Passive Optical Network Packet Precedence Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current GPON networks cannot distinguish between data packets with different precedence levels, leading to inefficient bandwidth allocation and a failure to guarantee high Quality of Service, especially during network congestion.
Innovation Solution
A method for transmitting data packets through a passive optical network that includes encapsulating packets with precedence information in a header field, allowing for dynamic allocation of resources based on the precedence level, ensuring that packets with higher precedence receive higher bandwidth assurance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If data packets are transmitted through a passive optical network without precedence indication, then the network structure remains simple, but the network cannot distinguish between packets with different precedence levels leading to inefficient bandwidth allocation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent embeds precedence information within the existing GEM frame structure by utilizing the Port-ID field. The precedence indicator is nested inside the header field of the GEM frame, allowing the network to distinguish between different packet precedence levels without adding separate identification mechanisms. This nesting approach enables sophisticated bandwidth allocation while maintaining relatively simple packet processing.
2Reliability
If all data packets are treated equally in the passive optical network, then the network operation is simple, but Quality of Service cannot be guaranteed during network congestion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic bandwidth allocation based on packet precedence levels. The optical line termination and optical network units dynamically adjust bandwidth assignment according to the precedence indicator in the GEM frame header. This dynamic mechanism ensures that high-priority packets receive guaranteed bandwidth during congestion while maintaining simple operation during normal conditions, as the system automatically adapts to network state without manual intervention.
3Loss of information
If the passive optical network uses standard GEM encapsulation without modification, then the encapsulation process remains simple, but precedence information of Ethernet packets is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the Port-ID field in the GEM frame multi-functional. Instead of using it solely for identifying the optical network unit, the field is also utilized to carry precedence information from Ethernet packets. This universal usage of the existing field allows the network to retain precedence information without requiring additional fields or complex encapsulation modifications, thus maintaining ease of implementation while preventing information loss.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of transmitting data packets through a passive optical network. The method includes: receiving a first data packet from a first interface of the passive optical network, the first data packet including precedence information; encapsulating the first data packet in a second data packet at the first interface; and transmitting the second data packet through the passive optical network toward a second interface, wherein encapsulating includes inserting in a header field of the second data packet a value indicative of the precedence information. The value indicative of the precedence information could include a priority and/or a virtual LAN identifier.