ASON Edge Network Service Path Automation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In edge networks, the limited hardware capabilities of devices prevent the automatic configuration of service paths using GMPLS protocols, leading to inefficient and error-prone manual configuration through network management systems, resulting in low service provisioning efficiency.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method where ASON first and last nodes use extended RSVP-TE protocols to send cross-connection configuration information, enabling automatic configuration of end-to-end service paths across ASON and edge networks, improving efficiency and accuracy by automating the process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual configuration is used for edge network devices, then service paths can be established, but service provisioning efficiency is low and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an ASON last node as an intermediary that generates cross-connection configuration information and embeds it in RSVP-TE signaling messages. This mediator enables automatic configuration propagation to edge network devices that cannot independently process GMPLS protocols, thus improving service provisioning efficiency while accommodating limited hardware capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables edge network devices to automatically receive and apply cross-connection configuration information through RSVP-TE signaling without manual intervention. The devices self-configure by processing the embedded configuration data in signaling messages, eliminating the need for manual network management system configuration and significantly improving provisioning efficiency.
2Extent of automation
If GMPLS protocol is used in edge networks, then automatic service path configuration is achieved, but hardware resources are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complex cross-connection configuration generation function from edge network devices and relocates it to the ASON last node. Edge devices only need to receive and process simplified RSVP-TE signaling messages with embedded configuration data, dramatically reducing their hardware resource requirements while maintaining automatic configuration capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the ASON last node a multi-functional element that serves both as a GMPLS protocol participant and as a configuration server for edge network devices. By generating and distributing cross-connection configuration information to multiple edge devices, it provides universal configuration service without requiring each edge device to have full GMPLS capability.
3Reliability
If manual configuration is used, then device hardware limitations are accommodated, but configuration accuracy decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the ASON last node receives path establishment requests, generates appropriate cross-connection configuration information, and sends it back through RSVP-TE signaling. This automated feedback loop ensures configuration accuracy by eliminating manual transcription errors while reducing operational effort through systematic information distribution.
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention provide a method for establishing a service path in a transport network, a network device, and a system, and the service path passes through an automatically switched optical network ASON and at least one edge network. The method includes: An ASON first node obtains a service path computation result path, where the service path includes the ASON first node, an ASON last node, and at least one first edge network node; the ASON first node sends a path establishment request message to a downstream node, where the path establishment request message carries cross-connection configuration information of the ASON last node and the at least one first edge network node; and the ASON first node receives a path establishment response message of the downstream node, where the path establishment response message indicates that cross-connection configuration for the ASON last node and the at least one first edge network node is complete. In the embodiments of the present invention, an end-to-end service path across the edge network and the ASON can be automatically configured, thereby improving service provisioning efficiency and accuracy.