OTN FEC Auto-Negotiation for Multi-Vendor Interoperability
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current communication systems lack a mechanism for negotiating a mutually beneficial forward error correction (FEC) algorithm between devices from different vendors or with multiple FEC capabilities, leading to potential interoperability issues and suboptimal error correction.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for auto-negotiating an FEC algorithm in Optical Transport Network (OTN) equipment, allowing devices to select a preferred FEC type based on error statistics, using a trial-and-error approach and enabling either in-band or out-band data streams for communication, eliminating the need for human intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a reserved field in OTU2 frame header is used to alert the type of FEC algorithm, then the transmitter can inform the receiver of the FEC type, but no negotiation mechanism exists for selecting a mutually beneficial FEC algorithm
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an automatic negotiation mechanism where the transmitter and receiver exchange FEC capability information and iteratively select a mutually supported FEC algorithm. The receiver provides feedback about its capabilities and the transmitter adjusts its selection based on this feedback, creating a closed-loop negotiation process that resolves the contradiction between information transmission and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables devices to automatically negotiate and select FEC algorithms without manual configuration. The negotiation process is self-service in that the devices autonomously exchange capability information, evaluate compatibility, and agree on a common FEC algorithm through automated message exchange, eliminating the need for operator intervention.
2Adaptability or versatility
If devices from different vendors with multiple FEC capabilities are used, then versatility and adaptability improve, but interoperability issues arise due to lack of coordination mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal negotiation framework that works across different vendor devices and FEC algorithm types. The negotiation mechanism is vendor-agnostic and algorithm-agnostic, allowing any device supporting the negotiation protocol to interoperate with any other device, regardless of their specific FEC capabilities. This universal approach enables multi-vendor environments while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The negotiation protocol acts as an intermediary mechanism between devices with different FEC capabilities. It mediates the selection process by exchanging capability information, comparing supported algorithms, and arriving at a mutually acceptable FEC algorithm. This intermediary negotiation layer ensures reliable interoperability between diverse devices without requiring them to share identical FEC implementations.
3Measurement precision
If manual configuration of FEC types is required in local and remote OTN equipment, then precise control is achieved, but operational complexity and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces manual FEC configuration with automatic negotiation. Devices autonomously exchange their FEC capability information through standardized messages, evaluate compatibility, and select a common algorithm without operator intervention. This self-service approach maintains precise control over FEC selection while dramatically simplifying operation and reducing configuration time.
Solution Approach 2:
The negotiation mechanism performs preliminary action by pre-exchanging FEC capability information between devices before actual data transmission begins. This advance negotiation allows devices to identify compatible FEC algorithms and configure them automatically, eliminating the need for manual trial-and-error configuration while ensuring precise FEC control from the start of communication.
Data Source
AI summary
In an Optical Transport Network communication device using a plurality of forward error correction (FEC) algorithms, a method is provided for auto negotiating an FEC algorithm between network-connected devices. The first device sends an FEC auto negotiation (AN) request message to a second device. If the first device receives the FEC AN response from the second device, the first device selects the FEC algorithm suggested in the FEC AN response. In the event that the first device is unable to negotiate a mutually agreed upon FEC algorithm with the second device, the first device enters a trial-and-error mode, beginning with a first FEC algorithm. The first device iteratively cycles through each of the plurality of n FEC algorithms, and measures error statistics associated with the nth FEC algorithms. The first device compares the n sets of error statistics and selects an FEC algorithm associated with the minimum number of errors.