DWDM Automatic Neighbor Discovery via Optical Supervisory Channel
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is no established physical link layer mechanism for automatic neighbor discovery in DWDM networks, limiting the intelligence and flexibility of optical transport networks.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing an optical supervisory channel (OSC) for bi-directional communication between nodes, enabling the transmission of information independent of the master optical channel, allowing ASON control units to interact and discover neighboring node IDs and IP addresses through multiplexing and de-multiplexing processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual assignment mode is used for control plane communication, then network intelligence flexibility is reduced, but implementation simplicity is improved
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automatic neighbor discovery where network elements autonomously discover and establish control plane communication channels without manual configuration. The OSC supervisory device automatically detects adjacent nodes and establishes communication, eliminating the need for manual assignment while maintaining implementation feasibility through standardized protocols
Solution Approach 2:
The OSC (Optical Supervisory Channel) serves as an intermediary carrier for control plane communication. By using the existing OSC infrastructure as a mediator, the system enables automatic discovery and communication establishment between adjacent nodes without requiring complex direct peer-to-peer configuration mechanisms
2Adaptability or versatility
If service signal overhead is used for automatic discovery, then wavelength channel independence is compromised, but discovery functionality is enabled
Solution Approach 1:
The OSC supervisory device acts as an intermediary that enables automatic discovery functionality without interfering with the independence of wavelength channels. The OSC carries control plane information separately from service signals, allowing discovery operations while maintaining wavelength channel autonomy
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments the communication functions by separating control plane communication (via OSC) from service signal transmission (via wavelength channels). This segmentation allows automatic discovery to occur on the OSC while wavelength channels maintain their independence and dedicated service functions
3Adaptability or versatility
If no fixed transport mechanism is provided, then implementation flexibility is improved, but network intelligence is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The OSC supervisory device provides a universal transport mechanism that handles multiple functions including automatic neighbor discovery, control plane communication, and network management. This multi-functional approach enables network intelligence while using a single standardized mechanism rather than requiring multiple specialized protocols
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for implementing an automatic discovery function in a DWDM network are provided, wherein the system includes: an optical supervisory channel (OSC) being a bi-directional physical channel, configured to transmit information through multiplexing/de-multiplexing a wavelength independent of a master optical channel with the master optical channel; a first ASON control unit, being located in a first node, configured to interact with a second ASON control unit in an adjacent second node through the OSC channel so as to obtain the information of the second ASON control unit; and the second ASON control unit, being located in the second node, configured to interact with the first ASON control unit in the adjacent first node through the OSC channel so as to obtain the information of the first ASON control unit. Thereby, using the method and system of the present invention, the automatic discovery function can be implemented through the OSC channel transmission mechanism.