FlexE Control Information Block Bandwidth Utilization

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Solution Overview

Problem

The Flex Ethernet protocol faces inefficiencies in traffic delivery due to the bundling of 100G optical modules, leading to underutilization of delivery channels and bandwidth waste, particularly when client traffic flows have varying speeds, as idle bits are carried in control information blocks.

Innovation Solution

The method involves encapsulating client traffic flows into control information blocks, specifically idle information blocks, within the FlexE shim layer, allowing for dynamic speed adjustment and efficient utilization of timeslots, thereby improving channel utilization and reducing bandwidth waste.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If multiple 100G optical modules are bundled to form a 400G delivery channel using FlexE protocol, then the delivery bandwidth is increased and cost is reduced, but the utilization rate of the delivery channel decreases due to idle bits in control information blocks

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedelivery bandwidthVSAvoidchannel utilization rate

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The control information block is designed to serve dual purposes: maintaining FlexE protocol functionality and carrying client traffic data. By embedding client data within the control information block structure, the same transmission resources are utilized for both protocol control and data delivery, eliminating idle bandwidth while preserving protocol operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the control information function and client traffic data function into a single transmission unit (control information block). This combination allows the delivery channel to transmit both protocol control signals and client data simultaneously without requiring separate dedicated resources, thereby improving overall channel utilization

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If control information blocks with idle bits are carried on FlexE, then protocol control is maintained, but bandwidth is wasted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotocol control functionalityVSAvoidbandwidth

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The control information block is transformed into a multi-functional element that simultaneously performs protocol control and client data transport. The idle bits that were previously wasted are repurposed to carry client traffic, making the control structure serve dual functions without compromising protocol reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the previously harmful idle bits in control information blocks into beneficial data-carrying resources. By injecting client data into these idle positions, the waste bandwidth is transformed into useful transmission capacity, turning a deficiency into an advantage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Data Source

PatentEP3633887B1Method, apparatus for delivering traffic flow in flexible ethernet protocol

Publication Date: 2024.07.17 ZTE CORP

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AI summary

A method, device and system for transmitting a service flow in a flexible Ethernet protocol. The method for transmitting a service flow in a flexible Ethernet FLEXE protocol comprises: a transmitting terminal encapsulates a predetermined client service flow; and the transmitting terminal inserts the encapsulated predetermined client service flow into a control information block of a predetermined type in a FLEXE service time slot and sends the control information block of the predetermined type.