Optical Network Unit Virtual MAC Address Logical Path Generation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods limit the number of logical paths an Optical Network Unit (ONU) can generate based on pre-assigned MAC addresses, preventing the ONU from creating multiple logical paths without multiple MAC addresses.

Innovation Solution

The ONU acquires unique ID information from terminal devices and generates virtual MAC addresses to create logical paths with an Optical Line Terminal (OLT), allowing for the generation of multiple logical paths without pre-setting multiple MAC addresses.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple MAC addresses are pre-assigned to an ONU to enable multiple logical paths, then the number of logical paths increases, but the device complexity and configuration burden increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of logical pathsVSAvoidMAC address configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses virtual MAC addresses that are dynamically generated copies of the ONU's physical MAC address, combined with terminal device ID information. These virtual MAC addresses function as logical path identifiers without requiring physical reconfiguration of the ONU, enabling multiple logical paths while maintaining a single physical device identity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically generates virtual MAC addresses at runtime based on the terminal device's ID information and the ONU's physical MAC address. This dynamic generation allows the number of logical paths to adapt to the number of connected terminals without pre-configuration, making the system flexible and scalable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple MAC addresses are pre-assigned to an ONU to enable multiple logical paths, then multiple logical paths can be created, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to manual configuration requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of logical pathsVSAvoidlogical path setup

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The ONU automatically generates virtual MAC addresses by combining its physical MAC address with terminal device ID information. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for manual configuration of multiple MAC addresses, reducing operational complexity while enabling multiple logical paths to be created automatically as terminals connect.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary generation of virtual MAC addresses by combining the ONU's physical MAC address with terminal ID information before actual communication begins. This preliminary action ensures that logical paths are ready for immediate use without requiring manual setup during operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Device complexity

If the number of logical paths is limited by pre-assigned MAC addresses, then device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveMAC address managementVSAvoidnumber of logical paths

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the ONU's physical MAC address serve multiple functions by using it as a base to generate multiple virtual MAC addresses for different logical paths. This multi-functionality allows a single physical identifier to support multiple logical connections, increasing adaptability without proportionally increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the parameter of MAC address from a fixed, pre-assigned value to a dynamically generated virtual value that incorporates terminal device ID information. This parameter change enables the same physical MAC address to generate multiple distinct virtual identifiers, allowing flexible creation of logical paths without adding physical complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS12081924B2Optical network unit, communication network system and communication method

Publication Date: 2024.09.03 NIPPON TELEGRAPH & TELEPHONE CORP

AI summary

An object of the present disclosure is to enable each ONU to generate a plurality of logical paths corresponding to the number of terminal devices connected to the ONU without setting a plurality of MAC addresses in each ONU.An optical network unit according to the present disclosure includes an ID acquisition unit 26 that acquires ID information unique to a terminal device 94 from the terminal device 94; a virtual MAC address generation unit that generates a virtual MAC address for the optical network unit by using the acquired ID information; a connection identification unit that generates a logical path between the optical network unit and an optical line terminal by using the generated virtual MAC address as a MAC address for an LLID (Logical Link ID); and a signal processing unit that refers to a table in which the identification information acquired by the virtual MAC address generation unit and the LLID are associated with each other to pass, to the terminal device, data transmitted and received using the logical path generated by the connection identification unit.