Dynamic CFM Attribute Adjustment for Carrier Ethernet OAM

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing Carrier Ethernet systems require static reconfigurations for Operations, Administration, and Maintenance (OAM) functions, which add complexity and make it difficult to protect service traffic, especially during large-scale proactive sessions.

Innovation Solution

Implementing dynamic configurations for OAM functions, such as modifying attributes of Connectivity Fault Management (CFM) frames, including transmission intervals and threshold counts, without causing traffic loss or loss of OAM visibility, based on data from other network elements, using vendor-specific or organization-specific Protocol Data Units (PDUs).

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If static reconfiguration is used for OAM functions, then configuration stability is maintained, but system complexity increases and service traffic protection becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfiguration stabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic reconfiguration of OAM functions, allowing CFM attributes and MEP configurations to be modified in real-time without static reconfiguration. This enables the system to adapt configurations dynamically while maintaining stability through controlled change management, thereby reducing system complexity associated with static reconfiguration procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the state of CFM parameters from static to dynamic, allowing attributes such as transmission intervals, threshold counts, and MEP configurations to be modified without requiring static reconfiguration. This parameter flexibility resolves the contradiction by enabling stable operation through controlled parameter adjustments rather than complex static reconfiguration procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If static reconfiguration is performed for large-scale proactive service OAM sessions, then configuration management is simplified, but service traffic protection is compromised and time consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfiguration managementVSAvoidtime consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements protection mechanisms that are prepared in advance but activated dynamically only when needed. Maintenance entities and protection configurations are pre-established, allowing rapid response to service traffic protection requirements without requiring time-consuming static reconfiguration during actual protection events.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from static to dynamic configuration management, allowing OAM parameters to be adjusted in real-time based on network conditions and service requirements. This dynamic approach reduces time consumption by eliminating the need for lengthy static reconfiguration procedures while maintaining ease of operation through automated control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If dynamic configurations are implemented for OAM functions, then system adaptability and scalability are improved, but configuration stability may be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem adaptabilityVSAvoidconfiguration stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic parameter adjustment for CFM functions, allowing attributes such as transmission intervals, threshold counts, and MEP configurations to be modified based on network conditions. This parameter flexibility enhances system adaptability while maintaining stability through controlled change management and validation mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor network conditions and automatically adjust OAM configurations accordingly. This feedback-driven approach ensures that dynamic parameter changes are made only when necessary and appropriate, maintaining configuration stability while improving system adaptability to changing network conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS10623293B2Systems and methods for dynamic operations, administration, and management

Publication Date: 2020.04.14 CIENA CORP

AI summary

Systems and methods with dynamic Connectivity Fault Management (CFM) and Continuity Check Messages (CCMs) that enable dynamic configurations to avoid limitations associated with static reconfigurations. Variously, a network, a method, and a network element are configured to implement a dynamic CFM method for dynamic notifications and actions taken based thereon between Maintenance End Points (MEPs). The systems and methods may also include a CCM attribute adjustment method between two MEPs, a CCM suspension and/or resumption method between two MEPs, and a MEP auto-discovery and leaving method. Advantageously, the systems and methods may be utilized in a variety of contexts including controlled maintenance, in-service software upgrades, network congestion, discovery of new remote MEPs, and the like to enable dynamic configurations between MEPs. The systems and methods may also apply to Carrier Ethernet, Multiprotocol Label Switching-Transport Profile (MPLS-TP), and the like.