Carrier-Tagged Packet Transport for Access Network Provisioning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional access networks face inefficiencies due to the use of deeply channelized TDM links, which require manual provisioning, are costly, and struggle with bursty data communications, leading to underutilization of bandwidth and increased operational burdens.
Innovation Solution
Implementing packetized transport with carrier-tagged flows that eliminate manual provisioning and use efficient network elements to interpret and manipulate carrier tag values, allowing for quick, remote, and automatic routing of communications, thereby simplifying the handling of diverse traffic flows.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If deeply channelized TDM links are used in traditional access networks, then reliable communication is achieved, but manual provisioning is required and operational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical provisioning processes with automated software-based flow labeling and routing. Network elements automatically assign flow labels to traffic streams and use these labels for routing decisions, eliminating the need for manual cable patching and configuration while maintaining reliable communication through deterministic forwarding based on labeled flows.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of traffic identification from physical channel assignment in TDM to logical flow labeling in packet-switched networks. By introducing flow labels as a new parameter that identifies traffic streams independently of physical channels, the system achieves automated provisioning while maintaining communication reliability through label-based forwarding.
2Reliability
If deeply channelized TDM links are used, then communication infrastructure is established, but capital and operating costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal packet-switched access network that can carry multiple types of traffic (voice, data, video) and support various service types through flow labeling. This multi-functional approach replaces the need for dedicated TDM infrastructure for each service type, reducing capital costs through infrastructure consolidation and operating costs through flexible resource allocation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates virtual copies of physical channels through flow labels that can be instantiated dynamically without physical infrastructure changes. Multiple virtual channels can share the same physical medium, eliminating the need for expensive physical channel allocation and reducing both capital and operating costs compared to dedicated TDM links.
3Quantity of substance
If TDM links are used for access communications, then bandwidth is provided, but bursty data communications cause underutilization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic bandwidth allocation through flow labeling, where network elements can dynamically adjust the bandwidth assigned to different flows based on actual traffic patterns. Unlike static TDM time slots, flow labels enable flexible, on-demand bandwidth allocation that adapts to bursty traffic patterns, improving utilization efficiency while maintaining capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent maintains continuous bandwidth availability through flow label-based packet switching, where the network continuously monitors and manages flow characteristics. This enables the network to maintain ready-access bandwidth for new flows while efficiently reusing capacity for existing flows during low-demand periods, eliminating the underutilization problem of TDM.
4Reliability
If manual provisioning is used in access networks, then infrastructure is established, but operational burden increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables network elements to self-configure and self-manage by automatically assigning flow labels to incoming traffic streams and maintaining routing information in forwarding tables. Network elements autonomously handle provisioning operations without manual intervention, significantly improving operational efficiency while maintaining reliable network configuration through consistent label-based forwarding rules.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method are provided for providing access communications between customer locations and a core network service edge. Access flows are handled as carrier-tagged flows through a packet switched network comprising network elements that interpret and manipulate carrier tag values associated with traffic-bearing data frames.