FlexE Multiframe Identifier Scheme for Variable Interface Bandwidths
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing FlexE protocol's multiframe structure is limited and not compatible with physical layers having different bandwidths, leading to poor bandwidth compatibility between the multiframe and different interfaces.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that determine a multiframe identifier based on the number of timeslots of a physical layer, allowing flexible configuration of the multiframe structure, and carry this identifier in the multiframe to enable compatibility with various bandwidths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the FlexE protocol uses a fixed multiframe structure composed of 32 frames, then the configuration information of timeslots can be transmitted on 100 G physical layer, but the multiframe structure cannot be applied to physical layers having different bandwidths (25G, 50G, 200G, 400G)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the multiframe structure adjustable rather than fixed. The number of frames in a multiframe can be dynamically configured based on the physical layer bandwidth (e.g., 32 frames for 100G, different numbers for 25G/50G/200G/400G). This dynamic configuration allows the same FlexE protocol to adapt to multiple bandwidth standards without requiring separate protocol versions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of multiframe structure (specifically the number of frames per multiframe) to match different physical layer bandwidths. By modifying this structural parameter based on the bandwidth requirement, the system achieves compatibility across 25G, 50G, 100G, 200G, and 400G interfaces while maintaining the same protocol framework.
2Speed
If 400 G optical modules are used to achieve 400 G transmission, then the transmission speed requirement is met, but the cost exceeds four times the price of 100 G optical modules, resulting in lack of commercial economic value
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the FlexE protocol universal by enabling it to operate on multiple physical layer bandwidths (25G, 50G, 100G, 200G, 400G) using a common multiframe structure. This allows 100G optical modules to be used flexibly in different bandwidth scenarios through protocol configuration, avoiding the need to invest in expensive dedicated 400G optical modules for all high-speed applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the transmission capability by allowing multiple 100G optical modules to be bonded together using FlexE protocol to achieve aggregate bandwidths of 200G, 400G, or higher. This segmentation approach enables cost-effective high-speed transmission by combining multiple lower-cost modules rather than using a single expensive high-speed module.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are a method for determining and sending a multiframe, and a communication device. The method includes: for physical layers of different interface bandwidth speeds, determining a multiframe number of the multiframe to be n-th power of 2, where n is a minimum positive integer that causes the multiframe number greater than or equal to a number of timeslots of a physical layer, identifier values of the multiframe identifier for identifying the multiframe number are sequentially carried in preset positions of overhead blocks of respective frames constituting the multiframe, and the number of the identifier values of the multiframe identifier is the same as the multiframe number. The identifier values of the multiframe identifier are a preset number of consecutive “0”s and the preset number of consecutive “1”s in sequence.