OLT Optical Module Interface for Fast Upstream Burst Recovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing interfaces between the MAC chip and PHY chip in OLTs of passive optical networks have insufficient bandwidth and latency, limiting the ability to meet higher complexity and efficiency requirements for controlling optical modules.
Innovation Solution
A new interface solution is introduced between the board and the optical module, allowing for the transfer of more information, including identifiers and operating rates of optical network units, to determine operating parameters such as equalizer tap coefficients, amplifier gains, filter settings, and laser operation, thereby improving convergence speed and transmission efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If existing interfaces (I2S) are used between MAC chip and PHY chip, then device complexity is reduced, but information transfer bandwidth is insufficient and latency is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the interface parameters from traditional I2S to a new high-speed interface with enhanced bandwidth and reduced latency characteristics, enabling the transfer of more control information including ONU identifiers and operating rates between MAC and PHY chips
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces additional information dimensions (ONU identifiers, operating rates, equalizer tap coefficients) through the new interface, transforming the interface from simple data transmission to multi-dimensional control information exchange
2Productivity
If more control information is transferred to optical module, then transmission efficiency is improved, but processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring equalizer tap coefficients in the optical module based on ONU identifiers and operating rates received through the new interface, enabling faster convergence and reducing upstream burst recovery duration before actual data transmission
Solution Approach 2:
The new interface acts as an intermediary that efficiently bridges the MAC chip and optical module, transferring control information in an optimized format that reduces processing complexity while enhancing transmission efficiency
3Loss of time
If convergence speed is accelerated, then upstream burst recovery duration is reduced, but processing requirements become more demanding
Solution Approach 1:
The optical module performs preliminary equalization by pre-calculating tap coefficients based on received control information, accelerating convergence speed and reducing upstream burst recovery duration while distributing processing requirements across multiple operational phases
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments of this application disclose a method for controlling an optical module by a board in an OLT and a related apparatus. During upstream slot allocation, the board in the OLT obtains information such as an identifier of a target ONU and a target operating rate of the target ONU, and the board sends the information to an optical module through a target interface. Then, the optical module determines an operating parameter based on the information carried in a target message, for example, determines operating parameters of an equalizer, an amplifier, a filter, and a laser. In other words, this application provides a new interface solution between a board and an optical module. The board can transfer more information to the optical module according to the new interface solution, to satisfy higher complexity and efficiency requirements of the board for controlling the optical module.