FlexE Shim Layer Rate Adaptation for Optical Module Compatibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
The FlexE shim layer currently supporting n*100 Gbit/s is not compatible with optical modules having transmission rates other than 100 Gbit/s, limiting its compatibility with newer low-speed optical modules such as 25 GE and 50 GE.
Innovation Solution
The method involves distributing FlexE signal streams into multiple signal sub-streams, inserting padding code blocks to match the transmission rate of different optical modules, and using identifiers to ensure correct recombination at the receiving end, thereby enabling compatibility with optical modules of varying transmission rates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the FlexE shim layer uses a fixed transmission rate of 100 Gbit/s, then it can maintain simple and stable signal processing, but it cannot be compatible with optical modules having different transmission rates such as 25 GE and 50 GE
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the 100 Gbit/s FlexE signal stream into multiple lower-rate sub-streams (such as two 50 Gbit/s sub-streams or four 25 Gbit/s sub-streams) using time-division multiplexing. Each sub-stream is independently processed and transmitted through separate optical modules, enabling compatibility with different optical module rates while maintaining the original high-speed data flow at the FlexE shim layer.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the FlexE signal stream is decomposed into multiple sub-streams, then compatibility with low-speed optical modules is achieved, but the signal processing complexity and overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic time-division multiplexing patterns to distribute FlexE data blocks across multiple sub-streams in a regular, predictable sequence. This periodic structure simplifies the processing logic compared to arbitrary decomposition, as the timing and allocation of data blocks follow a consistent pattern that can be easily tracked and reassembled at the receiving end.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mapping and demapping function that acts as a bridge between the FlexE shim layer and the optical modules. This intermediary layer handles the complex tasks of signal decomposition, rate adaptation, and recombination, isolating the complexity from both the FlexE processing layer and the optical module interface, thereby simplifying the overall system architecture.
3Adaptability or versatility
If padding code blocks are inserted to match transmission rates, then rate compatibility is achieved, but data transmission efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically adjusts the signal rate and sub-stream configuration based on the capabilities of the connected optical modules. Instead of using fixed padding for all cases, the system adapts its decomposition strategy and padding requirements to match the specific rate of the optical module being used, optimizing transmission efficiency for each scenario while maintaining rate compatibility.
Data Source
AI summary
At least a method and a device for transmitting data are disclosed. The method includes obtaining n FlexE signal streams, where a transmission rate of each FlexE signal stream is a first rate, distributing an ith FlexE signal stream into m signal sub-streams, where each of the m signal sub-streams carries a first identifier, which indicate that the signal sub-stream carrying the first identifier belongs to the ith FlexE signal stream, inserting a preset quantity of padding code blocks into each of the m signal sub-streams, to obtain m padded signal sub-streams, so that transmission rate of each of the m padded signal sub-streams is equal to that of a first optical module, where the rate of the first optical module is greater than the first rate/m, and less than the first rate, and sending the m padded signal sub-streams by using m first optical modules.