Controller Multi-Layer Link Fault Recovery

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing link aggregation methods fail to efficiently restore faulty multi-layer links in networks, leading to network performance deterioration and potential data transmission failures, as they do not effectively manage and release optical network resources.

Innovation Solution

A controller is implemented with multi-layer management, IP domain management, and optical domain management modules to detect faulty links, release optical resources, delete faulty links from aggregation groups, and establish new multi-layer links using idle ports for restoration, coordinating resource management across IP and optical networks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If link aggregation is used to bundle physical interfaces, then bandwidth and reliability are improved, but when a fault occurs on a physical link, the faulty link cannot be efficiently restored leading to network performance deterioration

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork reliabilityVSAvoidlink restoration efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The controller pre-establishes a new multi-layer link using idle optical network resources before the faulty link needs restoration. When a fault is detected, the system can immediately switch to the pre-prepared link, eliminating restoration delays and maintaining network productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The controller acts as an intermediary that coordinates between the IP network layer and optical network layer. It manages the multi-layer link establishment, fault detection, and resource allocation, enabling efficient restoration by bridging the coordination gap between different network layers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the controller deletes the faulty multi-layer link and releases optical resources, then resource utilization is improved, but coordination between IP network and optical network management becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource allocation flexibilityVSAvoidmulti-layer coordination complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The controller is designed with multi-functionality to handle both IP network management and optical network resource management. It can perform link deletion, resource release, new link establishment, and fault recovery operations across multiple network layers, reducing the need for separate management systems and simplifying overall coordination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the management of IP network links and optical network resources into a single unified control process. The controller combines link deletion, resource release, and new link establishment operations into one coordinated action, reducing complexity compared to separate management procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Productivity

If a new multi-layer link is established using idle ports for restoration, then network performance is maintained, but optical network resource management becomes more challenging

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission efficiencyVSAvoidoptical resource management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses idle optical network resources that are already available in the network for establishing the new multi-layer link. This self-service approach eliminates the need for external resource allocation processes, simplifying optical resource management while maintaining high data transmission efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The controller changes the state of optical network resources from idle to allocated by establishing new multi-layer links. It dynamically adjusts resource parameters based on network conditions and fault scenarios, enabling efficient resource utilization without complex manual management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3694152B1Method for recovering faulty multi-layer link and controller
Publication Date: 2023.04.26 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP3694152B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3694152B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3694152B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

This application discloses a troubleshooting method. In the method, a controller first determines that a fault occurs on a first multi-layer link passing through a first port on a first network device, where the first multi-layer link is a link in a link aggregation group between the first network device and a second network device; the controller then releases an optical layer resource of the first multi-layer link, and deletes the first multi-layer link from the link aggregation group; and the controller further establishes, a second multi-layer link for restoration of the first multi-layer link, based on a first idle port on the first network device and a second idle port on a target network device, and adds the second multi-layer link to a target link aggregation group between the first network device and the target network device. According to this method, a faulty link in an aggregation group can be restored in a multi-layer network.