Service Multiplexing via Switching Indication Bit Blocks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing flexible Ethernet (FlexE) technologies do not support real-time service switching, resulting in high latency and jitter during service switching processes, as they rely on preconfigured timeslots and lack dynamic switching capabilities.

Innovation Solution

A method and device for service multiplexing and demultiplexing that insert service switching indication bit blocks between bit block streams, allowing for real-time switching and prioritization of services, thereby reducing latency and jitter by enabling dynamic service switching.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If preconfigured timeslots are used for service multiplexing, then service multiplexing is achieved, but real-time service switching cannot be performed resulting in high latency and jitter

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice switching capabilityVSAvoidlatency during service switching
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from static preconfigured timeslots to dynamic service switching. The sending device can dynamically select which service to send in each timeslot based on current service states and priorities, allowing real-time service switching without being constrained by fixed slot assignments. This dynamic approach enables the system to adapt to changing service requirements while maintaining low latency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of service assignment from fixed (preconfigured) to variable (dynamic selection). By introducing service switching indication bit blocks that carry information about which service should be sent in the current timeslot, the system enables parameter changes in service assignment without requiring reconfiguration of the underlying timeslot structure, thus achieving real-time switching with minimal latency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If preconfigured timeslots are used for service multiplexing, then service multiplexing is achieved, but service switching results in high jitter

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice switching capabilityVSAvoidjitter during service switching
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the sending device monitors service states, priorities, and transmission conditions to make informed decisions about service switching. The receiving device also provides feedback through acknowledgments and status information. This feedback loop enables the system to maintain stable service transmission by adjusting switching decisions based on current conditions, thereby reducing jitter while preserving adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary action by preparing service switching indication bit blocks in advance and maintaining service state information ready for quick switching decisions. When switching is needed, the system can immediately insert the prepared indication bit block without extensive processing delay, thus reducing jitter while maintaining the ability to switch services dynamically.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If service switching indication bit blocks are inserted between bit block streams, then real-time service switching is enabled, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereal-time service switchingVSAvoidcomplexity of multiplexing module
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the service multiplexing function into distinct components: service state management, indication bit block generation, and actual service data transmission. The service switching indication bit block is segmented as a separate control element inserted between service data bit blocks. This segmentation allows the multiplexing module to handle control and data functions separately, reducing overall complexity while enabling real-time service switching.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Loss of time

If dynamic service switching is implemented, then latency is reduced, but bandwidth utilization requires optimization to avoid waste

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelatency during service switchingVSAvoidbandwidth waste
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent ensures continuity of useful action by maintaining active service transmission without idle gaps. When switching from one service to another, the system continuously transmits either service data or service switching indication bit blocks, avoiding empty timeslots. This continuous transmission minimizes bandwidth waste while enabling low-latency service switching, as each timeslot carries either useful service data or necessary control information.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentEP3661124B1Service multiplexing method, service de-multiplexing method and related device
Publication Date: 2023.12.20 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP3661124B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3661124B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3661124B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5

AI summary

Embodiments of the present invention disclose a service multiplexing method, a service demultiplexing method, and a related device. The method includes: sending, by a sending device, a bit block stream of a first service to a receiving device; if the sending device determines to switch from the first service to a second service for service sending, sending, by the sending device, at least one service switching indication bit block to the receiving device; and sending, by the sending device, a bit block stream of the second service to the receiving device. It can be learned that service switching of the sending device is not affected by a service currently being transmitted, and a service can be switched on any bit block in real time based on needs. In addition, a service switching indication bit block is inserted between bit block streams that require service switching, to perform service switching, thereby reducing a latency and jitter in a service switching process, and ensuring a low latency during service switching.