Elastic Optical Network Path Selection for Premium Traffic
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current elastic optical networking technologies do not fully utilize their potential for efficient bandwidth management and traffic prioritization, particularly in handling premium traffic, leading to suboptimal network performance and resource allocation.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that determine and utilize the elastic capabilities of optical server networks to select paths based on the amount of premium traffic, allowing for dynamic reconfiguration of symbol rate, modulation format, and channel spacing to ensure priority traffic is restored even when capacity is limited, using a control plane protocol and user network interface to communicate traffic information and manage network resources effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If elastic optical networking is used to provide flexible bandwidth channels, then bandwidth allocation flexibility is improved, but network complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the optical network into distinct functional layers: the client network layer handling packet routing and the elastic optical server network layer handling wavelength-level bandwidth allocation. This segmentation allows each layer to operate independently with its own control mechanisms, improving bandwidth flexibility without overwhelming the entire network with complexity. The client network requests bandwidth as needed, and the server network provides it through elastic optical paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary control mechanism that mediates between the client network and the elastic optical server network. This intermediary handles the complex tasks of bandwidth calculation, path selection, and resource allocation, translating high-level bandwidth requests into detailed optical network configurations. By centralizing these control functions, the patent manages network complexity while maintaining flexible bandwidth allocation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If rate-tunable optical interfaces are used to allow different optical line rates, then traffic adaptation capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements rate-tunable optical interfaces that can dynamically adjust their transmission rates based on actual traffic demands. Instead of using fixed-rate interfaces, the optical transponders can change their line rates adaptively, allowing the network to optimize performance for different traffic conditions. This dynamic capability improves traffic adaptation while the control plane manages the complexity of rate changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes key operational parameters of the optical interfaces, specifically the line rate and modulation format, to adapt to different traffic requirements. By allowing these parameters to be adjusted based on traffic conditions, the network achieves better traffic adaptation. The control plane manages these parameter changes, balancing flexibility with manageable complexity.
3Use of energy by moving object
If elastic optical networking is used for power saving, then energy efficiency is improved, but control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic monitoring and adjustment of network traffic patterns to identify periods of low or no traffic. During these periods, the elastic optical network can be configured to reduce power consumption by lowering transmission rates or shutting down unused resources. This periodic assessment allows the network to save energy while the control plane manages the complexity of implementing and coordinating these power-saving actions across the network.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method of determining a path in an optical server network (31) comprises obtaining an indication of an amount of premium traffic from a client network (21). The method further comprises considering paths (48) utilising an elastic capability of one or more network elements (30) of the optical server network, and selecting a path from the considered paths, wherein the path is selected based at least partially on having at least a capacity to carry the amount of premium traffic.