GFP Link Initialization via Request Acknowledgement Frames

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Solution Overview

Problem

Systems implementing the Generic Framing Procedure (GFP) for synchronous optical communication networks do not validate whether a communication link is established before transmitting data frames, leading to data frames being lost if the receiving computer is not ready.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that utilize GFP data frames for initializing a communication link by transmitting request and acknowledgement messages through a SONET network, ensuring the receiving computer is ready to receive data frames before establishing the link.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If data frames are transmitted without validating communication link establishment, then transmission speed is improved, but data loss occurs when receiving computer is not ready

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission speedVSAvoiddata delivery reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by implementing a link initialization phase before data transmission. The system performs link establishment validation through exchange of initialization frames (including link management frames and acknowledgment frames) before actual data frames are transmitted. This ensures the receiving computer is ready to receive data, preventing data loss while maintaining efficient transmission.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If link initialization protocol is implemented, then data loss is prevented, but communication overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata delivery reliabilityVSAvoidcommunication protocol complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing a multi-functional GFP (Generic Framing Procedure) frame structure that can carry different types of information. The same frame format is used for both data transmission and link management purposes. Link management frames and acknowledgment frames utilize the existing GFP encapsulation mechanism, avoiding the need for separate specialized protocols and reducing overall system complexity.

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

3Reliability

If acknowledgment messages are transmitted through GFP data frames, then receiving computer readiness is confirmed, but transmission time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelink establishment validationVSAvoidlink initialization time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies merging by combining multiple functions into the GFP frame structure. The acknowledgment messages are transmitted using the same GFP data frame encapsulation mechanism as regular data frames. This integration allows the link validation process to utilize the existing efficient GFP transmission infrastructure, minimizing additional time overhead compared to implementing a separate acknowledgment protocol.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS7321600B2System, method, and article of manufacture for initializing a communication link using GFP data frames
Publication Date: 2008.01.22 INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINE CORPORATION
  • US7321600B2 patent drawing
  • US7321600B2 patent drawing
  • US7321600B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A system and a method for initializing a communication link for transmitting a data stream from a first computer through a synchronous optical communication network to a second computer are provided. The method includes transmitting a first request message in a first GFP data frame to a second computer. The method further includes transmitting a second acknowledgement message in a second GFP data frame from the second computer to the first computer. The method further includes initializing the communication link between the first computer and the second computer in response to the acknowledgement message.