Optical Line Terminal Bandwidth Allocation Using Traffic Transition Signals

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The IPACT algorithm in GPON networks is unable to accurately acquire traffic from customer premises equipment to TCONTs and estimate uplink traffic overheads, leading to inefficient bandwidth allocation.

Innovation Solution

A bandwidth allocation method that estimates input traffic of an ONU using DBRU and uplink data traffic, sets an input traffic transition signal to indicate changes between adjacent DBA cycles, and allocates bandwidth based on these estimates and signals, using formulas to adjust bandwidth allocation dynamically.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the IPACT algorithm is used for dynamic bandwidth allocation, then the bandwidth can be adjusted according to traffic changes, but the algorithm cannot accurately acquire traffic from CPE to TCONTs or precisely estimate uplink traffic overheads

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebandwidth adjustment capabilityVSAvoidtraffic measurement accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a feedback mechanism where the OLT estimates input traffic of ONU based on DBRU reports and uplink data traffic statistics, then uses this feedback to dynamically adjust bandwidth allocation. The traffic transition signal acts as a feedback indicator that triggers bandwidth reassignment when traffic changes are detected, creating a closed-loop control system that continuously adapts to traffic conditions while maintaining measurement accuracy through statistical estimation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary estimation mechanism that bridges the gap between incomplete traffic information and accurate bandwidth allocation. By using DBRU reports as an intermediary data source and applying statistical estimation algorithms, the system can infer accurate input traffic values even when direct measurement is not available, thus resolving the contradiction between adaptability and measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If static bandwidth allocation is used, then bandwidth assignment is simple, but time slots are insufficiently utilized

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebandwidth allocation complexityVSAvoidbandwidth utilization efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the static bandwidth allocation system into a dynamic one by introducing traffic transition signals and input traffic estimation. The bandwidth allocation is no longer fixed but adapts continuously based on detected traffic changes. The system monitors traffic patterns and dynamically reassigns bandwidth resources, maintaining simplicity in the allocation mechanism while significantly improving utilization efficiency through adaptive resource distribution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If dynamic bandwidth allocation is used, then bandwidth utilization improves, but transmission delay increases due to inaccurate traffic estimation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebandwidth utilization efficiencyVSAvoidtransmission delay
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by estimating input traffic in advance using DBRU reports and uplink data statistics before actual bandwidth allocation decisions are made. The traffic transition signal is set ahead of time based on estimated traffic changes, allowing the system to proactively adjust bandwidth allocation before delays occur. This predictive approach reduces transmission delay by preparing bandwidth resources in advance based on forecasted traffic needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP2466769B1Bandwidth allocation method and optical line terminal
Publication Date: 2019.03.06 ZTE CORP
  • EP2466769B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2466769B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The present invention discloses a bandwidth allocation method and an optical line terminal (OLT). This method is used for the OLT to allocate bandwidth to an optical network unit (ONU) and includes: estimating input traffic of the ONU according to information from the ONU (S302); setting an input traffic transition signal (S304), wherein the input traffic transition signal is used for indicating a change of the input traffic of two adjacent dynamic bandwidth allocation DBA cycles of the ONU; and allocating the bandwidth to the ONU according to the input traffic of the ONU and the input traffic transition signal (S306). With the present invention, a steady bandwidth allocation, a good transmission delay and a sufficient use of uplink bandwidth are obtained.