PME Bonding Discovery via Data Phase Control Channels
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for discovering Physical Medium Entity (PME) bonding groups in telecommunication networks are time-consuming and not all transceivers are capable of using G.hs signaling, limiting the flexibility and efficiency of bonding operations.
Innovation Solution
The method involves using data phase control channels, such as embedded operations channels (EOC) or Ethernet operations, administration, and maintenance (OAM) channels, to transmit discovery identifiers and control commands during the data phase, allowing for the identification of PME bonding groups without the need for G.hs signaling, and enabling bonding while transceivers are operational.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If G.hs signaling is used for discovering PME bonding groups during training, then bonding discovery can be performed, but the training duration is extended and not all transceivers are compatible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs bonding discovery actions during the data phase rather than requiring a separate training phase. Discovery identifiers are transmitted and processed as part of normal data operations, eliminating the need to extend training duration for bonding discovery purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses data phase control channels that are universally supported by all transceivers, rather than G.hs signaling which requires specific compatibility. This allows any transceiver to participate in bonding discovery during the data phase without requiring special G.hs capability.
2Reliability
If G.hs signaling is required for PME bonding discovery, then standardized discovery can be performed, but transceiver compatibility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs data phase control channels that are a universal feature across all transceiver types and DSL technologies. This eliminates the need for G.hs signaling compatibility while maintaining standardized bonding discovery functionality through widely-supported control channel mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses discovery identifiers transmitted through data phase control channels as an intermediary mechanism. These identifiers serve as a universal language that all transceivers can process, replacing the G.hs signaling protocol as the mediator for bonding discovery information exchange.
3Reliability
If bonding discovery is performed during training phase, then bonding groups can be identified, but the process cannot adapt to dynamically added links
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements bonding discovery during the data phase, which is a continuous and dynamic state compared to the static training phase. This allows the system to continuously discover and adapt bonding groups as links are dynamically added or removed, maintaining up-to-date bonding configurations without requiring re-training.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent maintains bonding discovery as an ongoing process during the data phase rather than a one-time action during training. Discovery identifiers continue to be transmitted and processed throughout data operations, enabling continuous adaptation to network changes and ensuring bonding groups remain optimally configured.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure generally pertains to systems and methods for discovering PME bonding groups. In one exemplary embodiment, a plurality of communication links are terminated by physical medium entities (PMEs). In this regard, each link is terminated at one end via a network PME and at another end via a remote PME at a customer premises. Each of the PMEs has a transceiver that is allowed to train during a training phase that precedes a data phase. After training, discovery of PME bonding groups is performed via data communicated over data phase control channels, which are operational while links are operational in the data phase, transmitting data using the Ethernet in the First Mile (EFM) encapsulation. For example, the control channel data may be communicated over a link-level embedded operations channel (EOC). In another example, the control channel data may be communicated using 64/65 Byte (B) code words. In another example, the control channel data may be communicated via an Ethernet operations, administration and maintenance (OAM) channel. In yet another example, the control channel data may be communicated via EFM fragment messaging.