Communication Path Management Controller for Data Center PLCCs

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current data center communication path management systems lack efficient monitoring and dynamic configuration capabilities, particularly in handling service-level parameters like secure paths, high availability, and minimum throughput, which can lead to suboptimal performance and reliability.

Innovation Solution

A system and method for monitoring and managing communication paths across multiple physical-layer cross-connect switches, utilizing a communication-path-management controller that communicates with PLCCs to associate service-level parameters and take responsive actions based on low-signal-level indications, including rerouting and alerting mechanisms.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If manual patch panel connections are used for physical-layer switching, then device complexity is reduced, but monitoring and management capabilities are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvephysical-layer switching complexityVSAvoidcommunication path monitoring reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A communication path management controller is introduced as an intermediary device that monitors and manages communication paths across multiple PLCCs. The controller receives low-signal-level indications from PLCCs, determines service-level parameter violations, and automatically reroutes communication paths, thereby providing comprehensive monitoring and management capabilities without significantly increasing physical-layer complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where PLCCs continuously monitor signal levels and communicate status to the management controller. When service-level parameters are violated, the controller receives feedback about the violation and automatically responds by rerouting communication paths, creating a closed-loop control system that enhances reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Ease of operation

If static patch panel configurations are used, then ease of operation is improved, but adaptability to service-level parameters is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection configuration simplicityVSAvoidservice-level parameter adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from static patch panel configurations to dynamic path management. The management controller automatically adjusts communication paths in real-time based on service-level parameter requirements such as secure paths, high availability, and minimum throughput. This dynamic adaptation maintains ease of operation while significantly improving versatility through automated response to changing conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The communication path management system performs self-service by automatically detecting service-level parameter violations and rerouting communication paths without manual intervention. The system monitors its own performance, identifies violations, and executes corrective actions, thereby maintaining operational simplicity while achieving high adaptability to service requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple PLCCs are interconnected to expand communication options, then adaptability is improved, but monitoring difficulty increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication path optionsVSAvoidcommunication path monitoring difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The monitoring function is segmented and distributed across multiple PLCCs, with each device monitoring its own signal levels and status. The management controller aggregates information from all PLCCs and coordinates path rerouting decisions. This segmentation approach manages the complexity of monitoring multiple interconnected devices while maintaining high adaptability through coordinated operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS9960990B2Systems and methods for monitoring and managing communication paths

Publication Date: 2018.05.01 GTO LLC

AI summary

Presently disclosed are systems and methods for monitoring and managing communication paths in data centers. One embodiment takes the form of a method that includes associating an end-to-end communication path with one or more service-level parameters, where a plurality of PLCCs are interconnected along the end-to-end communication path. The method also includes receiving a low-signal-level indication from at least one PLCC on the communication path, and responsively (i) selecting at least one responsive action based at least in part on the one or more service-level parameters and (ii) taking the at least one selected responsive action with respect to the end-to-end communication path.