Dynamic Line Interface Rate Adjustment in Optical Transport Networks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current optical transport networks (OTNs) face challenges in efficiently managing bandwidth due to fixed rate limitations, which hinder the ability to adapt to varying service traffic demands, necessitating a dynamic adjustment of line interface rates to optimize bandwidth utilization.

Innovation Solution

A method and node configuration within the OTN system that dynamically adjusts the line interface rate by modifying the transport bandwidth of optical channel links, adding or removing optical channel transport lanes and data lanes, and adjusting modulation formats and spectrum widths, facilitated through protocol signaling and configuration information exchange between nodes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If fixed rate levels (2.5G, 10G, 40G, 100G) are used in OTN, then device complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but bandwidth utilization efficiency deteriorates and adaptability to varying service traffic demands worsens

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to service traffic demandsVSAvoidcomplexity of rate adjustment mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic rate adjustment capability in OTN systems by introducing a rate adjustment module that can dynamically change the line interface rate based on service traffic demands. The system transitions from fixed rate levels to variable rates, allowing the optical channel transport unit to adapt its transmission rate dynamically. This resolves the contradiction by making the system dynamic rather than static, enabling adaptability without requiring complete redesign of the entire OTN architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the key parameter of line interface rate from fixed discrete values to continuously adjustable variable values. By modifying the rate parameter dynamically based on service requirements, the system achieves better bandwidth utilization and adaptability. The rate adjustment mechanism modifies transmission parameters such as symbol rate and modulation format to achieve different data rates, resolving the contradiction between fixed simplicity and variable adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If dynamic rate adjustment is implemented, then bandwidth utilization efficiency is improved and service transport capability is enhanced, but device complexity increases and ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebandwidth utilization efficiencyVSAvoidcomplexity of rate adjustment mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the rate adjustment module continuously monitors service traffic demands and automatically adjusts the line interface rate accordingly. The system receives feedback about bandwidth utilization and service requirements, then dynamically modifies transmission parameters to optimize bandwidth efficiency. This feedback loop enables high productivity through automatic adaptation without requiring complex manual intervention, resolving the contradiction between efficiency gains and operational complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If the number of optical channel transport lanes and data lanes is dynamically adjusted, then service transport capability is improved and flexibility is enhanced, but device complexity and control difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflexibility in bandwidth allocationVSAvoiddifficulty of lane configuration management
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the optical channel transport unit into multiple independent lanes (OTLs and ODLs) that can be individually configured and adjusted. Each lane can be independently managed, enabling flexible bandwidth allocation by activating or deactivating specific lanes based on service requirements. This segmentation approach simplifies the control of complex multi-lane configurations by treating each lane as an independent controllable unit, resolving the contradiction between flexibility and control difficulty.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP2966817B1Method for adjusting line interface rate, and node
Publication Date: 2018.09.05 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP2966817B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1b
  • EP2966817B1 patent drawingFigure 1c
  • EP2966817B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The present invention provides a method and a node for adjusting a line interface rate. The method includes: determining, by a first node, an adjustment requirement for a line interface rate; and according to the adjustment requirement for the line interface rate, adjusting, by the first node, a transport bandwidth of an optical channel OCh link, adjusting the number of optical channel transport lanes OTLs in an optical channel transport unit OTUCn link, and adjusting the number of optical channel data lanes ODLs in an optical channel data unit ODUCn link, where the OTL is in one-to-one correspondence with the ODL. In embodiments of the present invention, according to an adjustment requirement for a line interface rate, a transport bandwidth of an OCh link is adjusted, the number of OTLs in an OTUCn link is adjusted, and the number of ODLs in an ODUCn link is adjusted, so that the line interface rate can be dynamically adjusted.