TDM Packetization for CBR Data Stream Delay Reduction

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current packet networks face challenges in transporting constant bitrate (CBR) data streams for C-RAN fronthaul applications due to high delay and packet multiplexing inefficiencies, which are not adequately addressed by existing standards like IEEE 802.1Qbu, IEEE 802.1Qbv, and IEEE 802.3br, particularly in scenarios with many express flows.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of time-division-multiplexing (TDM) systems and methods that map multiple CBR clients into a single packet flow, using timeslots and control data to manage client data and frequency synchronization, allowing for reduced delay and efficient packet transmission over existing packet networks without requiring extensive network upgrades.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If packet networks are used to transport CBR data streams, then network flexibility and cost are improved, but delay and packet multiplexing delay variation increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork flexibilityVSAvoiddelay
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments CBR data streams into fixed-size packets with predetermined structures, dividing the transport task into manageable units that can be efficiently handled by packet networks while maintaining deterministic timing characteristics through structured segmentation of data into packets with fixed headers and payload areas

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements periodic packet transmission with fixed intervals and regular timing patterns, creating predictable periodic action that reduces delay variation by ensuring packets are transmitted at consistent intervals rather than irregularly, which is essential for maintaining synchronization in C-RAN fronthaul applications

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

2Productivity

If multiple CBR clients are multiplexed into a single packet flow, then network efficiency is improved, but packet multiplexing delay variation increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork efficiencyVSAvoidpacket multiplexing delay variation
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments multiple CBR client data streams into distinct packets or packet segments, allowing each client's data to be independently identified and handled. This segmentation enables efficient multiplexing by organizing multiple clients' data into structured packet formats with clear delimiters and identifiers, reducing multiplexing delay variation through systematic organization

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary packetization and labeling of CBR client data before multiplexing, preparing data in advance with embedded timing information and client identifiers. This preliminary action allows receiving end to quickly process and demultiplex data without extensive waiting or analysis, thereby reducing packet multiplexing delay variation while maintaining high network efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If packetization is used for CBR data streams, then network compatibility is improved, but delay increases due to packet generation and processing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork compatibilityVSAvoidpacket generation delay
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes packetization parameters such as packet size, transmission interval, and formatting structure to minimize packet generation delay. By carefully selecting and adjusting these parameters based on CBR data characteristics and network conditions, the system achieves efficient packetization that maintains network compatibility while reducing the time required for packet generation and processing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS10432553B2Systems and methods for transportation of multiple constant bitrate data streams
Publication Date: 2019.10.01 MICROSEMI SOLUTIONS US INC
  • US10432553B2 patent drawing
  • US10432553B2 patent drawing
  • US10432553B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Systems and methods are provided for transparently transmitting multiple constant bitrate (CBR) data streams over a packet network with reduced delay. Example embodiments provide packetizers and depacketizers for multiplexing and demultiplexing multiple common public radio interface (CPRI) data streams for transport between remote units and baseband units over packet networks. The systems and methods disclosed herein use time-division-multiplexing to map multiple CBR clients directly into a packet such that each CBR client can be recovered at the destination with its original clock and with information that allows its residence time in the packet domain to be calculated. The systems and methods disclosed herein allow packet based networks, such as the existing Packet Transport Network (PTN), to be used for C-RAN fronthaul applications with strict end-to-end delay requirements.