Signaling Byte Resiliency in SONET Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional telecommunications networks, particularly SONET and SDH, face issues with corrupted signaling bytes due to conditions on fiber optic cables or intermediate equipment, leading to invalid data processing and errors, as standard mechanisms accept corrupted K1 and K2 bytes as valid.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a signaling byte resiliency system that creates redundant bytes by applying logical operations, such as XOR with 0xFF, and storing them separately within the data frame, allowing for comparison with original bytes to ensure accuracy and prevent corrupted bytes from being accepted as valid.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If standard filtering mechanisms are used to accept K-bytes that are consistent for three frames, then processing efficiency is improved, but corrupted bytes with valid bit patterns are incorrectly accepted as valid
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a copy of the original K1 and K2 signaling bytes and stores it in a separate location within the node. This copy serves as a reference to detect corruption by comparing the received bytes against the stored copy, allowing the system to identify corrupted bytes even when they have valid bit patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where received K-bytes are compared against stored copies, and the result of this comparison feeds back into the processing decision. If corruption is detected through comparison, the system responds by requesting retransmission or using alternative bytes, preventing incorrect processing.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If corrupted signaling bytes are accepted to maintain network operation, then network continuity is preserved, but errors propagate through protection applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs corruption detection before the signaling bytes are processed by protection applications. By comparing received bytes against stored copies in advance, the system identifies corrupted bytes preemptively and prevents them from entering the processing pipeline, thereby maintaining both continuity and accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary comparison step between byte reception and processing. The stored copy acts as an intermediary reference that mediates the validation process, allowing the system to filter out corrupted bytes before they can affect protection application operations.
3Measurement precision
If redundant bytes are created and stored separately, then corruption detection capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the byte storage function by maintaining separate locations for original K-bytes and their copies. This segmentation allows independent management and comparison of the byte sets, improving detection capability while organizing complexity into manageable, distinct storage areas within the node.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for providing signaling byte resiliency across a telecommunications network. Embodiments of the invention create copies of original signaling bytes and transports the copies in addition to the original signaling bytes. Testing is performed at each node in the network to determine the validity of the original signaling bytes, i.e. if the signaling bytes have been corrupted. If original signaling bytes are found invalid, then the copies of the signaling bytes are used as a valid replacement for the corrupted signaling bytes.