Coordinated Transceiver Validation via Trace Identifiers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional connection validation methods for transceivers in optical networking systems only verify optical connectivity and fail to ensure synchronization between paired transceivers, leading to potential failures during traffic propagation and restoration, especially in regenerator paths where intermediate O-E-O interfaces are not validated.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus for coordinated connection validation between mated transceivers that perform optical loopback tests with unique trace identifiers, ensuring both optical and data plane connectivity are verified, allowing transceivers to be managed as a single entity for traffic provisioning and marking them as blocked if validation fails.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional loopback test is performed on one transceiver, then optical connectivity is validated, but synchronization with mated transceiver and O-E-O interface connectivity are not verified

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnectivity validation reliabilityVSAvoidmissing validation information
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the validation processes of mated transceivers by coordinating loopback tests between paired transceivers. The system combines individual transceiver validation with joint validation of the O-E-O interface, ensuring that both transceivers in a pair are validated together rather than independently. This merging approach eliminates the information loss about synchronization and intermediate interface connectivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Productivity

If individual transceiver validation is performed, then validation speed is maintained, but complete connectivity assurance including data plane is not achieved

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevalidation speedVSAvoidconnectivity assurance
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary coordination between mated transceivers before actual traffic propagation. By executing coordinated loopback tests that validate both optical and data plane connectivity in advance, the system ensures complete connectivity assurance before service activation. This preliminary action prevents later failures without significantly impacting validation speed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If coordinated loopback tests are performed between mated transceivers, then complete optical and data plane connectivity is verified, but validation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnectivity validation completenessVSAvoidvalidation process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where each transceiver reports validation results to a central controller, which coordinates the overall validation process. The system uses trace identifiers to track test results and provides feedback loops that automatically determine whether additional validation is needed. This structured feedback approach manages complexity by automating coordination rather than requiring manual complex test sequencing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

4Reliability

If trace identifier propagation is implemented between mated transceivers, then data plane connectivity is verified, but validation time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata plane connectivity verificationVSAvoidvalidation time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent maintains continuous validation action by having trace identifiers propagate through both transceivers in the pair without interruption. The coordinated loopback test ensures continuous verification of the complete signal path including the O-E-O interface. This continuous validation approach verifies data plane connectivity efficiently by keeping the test signal actively circulating rather than using discontinuous or repeated testing sequences.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentUS9882634B1Coordinated connection validation systems and methods among mated transceivers for verifying optical and data plane connectivity
Publication Date: 2018.01.30 CIENA CORP
  • US9882634B1 patent drawing
  • US9882634B1 patent drawing
  • US9882634B1 patent drawing

AI summary

Systems and methods for connection validation between a pair of mated transceivers implemented in a network element include, responsive to a request for connection validation at a first transceiver of the pair of mated transceivers, performing a first optical loopback test through the first transceiver with a unique trace identifier; responsive to a successful first optical loopback test, providing the unique trace identifier to a second transceiver of the mated transceivers with a request for a second optical loopback test; performing the second optical loopback test through the second transceiver with the unique trace identifier; and, responsive to a successful second optical loopback test, providing the unique trace identifier back to the first transceiver from the second transceiver.