OLT Packet Feature Detection for Timely ONU Awakening

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Solution Overview

Problem

In passive optical networks (PONs), optical network units (ONUs) cannot be awoken in time due to high delay requirements and small initial traffic rates, which is not supported by the existing PON port traffic detection method, leading to inadequate Quality of Service (QoS) and difficulty in configuring threshold values.

Innovation Solution

A method where the optical line terminal (OLT) receives a preset packet feature indicating the need to wake an ONU from an energy-saving mode, using a forced wake-up indication to awaken the ONU based on specific packet features, such as voice or video services, eliminating the need for an awaking threshold.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by stationary object

If PON port traffic detection method is used to trigger awaking event, then energy-saving mode can be implemented, but QoS requirement cannot be met due to periodic sampling delay

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy consumption of ONUVSAvoidawaking delay
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by stationary objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The OLT performs preliminary classification of service packets into different queues based on QoS requirements before traffic detection. High-priority packets (voice, video) are separated into dedicated queues that can trigger immediate awaking events, while low-priority packets go into standard queues. This preliminary action enables the system to respond immediately to time-sensitive traffic without being constrained by periodic sampling intervals.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The traffic detection mechanism is segmented into multiple independent detection paths: one for high-priority packets (voice/video) and another for standard packets. The high-priority path uses event-driven detection that can trigger immediate awaking, while the standard path uses periodic sampling. This segmentation allows the system to meet strict QoS requirements for time-sensitive services while maintaining energy-saving benefits for less critical traffic.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If PON port traffic detection with threshold is used, then awaking can be triggered, but threshold configuration is difficult and requires network-specific analysis

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveawaking trigger reliabilityVSAvoidthreshold configuration ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes the detection parameter from traffic rate threshold to packet type classification. Instead of comparing traffic volume against configurable thresholds, the OLT classifies packets based on their type (voice, video, data) using existing QoS classification mechanisms. This parameter change eliminates the need for complex threshold configuration while maintaining reliable awaking triggers, as packet type classification is already established in PON systems for QoS management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention introduces service packet classification as an intermediary mechanism between traffic detection and awaking trigger. The classification process acts as a mediator that translates various service types into standardized queue assignments, which then feed into the traffic detection mechanism. This intermediary layer simplifies configuration by using existing QoS classification rules rather than requiring new threshold parameters.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If PON port traffic detection is used, then awaking can be triggered, but initial service traffic rate is too small to reach threshold

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveawaking trigger reliabilityVSAvoidservice initialization speed
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The OLT performs preliminary classification of service packets into different queues based on QoS requirements before traffic detection. High-priority packets (voice, video) are separated into dedicated queues that can trigger immediate awaking, while low-priority packets go into standard queues. This preliminary action enables the system to respond immediately to time-sensitive traffic without being constrained by periodic sampling intervals.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts the detection mechanism based on service characteristics. For new services with initially low traffic rates, the system uses event-driven detection on high-priority queues that triggers immediately upon receiving any voice or video packet. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to respond to service initialization needs without being constrained by fixed threshold values that assume steady-state traffic patterns.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3229387B1Method, device and system for awakening an optical network unit in a passive optical network
Publication Date: 2019.07.31 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP3229387B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3229387B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3229387B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Embodiments of the present invention disclose a method for awaking an optical network unit in a passive optical network, including: receiving, by an optical line terminal OLT, a service packet corresponding to an ONU in an energy-saving mode, where the service packet carries a packet feature, and the packet feature indicates a service type of the service packet; detecting, by the OLT, the packet feature of the service packet; and when the packet feature of the service packet is a preset packet feature of needing to awake the ONU, awaking, by the OLT, the ONU in the energy-saving mode. According to the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of the present invention, an ONU can be awoken from an energy-saving mode in time when a traffic rate at an initial service stage is small, and a high QoS requirement of a service is met.