Synchronous Signal Encapsulation via Asynchronous Packets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing telecommunications technologies face challenges in communicating synchronous digital signals across asynchronous networks without a direct synchronous digital connection, limiting the ability to connect geographically distributed synchronous digital devices and hindering the implementation of advanced networking technologies like SDN and NFV.
Innovation Solution
The method involves encapsulating synchronous digital signals, such as HDLC signals, into asynchronous packets, specifically Ethernet packets, which are then transmitted across an asynchronous network, allowing for decapsulation and alignment with the original synchronous digital bus timing, enabling communication between remote devices as if they were on the same synchronous digital bus.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If synchronous digital signals are transmitted directly over synchronous digital buses, then communication reliability and timing precision are maintained, but geographic distribution and network flexibility are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary encapsulation layer that wraps synchronous digital signals within asynchronous packet structures. This intermediary mechanism allows synchronous signals to traverse asynchronous networks while maintaining their timing characteristics, effectively bridging the compatibility gap between synchronous sources and asynchronous transport media.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the transmission path into distinct functional layers: a synchronous signal generation layer, an asynchronous packet encapsulation/transport layer, and a synchronous signal reconstruction layer. This segmentation allows each layer to operate in its optimal domain while maintaining end-to-end synchronous communication integrity across geographic distances.
2Ease of operation
If synchronous digital devices are connected directly via synchronous digital buses, then timing synchronization is precise, but device complexity and connection requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universal asynchronous packet interfaces that can carry multiple types of synchronous digital signals through a single standardized protocol. This multi-functional approach allows diverse synchronous devices to interconnect through common asynchronous network infrastructure, eliminating the need for dedicated synchronous connection hardware between each device pair.
3Adaptability or versatility
If asynchronous networks are used to transmit synchronous digital signals, then network flexibility and resource management improve, but signal timing alignment becomes challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary timing stamping and synchronization metadata embedding within the asynchronous packet structure before transmission. This advance preparation allows receiving devices to pre-calculate timing adjustments and maintain precise synchronous signal reconstruction despite variable asynchronous network delays.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus for communicating synchronous digital signals through an asynchronous domain are disclosed. In one aspect a method includes receiving a first synchronous digital signal of a first domain, wherein the first synchronous digital signal is generated by a first device for communication to a second device; encapsulating the first synchronous digital signal of the first domain into a first asynchronous packet of a second domain; and transmitting the first asynchronous packet to an asynchronous network of the second domain.