DS3 Network Path Autodiscovery Using Overhead Bits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Network carriers face challenges in maintaining accurate DS3 circuit databases due to manual tracing limitations and partial verification of path information, leading to inefficiencies and costs associated with unused inventory and recovery labor.
Innovation Solution
Automatically discovering network paths by using overhead bits in DS3 signals to cause state changes at nodes, correlating these changes to determine link connectivity and update connectivity records in databases.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual tracing of paths is used to update network path databases, then path information can be verified, but the process is very costly and time consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The network path discovery system enables automatic self-discovery of network paths by having network elements autonomously report their presence and connectivity status in response to discovery signals, eliminating the need for manual tracing operations while maintaining accurate path information
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical tracing operations with automated electronic signal-based discovery mechanisms, where discovery signals are transmitted through the network and automatically detected by intermediate network elements, substituting human labor with automated electronic systems
2Measurement precision
If querying network elements for internal cross connects is used, then some path information can be verified, but only a fraction of the path information can be verified and end to end connectivity information cannot be produced
Solution Approach 1:
The discovery process segments the network path into individual hops between network elements, with each element reporting its local connectivity status. By aggregating these segmented pieces of information from multiple elements along the path, complete end-to-end connectivity information is reconstructed
Solution Approach 2:
Intermediate network elements act as mediators that receive discovery signals, report their presence and connectivity status to neighboring elements, and forward the signals along the path. This intermediary reporting mechanism enables comprehensive path discovery that fractional querying cannot achieve
3Ease of operation
If payloads within packets are used for tracing purposes, then path tracing can be performed, but it is dependent on availability of unused payload space or is intrusive and disrupts payload transfer
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts path discovery functionality from the data payload and implements it in the overhead signaling portion of network frames. This separation allows path tracing to be performed independently without consuming or disrupting the actual data payload, eliminating the trade-off between tracing capability and payload transfer reliability
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for discovering network paths sets a bit, normally used for purposes other than tracing a network path, in an overhead portion of a signal for causing state changes at nodes along a network path. The state changes are correlated with information about the signal to determine link connectivity between nodes to identify the network path. In a network of DS3 circuits, a non-critical alarm bit is set in a signal to transmit Remote Alarm Indications (RAI) which activate alarms at nodes of the network path. A response signal from the nodes can be sent through a network to a main node for correlation purposes. The method of discovering network paths can be used to update network path databases of network carriers and can be offered as a service to network carriers.