FlexE Shim PPP Encapsulation for DCN Packet Forwarding
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The FlexE technology does not provide a set of perfect mechanisms for transmitting Data Communication Network (DCN) packets, limiting network bandwidth and management capabilities in high-speed packet transmission devices.
Innovation Solution
A packet transmission method and device utilizing a FlexE shim to convert Ethernet packets into Point-to-Point Protocol (PPP) packets, which are then inserted into FlexE overheads for transmission, and vice versa, enabling efficient DCN packet forwarding through FlexE devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If FlexE technology is used for high-speed packet transmission, then network interface rate increases (1G to 100G), but the ability to transmit DCN packets is limited due to lack of perfect transmission mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a FlexE shim as an intermediary component between the MAC layer and PHY layer. This shim enables DCN packet transmission by converting Ethernet packets to PPP packets and inserting them into FlexE overhead, thereby bridging the gap between FlexE's physical layer capabilities and DCN's data link layer requirements without compromising high-speed transmission
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the packet transmission process into distinct functional layers: the FlexE shim handles physical layer conversion and overhead insertion, while the switching module handles data link layer forwarding. This segmentation allows each component to optimize for its specific function, enabling both high-speed transmission and DCN packet capability
2Productivity
If FlexE overhead is used to carry DCN packets, then transmission bandwidth is enhanced, but protocol complexity increases due to Ethernet to PPP conversion
Solution Approach 1:
The FlexE shim is designed as a universal component that handles multiple functions: Ethernet to PPP packet conversion, FlexE overhead insertion/extraction, and DCN packet routing assistance. By consolidating these functions into a single multi-functional component, the patent reduces overall system complexity while enabling enhanced transmission bandwidth
3Adaptability or versatility
If DCN packets are forwarded through switching module with L3 routing, then network management capability improves, but transmission latency increases due to hop-by-hop forwarding
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary routing decisions at the FlexE shim level, where DCN packets are identified and routed before entering the main switching module. This preliminary action allows L3 routing decisions to be made earlier in the transmission path, reducing the number of hop-by-hop forwarding steps and thereby decreasing transmission latency while maintaining full network management capability
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4-1~5-1
Figure 5-2~6-1
AI summary
Provided are a packet transmission method and device and a computer storage medium. The method includes: a FlexE shim receives an Ethernet packet forwarded by a switching module and sent by a processor, the FlexE shim being located between a PHY layer and a MAC layer, and the switching module including a data link layer and a network layer; and the FlexE shim converts the Ethernet packet into a PPP packet, codes the PPP packet, and then inserts the PPP packet into a FlexE overhead of a target FlexE port for transmission.