Transmission Apparatus Dynamic Bit Rate Adaptation for WDM Power Efficiency

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Solution Overview

Problem

Telecommunications transmission products consume excessive power regardless of traffic load, with burst mode transmission being inefficient and incompatible with existing WDM infrastructure.

Innovation Solution

A method to dynamically adjust transmission bit rates based on client signal rates, using a control signal to manage clock rates and frame formatting, allowing continuous transmission at reduced power consumption compatible with WDM networks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If burst mode transmission is used to reduce power consumption when little traffic is carried, then power efficiency is improved, but compatibility with existing WDM infrastructure deteriorates and additional overhead for clock and burst synchronisation is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidcompatibility with WDM infrastructure

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by enabling the transmission apparatus to dynamically adjust its operating mode between continuous transmission and burst mode transmission based on traffic conditions. The system can switch between these modes to optimize power consumption while maintaining compatibility with WDM infrastructure through proper synchronization mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the transmission parameter from fixed continuous mode to variable mode where the transmission bit rate can be adjusted. By monitoring client bit rate indicators, the system adapts the transmission parameters to match traffic load, enabling lower power consumption during light traffic while maintaining infrastructure compatibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If continuous transmission at maximum bit rate is used, then network infrastructure compatibility is maintained, but power consumption increases regardless of traffic load

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with WDM infrastructureVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the transmission bit rate based on actual traffic conditions rather than operating continuously at maximum rate. The transmission apparatus monitors client bit rate indicators and adapts its operating parameters accordingly, reducing power consumption during light traffic while maintaining infrastructure compatibility through continuous transmission mode.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The transmission apparatus performs self-adjustment of its transmission rate by monitoring its own traffic load conditions. The system automatically regulates its power consumption by adapting the transmission bit rate to match the actual client bit rate, eliminating the need for external control while maintaining efficiency and compatibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Use of energy by moving object

If transmission bit rate is reduced to match traffic load, then power consumption is reduced, but transmission complexity increases due to need for rate adaptation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidtransmission rate adaptation mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback by having the transmission apparatus monitor client bit rate indicators and use this information to adjust its transmission rate. This feedback mechanism enables automatic adaptation of transmission parameters to traffic conditions, reducing power consumption while managing complexity through intelligent control rather than hardware complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses an intermediary monitoring mechanism that observes client bit rate indicators and mediates the adjustment of transmission parameters. This intermediary layer simplifies the overall system by providing a dedicated function for rate adaptation, separating the monitoring and control functions from the core transmission function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS9438431B2Method of transmitting traffic in a communications network and communications network apparatus

Publication Date: 2016.09.06 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)

AI summary

A method 10 of transmitting traffic in a communications network. The method comprises receiving client signal having a client bit rate and comprising traffic to be transmitted 12 and monitoring an indicator indicative of said client bit rate 12. The method further comprises setting a transmission bit rate at which to transmit the traffic 16. The transmission bit rate is set in dependence on said client bit rate. The method further comprises generating and transmitting a control signal arranged to cause a transmission apparatus to transmit the traffic at the transmission bit rate 18.