Controller-to-Controller Interfaces for Multi-Layer Topology Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-layer networks lack efficient communication and information sharing between network layers, hindering independent evolution and optimization due to shared common control-plane representations that do not account for layer-specific protocols and formats.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a controller-to-controller interface (CCI) and layer mapping function (LMF) to translate network topology maps between layers using a common link abstraction model (CAM), allowing each layer to maintain its specific protocols and formats while enabling communication and optimization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single common control-plane representation (e.g., GMPLS) is used to represent links between network devices across multiple layers, then interoperability between layers is improved, but layer-specific optimizations and independent evolution are hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network control plane into multiple independent controllers, each responsible for a specific network layer (e.g., optical layer controller, IP layer controller). Each controller maintains its own layer-specific topology representation and protocols, eliminating the need for a single common representation while enabling inter-layer communication through standardized interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (controller-to-controller interface) that mediates communication between layer-specific controllers. This intermediary enables interoperability without requiring any single controller to adopt a common representation, allowing each layer to optimize its own topology format while still coordinating across layers.
2Ease of operation
If a common topology representation format is enforced across all network layers, then communication between layers is simplified, but each layer's ability to evolve independently and use optimized native formats is prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the network into segmented autonomous controllers, each managing its own layer with its preferred topology format. This segmentation allows independent evolution of each layer's representation format while maintaining simplified inter-layer communication through standardized controller interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller-to-controller interface provides universal communication capabilities that work across different layer-specific formats. This universal interface enables simplified communication between layers without requiring any single layer to adopt a common format, supporting both ease of operation and independent evolution.
3Productivity
If layer-specific topology formats are used independently without translation, then processing speed within each layer is improved, but information sharing and coordination between layers deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments topology information management into independent layer controllers that process information at native speeds using layer-optimized formats. Information sharing between layers is achieved through structured controller interfaces that exchange standardized information elements without requiring format translation, preserving both processing speed and information completeness.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller-to-controller interface acts as an intermediary that facilitates information sharing between layers using standardized information elements. This intermediary enables complete information exchange while allowing each layer to maintain its optimized processing format, preventing information loss without sacrificing processing efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
A controller at an IP (e.g., client) layer in a multi-layer network can request a network topology map from another controller at an optical (e.g., server) layer in the multi-layer network. The controller at the optical layer of the network can use a layer mapping function and common attributes between the formats used to describe the network topology map at the two layers to generate a common layer abstraction model representing the network topology map stored at the controller at the optical layer of the network. A controller-to-controller interface can translate and/or send the common layer abstraction model to the controller at the IP layer for processing data on the network.