FlexE Path Switching Based on Channel State to Avoid Traffic Interruptions

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Solution Overview

Problem

Service traffic transmission interruptions occur in communication networks, particularly when faults occur on protection switching paths in FlexE technology.

Innovation Solution

A communication system and method that determines service transmission paths based on channel states, utilizing protection switching channels and alternative paths to avoid interruptions by bypassing faulty links.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If protection switching paths are used in FlexE technology to improve service reliability, then service transmission reliability is improved, but service traffic transmission interruption still occurs when faults happen on these paths

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice transmission reliabilityVSAvoidservice traffic transmission interruption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic path selection by continuously monitoring channel states and automatically switching transmission paths based on real-time fault conditions. The network device determines transmission paths dynamically according to channel states, enabling the system to adapt to changing network conditions and avoid service interruption when faults occur on protected paths.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent establishes a feedback mechanism where the network device monitors the states of multiple channels (first channel, second channel, third channel, fourth channel) and uses this feedback information to determine the appropriate transmission path. The system continuously receives channel state information and adjusts path selection accordingly, ensuring reliable service transmission even when protection switching paths experience faults.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If multiple channels and paths are configured for protection switching, then fault tolerance is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefault toleranceVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the transmission system into multiple independent channels (first channel, second channel, third channel, fourth channel) and paths (first path, second path, third path, fourth path). Each channel and path can be independently monitored and controlled, allowing the system to isolate faults to specific segments while maintaining overall service continuity through alternative segments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a universal path selection mechanism that can handle multiple fault scenarios using the same decision-making framework. The network device uses a unified approach to monitor all channels and select from multiple paths, making the system capable of handling various fault conditions (single channel failure, multiple channel failures, different path configurations) through a single multi-functional control mechanism.

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

Data Source

PatentEP4694053A1Method and apparatus for data processing, and communication system
Publication Date: 2026.02.11 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP4694053A1 patent drawingFigure 1a
  • EP4694053A1 patent drawingFigure 1b
  • EP4694053A1 patent drawingFigure 1c

AI summary

This application discloses a communication system including a target network, and belongs to the field of communication technologies. The communication system includes the target network, and the target network includes at least a first subnetwork domain. The first subnetwork domain includes a first network node that belongs to a first path and a second network node that belongs to a second path. The first path includes a first channel and a second channel that are connected to the first network node, and the second path includes a third channel and a fourth channel that are connected to the second network node. The first channel and the third channel are protection switching channels for each other, and the second channel and the fourth channel are protection switching channels for each other. The first network node and/or the second network node may determine a transmission path of a service based on a state of a channel. In this solution, the determined transmission path matches the state of the channel. Correspondingly, when service traffic is transmitted based on the determined transmission path, service traffic transmission interruption can be effectively avoided.