Ethernet Exchange Switch Fabric for Carrier Interconnection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Network carriers face inefficiencies and high costs in establishing direct connections with customers due to complex and time-consuming negotiation processes for Direct Network to Network Interconnection (D-NNI), which limits their ability to offer services competitively.
Innovation Solution
An Ethernet exchange switch fabric integrated with a web-enabled user interface that automates the interconnection of private Ethernet networks by establishing virtual circuits, allowing carriers to publish services, search for capabilities, submit quotes, initiate provisioning, and monitor connections through a web portal, thereby simplifying the process and reducing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If carriers establish Direct Network to Network Interconnection (D-NNI) to connect with customers, then service availability is improved, but the process becomes complex and time-consuming due to repeated negotiations and engineering solutions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an Ethernet exchange switch fabric as an intermediary device that enables multiple carriers to interconnect through a common platform. Instead of requiring direct D-NNI negotiations between each carrier pair, the switch fabric provides a centralized mediation point where carriers can establish virtual circuits to reach customers served by other carriers, thereby simplifying the interconnection process while maintaining service availability
Solution Approach 2:
The Ethernet exchange switch fabric serves multiple functions: it acts as a connection hub for various carriers, provides virtual circuit establishment, enables frame translation between different VLAN IDs, and supports multiple customer connections simultaneously. This multi-functional device replaces the need for multiple specialized D-NNI connections, reducing overall system complexity
2Ease of operation
If carriers install their own end-to-end wiring to service customers, then service control is improved, but costs become prohibitive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the networking resources of multiple carriers through the Ethernet exchange switch fabric. Instead of each carrier installing separate end-to-end wiring, carriers combine their existing network infrastructure and share access to the same customer locations through the common switch fabric, thereby reducing redundant infrastructure costs while maintaining service control capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The switch fabric enables carriers to independently establish virtual circuits and connect to customers served by other carriers without requiring direct bilateral negotiations. Each carrier can autonomously provision services through the common platform, reducing the operational overhead and costs associated with manual D-NNI establishment
3Adaptability or versatility
If carriers perform repeated D-NNI negotiations for each connection, then service customization is improved, but productivity decreases due to inefficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The Ethernet exchange switch fabric performs preliminary actions by pre-establishing the physical infrastructure and common communication platform before any carrier connections are needed. Carriers can then rapidly provision virtual circuits and customize services over this pre-built foundation, avoiding the need for repeated physical negotiations and engineering work for each connection
Data Source
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AI summary
A web-enabled user interface is provided to enable the carriers of private networks to interact and to offer services to one another. The web-enabled user interface is integrated to a switch fabric configured to provide interconnection services for the carriers. The web-enabled user interface is configured to enable the carriers to assign different roles to different representatives. Each of the representatives is granted certain rights and permissions by an administrator representative based on the representative's role. The web-enabled user interface is configured to present to each representative a unique interface based on their roles thus providing each representative a unique experience.