Multi-transport Switches for TDM and Ethernet Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ethernet networks face challenges in supporting the stringent Quality of Service (QoS) requirements for time division multiplexed (TDM) data, particularly in voice traffic, due to issues like jitter and data loss, which limits its implementation in TDM networks such as the public switched telephone network (PSTN).
Innovation Solution
A unified network architecture that enables the transportation of voice, video, and data services across various networks by using multi-transport switches to communicate TDM and packet data over both Ethernet and SONET/SDH links without encapsulation, employing operational modes like Huawei synchronized (H-SYNC), Huawei time division multiplexed (H-TDM), and Huawei jumbo (H-JUMBO) modes to synchronize and map data efficiently between different network technologies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If Ethernet packets are transported through the network with resource arbitration and buffers at nodes, then QoS requirements for TDM networks are improved, but network complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The network architecture is segmented into backbone networks using SONET/SDH for TDM traffic and Ethernet networks for packet data, with each segment optimized for its specific protocol requirements. This segmentation allows QoS for TDM to be maintained through dedicated backbone infrastructure while avoiding the complexity of implementing resource arbitration and buffers across the entire network.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary devices that enable direct communication between TDM networks and Ethernet networks without requiring complex QoS mechanisms in the Ethernet network itself. These intermediaries handle the protocol conversion and traffic management, isolating the complexity from the main Ethernet network while still enabling TDM QoS requirements to be met.
2Reliability
If Ethernet packets are prioritized into high priority data and low priority data, then QoS requirements are improved, but delay increases
Solution Approach 1:
Voice traffic is segmented and transported over dedicated SONET/SDH backbone networks that provide guaranteed QoS without the delays associated with Ethernet prioritization mechanisms. This segmentation allows voice traffic to bypass Ethernet's best-effort delivery model entirely, achieving low delay through dedicated TDM circuits while Ethernet handles other data types.
3Adaptability or versatility
If Ethernet is used for data distribution, then flexibility and scalability are improved, but jitter and data loss occur
Solution Approach 1:
The network is divided into backbone segments using SONET/SDH technology that guarantees QoS for TDM traffic, and access segments using Ethernet for flexible packet data distribution. This segmentation allows Ethernet's flexibility to be maintained in access networks while the backbone provides jitter-free, lossless transport for time-sensitive TDM traffic.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges SONET/SDH and Ethernet networks into a unified architecture where both protocols coexist and interoperate. This merging allows the network to leverage Ethernet's flexibility and scalability for general data distribution while simultaneously maintaining SONET/SDH's QoS guarantees for TDM traffic, achieving both adaptability and reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A backbone network, comprising a first switch comprising a first port configured to communicate a data stream via an Ethernet interface, and a second port configured to communicate the data stream via a SONET/SDH interface, and a second switch comprising a third port configured to receive the data stream from the first switch via the Ethernet interface, wherein the first switch and the second switch are synchronized.