Optical Burst Transport Network Synchronization via Dynamic Timing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing Optical Burst Transport Network (OBTN) technology faces complexity and high construction costs due to the requirement of fixed-length Fibre Delay Lines (FDLs, which complicates network design and stability, especially when loop lengths change.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a master node that measures network loop lengths, calculates data frame parameters, and performs frame and timeslot synchronization training to dynamically adjust bandwidth allocation, eliminating the need for fixed-length FDLs and simplifying network design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fixed-length Fibre Delay Lines (FDL) are used to synchronize control and data frames, then frame synchronization can be achieved, but network design complexity increases and construction cost rises
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the synchronization function from the physical FDL component and relocates it to the control plane through software-based timing management. The master node calculates and distributes timing parameters to slave nodes, eliminating the need for fixed-length FDL hardware while maintaining frame synchronization reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/optical FDL delay line system with an electronic control system. The master node electronically calculates loop length and timing parameters, then distributes them to slave nodes, substituting physical delay mechanisms with electronic timing management to reduce design complexity.
2Reliability
If fixed-length FDL is implemented, then control frame and data frame synchronization is maintained, but construction cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive fixed-length FDL hardware with software-based timing parameters that can be dynamically adjusted and redistributed. The master node calculates loop length and generates timing parameters that slave nodes use for synchronization, eliminating the need for costly optical delay line infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the synchronization approach from fixed physical parameters (FDL length) to dynamic software-controlled parameters (timing values calculated by master node). This allows flexible adjustment of synchronization timing without hardware changes, reducing construction and modification costs.
3Reliability
If FDL is used to compensate for delay difference between control and data channels, then synchronization is achieved, but network stability decreases when loop length changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic synchronization where the master node continuously measures loop length and recalculates timing parameters. Slave nodes receive updated timing values and adjust their synchronization accordingly, allowing the system to adapt to loop length changes while maintaining synchronization stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The master node measures the actual loop length by timing control frame round-trip travel and uses this feedback to recalculate accurate timing parameters. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures synchronization remains stable even when network conditions or loop lengths change.
4Reliability
If fixed-length FDL and fixed guard intervals are used, then synchronization is maintained, but network flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables dynamic adjustment of frame lengths, guard intervals, and timing parameters through software control at the master node. Network parameters can be modified without hardware changes, allowing the system to adapt to different traffic patterns, topologies, and performance requirements while maintaining synchronization.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are an optical burst transport network, a node, a transmission method and a computer storage medium. The method comprises: measuring, by a master node, the network ring length of an OBTN, and according to a measurement result, calculating the length of a data frame, the number of time slots in the data frame, the length of the time slots and the guard interval of the time slots; according to the calculated length of the data frame, the number of time slots in the data frame, the length of the time slots and the guard interval of the time slots, sending a testing data frame and a testing control frame to a slave node to conduct frame synchronization training and time slot synchronization training; according to a result of the frame synchronization training and a result of the time slot synchronization training, sending, by the master node, a data frame and a bandwidth map to the slave node; and according to a bandwidth request sent from the node, generating, by the master node, a new bandwidth map, and sending the new bandwidth map to the slave node.