GFP Mapper for Sysplex Timer Protocol Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems are not compatible with transporting Sysplex Timer protocols over Generic Frame Procedure (GFP) networks, which is essential for maintaining synchronization and redundancy in geographically distributed sysplex environments.
Innovation Solution
The method involves transmitting a defined optical initialization sequence to a GFP mapper, generating a specified GFP frame for timer initialization, and using biphase encoding to recover clock data, with a lookup table mapping clock rates into specific codes within the GFP frame, enabling compatible link initialization and clock rate adjustments across the network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If Sysplex Timer protocols are transported over GFP networks, then data center distances can be extended up to 100 km, but compatibility issues arise with existing GFP infrastructure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a GFP mapper as an intermediary device that converts Sysplex Timer protocols into GFP-compatible frames. This mapper acts as a mediator between the Timer protocol and GFP network infrastructure, enabling transport over extended distances while maintaining compatibility with existing GFP networks through standardized frame formatting and encapsulation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the transport parameters by encapsulating Timer protocols in standardized GFP frames with specific field structures (including payload type identifiers and length indicators). This parameter transformation allows the protocols to be recognized and processed correctly by GFP network infrastructure, resolving compatibility issues while enabling long-distance transport
2Ease of operation
If optical initialization sequences are transmitted over GFP networks, then link initialization can be achieved, but sequence detection and frame generation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-defining specific GFP frame structures and payload type identifiers that represent optical initialization sequences. The GFP mapper is pre-configured with these standardized frame templates, allowing it to automatically generate appropriate initialization frames without complex real-time processing, thus simplifying the initialization process while managing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the initialization process into distinct standardized GFP frame structures with specific fields (payload type, length, data). This segmentation allows the GFP mapper to handle initialization sequences as discrete, manageable units with predefined formats, reducing the complexity of sequence detection and frame generation through structured, modular processing
3Measurement precision
If biphase encoding is used for clock data recovery, then clock accuracy is maintained, but encoding/decoding complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies biphase encoding as a universal clock recovery mechanism that serves multiple functions: it maintains clock accuracy for time synchronization, provides data encoding capability, and enables signal regeneration across the GFP network. This multi-functional approach justifies the encoding complexity by delivering comprehensive timing and data transmission capabilities in a single standardized process
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are a method of and system for enabling the transport of timer protocols over a generic frame procedure (GFP) network. The method comprises the steps of transmitting a defined optical initialization sequence to a GFP mapper, and using that GFP mapper to detect the optical initialization sequence and to generate a specified GFP frame to represent the initialization sequence. This specified GFP frame is recognized as a control frame for timer initialization. In a preferred embodiment, the timer protocol uses biphase encoding to encode clock data, and the method comprises the further steps of recovering clock data from a data stream that uses the biphase encoding, detecting a clock rate in that data stream, and using a look up table to map said detected clock rate into a specific code for said control frame.