Fault Isolation in Heterogeneous Optical Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
In complex and sophisticated networks, isolating error sources to identify faulty hardware is challenging due to varied devices, vendors, and lack of viable methods for evaluating fault indications in hierarchical or canonical heterogeneous optical networks, leading to difficulties in determining the root cause of errors.
Innovation Solution
A system that processes fault indications using a chain of rules linked into a binary decision path based on device rules and a data flow model to isolate faults to specific ports, adapting to unique devices and network types, and employing proven decision-making algorithms for effective fault isolation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If devices in heterogeneous optical networks indicate faults using various services and mechanisms, then fault detection capability is improved, but determining operational relevance and root sources becomes increasingly difficult due to device variety and lack of standardized evaluation methods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal fault indication evaluation mechanism that works across heterogeneous devices from multiple vendors. The system uses standardized rules and data flow models that can evaluate fault indications from any device type, making the evaluation process universal rather than device-specific. This resolves the contradiction by enabling broad fault detection while maintaining consistent evaluation complexity through standardization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms fault indication evaluation from a device-specific process to a parameter-based standardized process. By defining specific evaluation parameters, rules, and decision paths that apply uniformly across different device types, the system changes the nature of evaluation from complex and varied to systematic and manageable, reducing the complexity associated with device heterogeneity.
2Productivity
If networks use cut-through routing technology to improve data transmission speed, then productivity is improved, but fault isolation becomes more difficult as errors can propagate through multiple hops without being detected at intermediate points
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary fault isolation system that sits between the cut-through routing infrastructure and the fault management process. This intermediary system uses standardized rules and evaluation mechanisms to detect and isolate faults even in fast-moving cut-through routing environments where traditional detection methods fail. The intermediary captures fault indications from various points and processes them through systematic evaluation, enabling fault isolation without slowing down the high-speed data transmission.
3Loss of time
If devices prioritize certain fault indications over others, then response time to critical faults is improved, but complete fault assessment is compromised as some faults may be overlooked
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by establishing a comprehensive set of evaluation rules and data flow models before fault indications arrive. The system is pre-configured to evaluate all possible fault indications systematically, ensuring that no fault is overlooked due to prioritization schemes. Critical faults are identified and responded to quickly through the predefined rules, while maintaining complete assessment coverage through the exhaustive evaluation framework.
Data Source
AI summary
A system to isolate a fault to a particular port from among multiple ports in a network. The network typically has a plurality of devices including hosts, storage units, and switch groups that intercommunicate via transceivers. A fault indication is received from one or more of the devices in the network. The fault indication is then processed with a chain of fault indication rules that have been linked together into a binary decision path based on a set of device rules and a data flow model for the network. This permits determining the particular port responsible for the fault, and reporting that port to a user of the network.