Cross-Layer Link Discovery via Label Encapsulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-layer network management systems require manual configuration for cross-layer link information, leading to complexity and low reliability due to the large number of cross-layer links.
Innovation Solution
A link discovery method where a first controller sends a message with a link discovery packet and label to a node, which encapsulates the label and sends it to another node, allowing the second controller to determine the existence of a link between ports by extracting identifiers from the packet.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual configuration method is used to configure cross-layer link information, then the routing controller and transport network controller can control the multi-layer network, but the implementation becomes complex and reliability decreases due to the large quantity of cross-layer links
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automatic link discovery where network nodes autonomously send link discovery packets and report link information to controllers without manual intervention. The routing controller and transport network controller automatically sense cross-layer link information through these automated discovery mechanisms, eliminating the need for manual configuration of each link while maintaining control reliability.
2Ease of operation
If manual configuration method is used to configure cross-layer link information, then the routing controller and transport network controller can control the multi-layer network, but the implementation becomes complex due to the large quantity of cross-layer links
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automatic link discovery where network nodes autonomously send link discovery packets and report link information to controllers without manual intervention. The routing controller and transport network controller automatically sense cross-layer link information through these automated discovery mechanisms, eliminating the need for manual configuration of each link while maintaining control reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The link discovery mechanism implements feedback loops where nodes continuously report link status and information to controllers. The controllers receive feedback about cross-layer links through automated discovery packets and use this information to dynamically adjust network control, replacing static manual configuration with dynamic adaptive control.
3Productivity
If automatic link discovery is implemented, then manual configuration is reduced and reliability is improved, but the system requires complex message passing and label encapsulation mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces link discovery packets as intermediary carriers that transport link information between nodes and controllers. These packets serve as mediators that automatically convey link status and routing domain information, reducing the need for complex direct communication protocols between controllers while enabling efficient automatic link discovery.
Solution Approach 2:
The discovery mechanism uses nested label encapsulation where outer labels route packets to the correct controller and inner labels carry link-specific information. This nested structure allows the system to handle complex link discovery tasks through layered packet processing, improving discovery speed while organizing complexity in a manageable hierarchical manner.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a link discovery method. In the method, a first controller sends a first message to a first node, and the first node receives the first message, and sends the second link discovery packet from a first port to the second node; the second node receives the second link discovery packet at a second port, and sends a second message to the second controller according to the label, where the second message carries the second link discovery packet and an identifier of the second port; and the second controller receives the second message, extracts an identifier of the first port in the first link discovery packet and the identifier of the second port in the second message, and determines that a link exists between the first port of the first node and the second port of the second node.