Dynamic Path Protection in Optical Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional approaches for protecting against failures in optical networks within IP topologies often result in failures of routing adjacencies, which are slower to address than optical network failures, and do not effectively isolate services.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for dynamic path protection in optical networks that establishes multiple paths within the optical network, groups them into bundles recognized as a single routing adjacency in the IP network, and dynamically selects new paths to maintain diversity and optimality during topology changes or failures, using a control plane and data plane protection mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional protection approaches are used in optical networks, then routing adjacencies are protected, but the protection is slow and does not effectively isolate services
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network into optical layer and IP layer with independent protection mechanisms. The optical layer uses fast RRA (Restoration Routing Algorithm) for local restoration, while the IP layer uses traditional IGP (Interior Gateway Protocol) for routing adjacency protection. This segmentation allows the optical layer to handle failures independently without triggering slow IP layer convergence, thus achieving service isolation and reducing convergence time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (the optical layer protection system) that sits between the physical optical network and the IP routing layer. This intermediary provides fast local restoration capability, preventing optical failures from propagating to the IP layer and causing routing adjacency failures. The intermediary absorbs the impact of optical failures, allowing the IP layer to maintain stable routing adjacencies.
2Reliability
If multiple paths are established for protection, then reliability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple optical paths into a single logical routing adjacency in the IP layer. By bundling multiple protected paths together and presenting them as one logical entity to the IP routing protocol, the system achieves path protection diversity while simplifying IP layer device complexity. The IP layer devices only need to manage one logical adjacency rather than multiple individual paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service through automated path computation and selection algorithms that operate at the optical layer. The system automatically establishes working and protecting paths, monitors their status, and performs fast restoration without requiring manual intervention or complex IP layer device involvement. This automation reduces device complexity while maintaining high reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for dynamic protection of virtual links for paths of an optical network in communication with an IP network are disclosed. The method includes establishing two or more paths within the optical network and grouping the paths in a dynamic bundle. The grouping is selected at a control plane level and the bundle of paths are recognized as a single routing adjacency in the IP network so that as long as one or more paths within the bundle is operating, the routing adjacency in the IP network is not affected by changes within the bundle.