RF-Based OTN Systems for High-Capacity Data Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current networks face bandwidth limitations and high costs in deploying optical fiber, with existing radio frequency (RF) links unable to efficiently transport high-data-rate signals, particularly Ethernet services, due to limitations in the 6-38 GHz frequency range and the need for licensing complexities in higher frequency bands.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of RF-based Optical Transport Network (OTN) systems that utilize OTN protocols over radio frequency links, combining OTN forward error correction with radio-based forward error correction to enhance data transmission rates and reduce overhead, allowing for the transport of various signals, including Ethernet, without relying on SONET/SDH or asynchronous radio.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If optical fiber is deployed to increase bandwidth capacity, then data transmission rate is improved, but deployment cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/optical fiber transmission system with a radio frequency electromagnetic wave transmission system. By using RF waves in the 6-38 GHz range to carry OTN signals, the system eliminates the need for physical fiber deployment while achieving high data transmission rates, directly resolving the contradiction between speed improvement and deployment cost reduction
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the transmission medium parameter from optical fiber to radio frequency electromagnetic waves. By operating in the 6-38 GHz frequency range with appropriate modulation schemes, the system achieves bandwidth capacities comparable to fiber while avoiding the high deployment costs associated with physical fiber installation, particularly in urban environments
2Ease of manufacture
If existing RF links in 6-38 GHz range are used for transmission, then deployment complexity is reduced, but data transmission rate is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes existing RF infrastructure serve multiple functions by implementing OTN protocol stacking over conventional RF links. The same RF hardware can handle both traditional wireless communications and high-capacity OTN transport, enabling data rates up to 10 Gb/s without requiring new specialized equipment, thus maintaining deployment simplicity while dramatically increasing transmission capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite transmission system by layering OTN protocols over existing RF communication infrastructure. This composite approach combines the proven reliability of conventional RF links with the high capacity of OTN, achieving enhanced data rates while leveraging existing deployed assets rather than requiring completely new infrastructure
3Speed
If higher frequency bands are used to increase data rates, then bandwidth capacity is improved, but licensing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses partial action by operating in the partially available 6-38 GHz frequency range rather than requiring full access to higher frequency bands. This approach achieves sufficient bandwidth capacity for high-data-rate transmission while avoiding the complex licensing requirements associated with fully licensed higher frequency spectrum, striking a balance between performance and regulatory simplicity
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution enables efficient, high-capacity data transmission over RF links, supporting data rates up to 10 Gb/s or more, reduces the need for complex licensing, and integrates seamlessly with existing networks, providing a cost-effective and flexible solution for network upgrades.
Implementation Method 1
a radio is configured to transmit and receive a modulated radio frequency signal
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides radio frequency (RF)-based OTN systems and methods. This includes a framework to carry services over RF-based links without using SONET/SDH or asynchronous radio. In an exemplary embodiment, the present disclosure utilizes an OTN framework over RF. Additionally, the present disclosure can also apply to other non-OTN frameworks such as an extended Ethernet frame with forward error correction (FEC) over RF-based links. The present disclosure combines existing OTN FEC with a radio FEC or with an over-the-air FEC to reduce the OTN FEC. Additionally, the present disclosure utilizes unused overhead to communicate RF data rates between radios.