FlexE Sub-Slot Allocation for Equal PTN Bandwidth Transmission

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Solution Overview

Problem

The FlexE protocol faces challenges in supporting small-granularity slots for Packet Transport Network (PTN) services due to a limited number of slots and large bandwidths, leading to unequal sub-slot bandwidths and inefficient bandwidth utilization.

Innovation Solution

The method involves dividing FlexE slots into sub-slots by equally distributing data blocks between overhead blocks, using sequence numbers and configuration tables to ensure equal sub-slot rates, and dynamically switching client calendar configurations to accommodate varying bandwidth requirements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If the FlexE protocol divides a 5G slot into two sub-slots by allocating 512 and 513 data blocks, then the sub-slots can accommodate approximately 2.5G bandwidth requirements, but the sub-slot bandwidths become unequal and full-flow transmission cannot be achieved

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebandwidth utilization efficiencyVSAvoidsub-slot bandwidth equality
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the slot division problem into two parts: (1) divide the 1023 data blocks into multiple groups where each group contains a multiple of 2 or 5 blocks, and (2) use multiple groups to form sub-slots. This allows equal bandwidth distribution while achieving full-flow transmission.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of data block allocation from fixed 512/513 division to flexible grouping based on multiples of 2 or 5. By adjusting how data blocks are grouped and combined, equal sub-slot bandwidths are achieved while maintaining full-flow transmission capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Device complexity

If the FlexE protocol defines only 20 slots per 100G physical line, then the protocol structure remains simple, but the total number of slots is too small to meet PTN service requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotocol structure complexityVSAvoidnumber of slots
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing each 5G slot into multiple sub-slots through data block grouping. This increases the effective number of slots from 20 to many more sub-slots, meeting PTN service requirements while keeping the base protocol structure unchanged.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Power

If the FlexE protocol assigns a 5G bandwidth to each slot, then the slot bandwidth is sufficient for OTN services, but the bandwidth granularity is too large for PTN services requiring smaller bandwidth allocations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveslot bandwidthVSAvoidbandwidth granularity
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments each 5G slot into multiple sub-slots with smaller bandwidths by grouping data blocks into multiples of 2 or 5. This provides fine-grained bandwidth allocation suitable for PTN services while maintaining the original 5G slot structure for OTN services.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent makes the slot structure universal by enabling it to serve dual purposes: whole slots (5G) for OTN services and divided sub-slots (smaller bandwidths) for PTN services. The same data block grouping mechanism accommodates both service types.

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

Data Source

PatentEP3920620B1Method, device and system for transmitting client services, and computer-readable storage medium
Publication Date: 2025.11.12 ZTE CORP
  • EP3920620B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3920620B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3920620B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

Disclosed are a client service transmission method, apparatus and system. The client service transmission method comprises: determining, according to the bandwidth of a client service, a sub-time slot for bearing the client service, wherein data blocks corresponding to the sub-time slot comprise: a group of data blocks in N groups of data blocks obtained by equally dividing all data blocks comprised between (m+1) overhead blocks corresponding to a time slot, with m and N being integers greater than or equal to one; and bearing the client service on the determined sub-time slot and sending same, or receiving the client service on the determined sub-time slot.