BGP-LS Control Plane for Optical Network Auto-Discovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for connecting a client layer Network Management System (NMS) to a remote packet network island across an optical network require either an out-of-band data communication network for information gathering or an already established optical connection, both of which have limitations such as temporary network maintenance and dependency on existing connections.
Innovation Solution
The method involves establishing a Border Gateway Protocol-Link State (BGP-LS) connection via a data communication network (DCN) between edge nodes of packet network islands and a BGP-LS node in the optical network, using Generalized Multiprotocol Label Switching User-to-Network Interface (GMPLS UNI), to facilitate the distribution of link Network Layer Reachability Information subject to policy configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an out-of-band data communication network is used to enable the NMS to possess information about remote edge nodes, then the NMS can initiate optical connection setup, but a complete network must be maintained in parallel requiring additional infrastructure and operational expenses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the out-of-band DCN functionality into the optical network's in-band control plane by using BGP-LS over the optical DCN. The BGP-LS protocol carries link state information and reachability data within the optical network infrastructure itself, eliminating the need for a separate parallel DCN while maintaining reliable connection setup capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical network's data communication network is made multi-functional by enabling it to serve both as the optical transport medium and as the control plane for connection management. The BGP-LS implementation allows the same DCN infrastructure to provide both optical signal transmission and routing information exchange, reducing overall network complexity.
2Ease of operation
If an already established optical connection is used for in-band DCN connection, then the NMS remains connected to packet network islands, but optical connections must exist before management functions can operate
Solution Approach 1:
The BGP-LS control plane establishes routing information and reachability data in advance through the DCN before optical connections are needed. By pre-configuring the control plane with link state information and BGP-LS peer relationships, the system prepares all necessary management data beforehand, enabling rapid connection establishment without waiting for optical paths to be physically in place.
3Device complexity
If BGP-LS connections are established via DCN between edge nodes and BGP-LS node, then automatic optical connection setup is enabled without permanent out-of-band networks, but policy configuration and information distribution complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The BGP-LS node acts as an intermediary between edge nodes and the control plane, mediating the exchange of link state information and reachability data. This intermediary component standardizes the information distribution process, implementing policy-based routing and filtering mechanisms that simplify configuration while enabling automatic connection setup across the optical network.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure generally relates to the support of optical connection setup. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a technique of supporting provision of a connection via a data communication network of an optical network between packet network islands. A method embodiment comprises establishing a Border Gateway Protocol-Link State, BGP-LS, connection via the DCN between a first edge node of the first packet network island and a BGP-LS node in the optical network.