Automatic Client Layer Link Discovery in Optical Networks
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for discovering client layer links in SDH networks are manual or rely on the LMP protocol, which are time-consuming, error-prone, and lack an in-band messaging mechanism, leading to system alarms and link failures.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for automatically discovering client layer links by incorporating client layer Traffic Engineering (TE) link objects into the signaling protocol system, allowing hop-by-hop connection establishment requests to select and store client layer TE links based on common adaptation methods supported by nodes, thereby simplifying configuration and avoiding manual IP address specification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual configuration or LMP protocol is used for client layer link discovery, then the link can be discovered, but the process is time-consuming and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines client layer link discovery with service connection establishment by integrating TE link object information into signaling protocol messages. This merging eliminates the need for separate manual configuration or LMP protocol exchanges, reducing both time and potential errors while maintaining reliable link discovery through the unified signaling process
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables automatic self-discovery of client layer links through the signaling protocol exchange between nodes. Nodes automatically extract and process TE link object information from connection establishment requests, performing self-service link discovery without requiring external manual intervention or separate discovery protocols, thereby reducing time and improving accuracy
2Reliability
If LMP protocol is used for client layer link discovery, then link identification can be obtained, but no in-band messaging mechanism exists leading to system alarms and link failures
Solution Approach 1:
The signaling protocol messages serve multiple functions: they establish service connections while simultaneously carrying TE link object information for client layer link discovery. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate LMP protocol messages or dedicated discovery mechanisms, reducing configuration complexity and improving link stability by using the existing in-band messaging infrastructure already validated for connection establishment
Solution Approach 2:
The TE link object acts as an intermediary carrier that transports client layer link identification information within the signaling protocol messages. This intermediary mechanism allows link discovery information to be conveyed through the existing reliable signaling channel, avoiding the need for separate LMP protocol exchanges and their associated configuration complexities and potential failures
3Ease of operation
If manual IP address specification is required for control plane communication, then nodes can communicate, but the process is complex and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
Nodes automatically obtain and process TE link object information containing identification details from connection establishment requests without requiring manual IP address specification or configuration. This self-service approach extracts necessary communication information from the signaling exchange itself, greatly simplifying operation and eliminating configuration errors while maintaining reliable node communication
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
An automatic discovering method and device for the client layer link adapt to an optical transmission network. The method comprises the steps of: transmitting the client layer Traffic Engineering (TE) link objects of an ingress node by a connection setup request message to an egress node during the service layer connection setup, and the egress node obtaining the client layer TE link corresponding to the service layer connection by selecting, then returning the client layer TE link to the ingress node by a connection setup respond message, and storing the client layer TE link in the ingress node and the egress node respectively then publishing it to each node in the network by the route protocol, so as to realize the automatic discovering of the client layer link. The device located in the nodes of the network includes a request message transmission unit and a request message reception unit, and still includes a respond message transmission unit and a respond message reception unit.