Ethernet CFM Extensions for Automatic Pseudowire Reconfiguration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current Ethernet Connectivity Fault Management (CFM) systems require cumbersome re-provisioning of pseudowire services when hardware changes occur, such as line card replacements, leading to complex interdependencies and scalability issues, as network operators are not accustomed to provisioning MAC addresses across their networks.
Innovation Solution
Extension of CFM messaging mechanisms to enable the exchange and processing of service attributes, including Media Access Control (MAC) addresses, allowing for automatic re-configuration of pseudowire services without involving OSS/EMS/NMS in pre-provisioning, and supporting dynamic attribute sharing between network elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual re-provisioning of pseudowire services is performed when hardware changes occur, then network connectivity can be maintained, but the process becomes cumbersome and error-prone due to complex interdependencies
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automatic re-provisioning of pseudowire services by having network elements exchange and process service attributes autonomously. When hardware changes occur, the affected network element automatically discovers new attributes and re-configures services without manual intervention, eliminating the cumbersome re-provisioning process while maintaining connectivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where network elements continuously exchange service attribute information through extended CFM messages. This feedback loop allows the system to automatically detect hardware changes and trigger re-provisioning actions, reducing operator involvement and minimizing misconfiguration errors.
2Ease of manufacture
If MAC addresses are pre-provisioned across the network, then pseudowire services can be established, but scalability issues arise when numerous services need to be managed
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of pre-provisioning all MAC addresses across the network, the system performs preliminary actions only when needed - specifically, exchanging service attributes automatically when hardware changes occur. This on-demand approach maintains ease of service establishment while avoiding the scalability problems of managing numerous pre-provisioned attributes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of attribute management from static pre-provisioning to dynamic exchange. Network elements automatically update service attributes like MAC addresses when hardware changes occur, allowing the system to scale to numerous services without requiring operators to manage all attributes upfront.
3Device complexity
If tunnel attributes are associated with hardware rather than service, then hardware configuration is simplified, but re-provisioning becomes necessary whenever hardware is replaced
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically handles the re-provisioning process by having network elements exchange service attributes autonomously after hardware replacement. This self-service mechanism eliminates the manual re-provisioning time while maintaining the hardware-associated attribute model, as the system automatically discovers and propagates new hardware attributes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary automatic discovery and exchange of service attributes immediately after hardware changes. This preliminary action occurs before services are affected, minimizing disruption and eliminating the need for manual re-provisioning time while keeping the configuration process simple.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides systems and methods for Ethernet Connectivity Fault Management (CFM) extensions to provide a CFM messaging mechanism for support of information exchange and the like, in addition to end-to-end connectivity and fault management. In an exemplary embodiment, the present invention utilizes CFM extensions to provide Pseudowire (PW) MAC addressing. Here, the present invention can enable the exchanging of MAC addresses and other attributes for PDH pseudowire transport. Advantageously, this avoids involving the OSS/EMS/NMS in pre-provisioning these necessary but arbitrary attributes across the network elements supporting a pseudowire service. Also, the present invention can be extended to support numerous other applications involving sharing of attributes between nodes over the extensions provided herein.