlexE instances across multiple PHYs in advance, so that when a PHY fails, the receive end can immediately switch to using clock synchronization packets from alternative FlexE instances without interruption.
2Reliability
If multiple FlexE instances carry clock synchronization packets across multiple PHYs, then reliability is improved, but the complexity of packet management increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the receive end to autonomously select and process clock synchronization packets from multiple FlexE instances based on their own judgment of PHY status. The receive end independently monitors the health of different PHYs and automatically chooses packets from healthy paths without requiring complex centralized control or manual intervention, thereby simplifying overall system operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adapts to the operational status of different PHYs by allowing the receive end to flexibly select which FlexE instances to use for clock synchronization. When PHYs are normal, the system can utilize multiple paths; when failures occur, it dynamically switches to alternative paths. This dynamic behavior simplifies packet management by allowing the system to adapt automatically rather than requiring static complex routing configurations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a single FlexE instance is used for clock synchronization, then the configuration is simple, but the system cannot tolerate PHY failures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the clock synchronization system multi-functional by enabling it to operate over multiple different transmission paths simultaneously. The same clock synchronization mechanism can adaptively use any available PHY through different FlexE instances, making the system universal in its ability to handle various failure scenarios. This multi-functionality achieves fault tolerance without requiring fundamentally different synchronization mechanisms for different failure cases.
Solution Approach 2:
The system prepares multiple alternative transmission paths in advance through prior cushioning, configuring multiple FlexE instances across different PHYs before any failure occurs. This pre-prepared redundancy enables the system to tolerate PHY failures without requiring complex reconfiguration or additional configuration complexity during operation, as the alternative paths are already established and ready for immediate use.
Data Source
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AI summary
This application provides a clock synchronization packet exchanging method and an apparatus. The clock synchronization packet exchanging method includes: sending, by a first device in a FlexE group, a first FlexE instance at a first PHY, where the first FlexE instance includes a clock synchronization packet, and a second FlexE instance sent by the first device in the FlexE group at a second PHY also includes a clock synchronization packet. In the technical solution provided in this application, the clock synchronization packets are carried in a plurality of flexible Ethernet (FlexE) instances transmitted between a transmit end and a receive end in the FlexE group, so that reliability of clock synchronization between the transmit end and the receive end in the FlexE group can be improved.