ODU Data Flow Slicing for TDM Transmission Delay Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

In optical transport networks, the transmission of packet services and time division multiplexing (TDM) services using different devices leads to complex device configurations and resource wastage, with high uncertainty in switching times due to transmission delays, requiring large buffers for TDM services.

Innovation Solution

A data processing method involving a communications board that acquires an optical channel data unit (ODU) data flow, performs slicing processing, encapsulates each slice into an Ethernet frame with a destination MAC address, and sends it to a TDM service switching module, allowing for independent switching of TDM services without being affected by packet service delays.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If CES technology is used to transmit TDM service and packet service together on one device, then device resources are saved, but transmission delay of TDM service increases due to uncertainty of switching time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice transmission capabilityVSAvoidtransmission delay
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The ODU data flow is segmented into multiple slices, with each slice independently encapsulated into Ethernet frames. This segmentation allows the TDM service to be separated into manageable units that can be switched independently, reducing the impact of packet service delays on overall TDM transmission.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Ethernet frames carrying TDM service slices are prepared and encapsulated in advance with proper formatting and addressing. The slicing and encapsulation processes are performed beforehand, allowing the switching module to directly forward pre-prepared frames without complex real-time processing, thus reducing switching time uncertainty.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Device complexity

If TDM service is switched together with packet service on the same device, then device complexity is reduced, but switching time uncertainty increases due to packet service transmission delay

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice formVSAvoidswitching time certainty
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The TDM service is divided into multiple slices that are independently processed and switched. Each slice is encapsulated in a separate Ethernet frame with unique identifying information, allowing the switching module to handle them independently from packet service traffic, thus maintaining reliable switching times while sharing the device infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a dedicated TDM service switching module that acts as an intermediary between the packet service switching fabric and the TDM service processing units. This intermediary module ensures that TDM slices receive priority handling and deterministic switching, isolating them from the uncertainty of packet service scheduling while still operating on the same physical device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Stability of the object's composition

If large buffer is used to absorb switching time uncertainty, then TDM service continuity is maintained, but transmission delay increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice continuityVSAvoidtransmission delay
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

ODU data slices are pre-encapsulated into properly formatted Ethernet frames with all necessary addressing and control information before switching. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for complex real-time frame construction during switching, reducing the variability of switching times and allowing smaller buffers to maintain service continuity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the data representation format from traditional TDM continuous streams to discretized Ethernet frames carrying ODU slices. This parameter change enables precise tracking and management of individual TDM slices through the network, allowing for more efficient buffer management and reduced transmission delay while maintaining service continuity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP2916496B1Data processing method, communication single board and device
Publication Date: 2017.08.02 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP2916496B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2916496B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2916496B1 patent drawingFigure 2a

AI summary

Embodiments of the present invention provide a data processing method, a communications board and a device, which relate to the field of communications technologies and can reduce a transmission delay of a TDM service. The method includes: acquiring, by a first communications board, an optical channel data unit ODU data flow; performing, by the first communications board, slicing processing on the ODU data flow according to a fixed frame frequency, so as to obtain various slices, where each slice includes a section of continuous ODU data in the ODU data flow; separately encapsulating, by the first communications board, each slice into an Ethernet frame; and sending, by the first communications board, each Ethernet frame to a time division multiplexing TDM service switching module in an Ethernet switching chip, so that the TDM service switching module sends each Ethernet frame to a second communications board to which a destination MAC address carried in the Ethernet frame directs.