Variable-Rate OTN Signal Mapping for Flexible Spectrum Allocation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing optical transport networks face challenges in efficiently managing bandwidth resources due to fixed rate levels on the electric layer, leading to inefficient allocation of optical spectrum resources and inability to adapt to varying traffic volumes of client signals.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that map client signals into a variable-rate container OTU-N, split into N optical sub-channel transport units OTUsubs, and modulate them onto optical carriers for transmission, allowing flexible configuration of bandwidth resources based on traffic volume.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fixed rate levels are used on the electric layer, then the OTN structure is standardized and manageable, but the allocation of optical spectrum resources becomes inefficient and cannot adapt to varying traffic volumes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a variable rate container OTU-N that can dynamically adjust its transmission rate based on actual traffic volume. The container is divided into N optical sub-channel transport units OTUsubs, where N is configurable according to traffic requirements. This dynamic structure allows the system to adapt to varying traffic volumes while efficiently allocating optical spectrum resources, resolving the contradiction between standardization and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fixed rate parameter to a variable rate parameter. By configuring different values of N (where rate = N × reference rate level), the system can adjust the transmission rate to match actual traffic demands. This parameter change enables efficient utilization of optical spectrum resources while maintaining the ability to adapt to different traffic volumes.
2Ease of manufacture
If optical spectrum resources are divided according to 50 GHz grid bandwidths, then allocation is simplified, but spectrum efficiency decreases when bearer bandwidth does not reach 50 GHz
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the variable rate container OTU-N into N optical sub-channel transport units OTUsubs, where each sub-channel can be independently allocated to optical carriers. This segmentation allows flexible allocation of spectrum resources according to actual bandwidth requirements, improving spectrum efficiency while maintaining simple allocation procedures through the structured division of channels.
3Reliability
If client signals are mapped to fixed-rate OTUk structures, then the transmission framework is standardized, but flexibility in managing diverse client services is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal variable rate container OTU-N structure that can accommodate diverse client services with different bandwidth requirements. The container maintains a standardized framework similar to traditional OTUk structures for reliability, while the configurable parameter N provides the flexibility needed to manage diverse services. This multi-functional structure resolves the contradiction between transmission stability and service management flexibility.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention provide a method and an apparatus for transmitting and receiving a client signal in an optical transport network. In the transmission method, a received client signal is mapped into a variable-rate container OTU-N, wherein a rate of the OTU-N is N times as high as a preset reference rate; and then, the variable-rate container OTU-N is split into N optical sub-channel transport units OTUsubs by column, where a rate of each OTUsub equals to the reference rate; next, the N optical sub-channel transport units OTUsubs are modulated onto one or more optical carriers; at last, the one or more optical carriers is transmitted through a fiber.