OTN Frame Mapping with Overhead Signaling for Fast Rate Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing optical transport networks (OTNs) face challenges in flexibly and quickly adjusting the transmission rate of fine-granularity services due to long OPU multiframe periods and complex bandwidth adjustment mechanisms, leading to inflexible and slow rate adjustments.

Innovation Solution

Inserting first and second indications into the overhead area of a frame to indicate rate adjustments, allowing for flexible and quick rate changes by adjusting the number of time slots allocated between layers, and determining a Cm value for mapping based on the adjusted rate.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional OTN bandwidth adjustment mechanisms are used, then service transmission is stable, but rate adjustment is slow and inflexible

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverate adjustment flexibilityVSAvoidrate adjustment time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the bandwidth adjustment process into independent indication fields (first indication for rate adjustment, second indication for rate change) that can be inserted and processed separately in the overhead area, enabling granular and rapid control of frame rates without affecting the entire transmission system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamic rate adjustment by allowing the frame rate to be flexibly changed based on service demands through the inserted indications. The system transitions from static predetermined rates to dynamic adjustable rates, enabling real-time adaptation to changing traffic conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If OPU multiframe structure is used, then fine-granularity services are supported, but adjustment mechanism becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefine-granularity service supportVSAvoidbandwidth adjustment mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the rate adjustment control functions from the complex OPU multiframe structure and concentrates them into specific overhead fields (first indication and second indication). This separation simplifies the adjustment mechanism by isolating control signals from the data transmission path, making the system easier to manage while maintaining fine-granularity support

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent prepares rate adjustment indications in advance by inserting them into the overhead area before actual rate changes are needed. This preliminary placement of control information allows the receiving end to anticipate and prepare for rate adjustments, reducing the complexity of real-time decision-making

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4694451A1Mapping method and apparatus, and electronic device and storage medium
Publication Date: 2026.02.11 CHINA MOBILE COMM GRP CO LTD
  • EP4694451A1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP4694451A1 patent drawingFigure 4~5
  • EP4694451A1 patent drawingFigure 6

AI summary

A mapping method includes: inserting a first indication and/or a second indication into an overhead area of a first frame. The first indication is configured to indicate adjusting a rate of the first frame, and the second indication is configured to indicate adjusting the rate of the first frame from a first rate to a second rate.