Emulating ENNI Boundaries Using INNI Interfaces in Optical Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ENNI standards are immature compared to INNI features, leading to inefficiencies in scaling control planes and interconnecting multiple domains, with advanced proprietary features not being effectively ported across.
Innovation Solution
The system and method for creating administrative boundaries in a single domain optical network by emulating an External network-network interface (ENNI) using Internal-Network to Network Interface (INNI), allowing for call segmentation and restoration across designated links, which can be treated as either INNI or ENNI for advanced feature utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If ENNI standards are used to interconnect multiple domains, then domain interworking is achieved, but the control plane features and functionality are limited due to immature standards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where INNI interfaces are used within domains to provide advanced control plane features, while ENNI interfaces maintain standard-compliant domain boundaries. This intermediary approach allows proprietary INNI features to operate internally without requiring changes to external ENNI standards, thus resolving the contradiction between feature versatility and standard maturity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the network interface functionality by distinguishing between ENNI interfaces at domain boundaries and INNI interfaces within domains. This segmentation allows each interface type to operate with its appropriate feature set - ENNI for standardized inter-domain communication and INNI for advanced intra-domain features - thereby maintaining both standard compliance and feature richness.
2Adaptability or versatility
If INNI features are used within domains, then advanced functionality is achieved, but porting these features to ENNI is inefficient and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by allowing different interface types (INNI vs ENNI) to have different feature sets appropriate to their location and function. INNI interfaces within domains utilize advanced proprietary features, while ENNI interfaces at boundaries maintain standardized functionality. This localized approach eliminates the need to port INNI features to ENNI, as each interface type is optimized for its specific context.
3Area of stationary object
If control planes are scaled to connect multiple domains, then network expandability is achieved, but administrative boundary management becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by using the same INNI interface type for both intra-domain communication and for representing administrative boundaries within the control plane. This multi-functional approach allows the control plane to treat all interfaces uniformly while still enforcing administrative boundaries through logical designations, simplifying boundary management as the network scales without requiring complex boundary-specific interface types.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides systems and methods for administrative boundaries in a single domain optical network such as emulation of an External network-network interface (ENNI) using an Internal-Network to Network Interface (INNI). For example, in a single monolithic domain, a network and associated network elements may discover network elements, build topology, compute paths, establish new calls, etc. A user may identify/mark specific links as emulated “ENNI” links with the specific links actually being INNI links. As a call traverses this emulated link, a new call is initiated (much in the same way a new call segment would be created for a call). Signaling proceeds as normal. When the call set-up is fully complete, instead of a single call segment, many call segments exists. Advantageously, this allows use of INNI control plane features while allowing a network operator to future-proof their network by installing call segments at future boundary points.