Optical Network Device FlexE to ETH Interworking via Intermediate Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current solutions for interworking between FlexE and ETH interfaces in optical networks require pre-planned format conversion capabilities, limiting flexibility and increasing management complexity due to different mapping paths and bearer containers.
Innovation Solution
Implementing data format conversion and overhead processing using intermediate devices or network-side interfaces of the first and last nodes, eliminating the need for pre-planned interface capabilities and enabling flexible interworking between FlexE and ETH interfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If format conversion is performed on the client-side interface during network construction, then interworking between FlexE and ETH interfaces can be achieved, but the solution requires pre-planned interface capabilities and lacks flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediate device (optical network device) that performs format conversion between FlexE and ETH interfaces. This intermediary approach allows the conversion function to be separated from the client-side interfaces, enabling interworking without requiring pre-planned conversion capabilities in the original interfaces. The intermediate device acts as a mediator that handles the complexity of format conversion while keeping the end interfaces simple and flexible.
2Reliability
If pre-planned format conversion capability is designed in client-side interface, then interconnection requirement can be met, but network flexibility is reduced and management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
By introducing an intermediate optical network device that handles format conversion, the patent ensures reliable interconnection between FlexE and ETH interfaces without embedding complex conversion logic in the client-side interfaces. This intermediary approach maintains interconnection reliability while preserving network flexibility, as the conversion capability can be dynamically added or modified in the intermediate device without affecting the original interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the format conversion function from the client-side interfaces and places it in a separate intermediate optical network device. This segmentation allows the conversion capability to be independently managed and configured, improving ease of operation and network flexibility while maintaining reliable interconnection. The client interfaces remain simple and focused on their primary functions, while the intermediate device handles the complex conversion logic.
3Adaptability or versatility
If different mapping paths and bearer containers are used for FlexE and ETH interfaces, then interface-specific requirements can be met, but management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediate optical network device serves as a mediator that manages the different mapping paths and bearer containers for FlexE and ETH interfaces. It handles the complexity of mapping FlexE data to ODUflex containers and ETH data to ODUk containers, providing interface-specific support while centralizing the management complexity in a single device rather than distributing it across multiple interfaces and nodes.
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments of this application relate to the field of optical communications, and in particular, to a technology of processing data in an optical transport network. In a method for processing data, an optical network device extracts Ethernet data from a data frame of one path, converts the Ethernet data into another format, and places the Ethernet data converted into the another format into a data frame of another path. The optical network device is a destination device of the path and a source device of the another path. In addition, the optical network device further extracts overhead information from the data frame of the path, and inserts the overhead information into the data frame of the another path. The method for processing data provided in this application can implement interworking between different types of Ethernet interfaces. In addition, by using cross-path overhead processing, the method reduces path management complexity.