LCAS Control Information Transmission via Optical Overhead Bytes
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Solution Overview
Problem
In communication networks using SDH, SONET, or OTN frames, the transmission of LCAS protocol results in inefficient bandwidth utilization due to the need for bi-directional transmission of control information, even in cases of unidirectional data traffic, where the opposite direction carries almost empty transport modules for overhead bytes, wasting bandwidth capacity.
Innovation Solution
The method involves transmitting LCAS control information in the opposite direction using existing binary streams that are not related to the unidirectional data traffic, by placing it in overhead bytes of these streams, rather than requiring separate transport modules, thereby optimizing bandwidth usage by leveraging existing communication trails and unused overhead bytes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If LCAS control information is transmitted in both directions using dedicated transport modules, then reliable bidirectional communication is ensured, but bandwidth utilization deteriorates due to empty transport modules in unidirectional traffic scenarios
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling overhead bytes to serve dual purposes: carrying both data traffic and LCAS control information. In unidirectional traffic scenarios, the same overhead bytes that carry data in one direction carry LCAS control information in the opposite direction, eliminating the need for dedicated empty transport modules and improving bandwidth utilization while maintaining protocol reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges data traffic and control information transmission by combining them into the same transport structure. Instead of separate dedicated modules, the overhead bytes are used to carry both data payload in one direction and LCAS control information in the opposite direction, reducing resource consumption while ensuring reliable bidirectional communication
2Reliability
If separate transport modules are allocated for LCAS control information in the opposite direction, then control information transmission is guaranteed, but device complexity increases due to additional overhead management
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces device complexity by making overhead bytes multi-functional. The same overhead structure handles both data traffic and LCAS control information, eliminating the need for separate dedicated control modules and simplifying the transport module management architecture while ensuring reliable control information transmission
3Adaptability or versatility
If dedicated overhead bytes are used for LCAS protocol in both directions, then protocol functionality is maintained, but bandwidth capacity is wasted in unidirectional traffic scenarios
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic adaptability by adjusting the usage of overhead bytes based on traffic direction. In unidirectional scenarios, the system dynamically repurposes overhead bytes to carry control information in the opposite direction, allowing the protocol to adapt to varying traffic patterns and eliminate bandwidth waste while maintaining full LCAS functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes overhead bytes universal by enabling them to carry different types of information depending on transmission direction. The same overhead structure serves as data carrier in one direction and control information carrier in the opposite direction, providing protocol versatility while optimizing bandwidth utilization across different traffic scenarios
Data Source
AI summary
A technique for exchanging LCAS control information between a first network element and a second network element interconnected by a bi-directional optical communication line, while conveying substantially unidirectional data traffic in the form of a virtual concatenated group (VCG) binary stream transmitted in a first direction via the bi-directional optical communication line, the technique comprising: —in the first direction, transmitting the LCAS control information via the bi-directional optical communication line in the VCG binary stream, by placing the information in one or more overhead bytes conventionally specified for the VCG binary stream, —in a second (opposite) direction, transmitting the LCAS control information in an existing binary stream non-related to the above-mentioned unidirectional data traffic; the existing binary stream should pass via a communication trail connecting the first network element and the second network element but not obligatory coinciding with the above-mentioned line; the discussed information should be placed in one or more overhead bytes of the existing binary stream.