Hardware-Assisted Fault Relay for Sub-50ms Optical Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional optical networks face challenges in implementing 1+1 optical protection switching based on fault monitoring at Layer 1, as existing methods rely solely on Layer 0 monitoring, which is insufficient in certain configurations, leading to inefficiencies in fault detection and signal switching.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that utilize a head-end and tail-end node with node controllers and line modules to generate and forward fault packets across the network, using packet forwarding circuitry and processor-executable instructions to switch optical signals between working and protection paths within 50 milliseconds, leveraging hardware-assisted forwarding to minimize propagation time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If 1+1 optical protection switching is implemented based on Layer 0 fault monitoring, then the switching can be performed, but the fault detection is insufficient in certain optical configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the monitoring function across multiple layers (Layer 0 optical monitoring and Layer 1 digital monitoring) and distributes fault detection responsibilities to different network elements (line modules, node controllers, optical protection switching modules). This segmentation enables more comprehensive fault detection coverage while maintaining manageable complexity through modular architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces fault packets as an intermediary mechanism that carries fault information from Line Modules through Node Controllers to Optical Protection Switching Modules. These packets serve as mediators that enable Layer 1 fault monitoring without requiring direct complex interconnections between all monitoring components, thus improving detection reliability while controlling system complexity.
2Reliability
If fault information is propagated across communication domains, then network resilience is enhanced, but propagation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring packet forwarding information in forwarding tables at each network element before faults occur. When a fault is detected, the fault packet can be immediately forwarded using pre-established routing information, eliminating the need for real-time route calculation and significantly reducing propagation time while maintaining network resilience.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical or software-based fault signaling mechanisms with a packet-based digital communication system. This substitution enables faster, more reliable fault information propagation across communication domains by utilizing optimized packet forwarding through hardware-assisted forwarding tables, reducing propagation delays compared to conventional methods.
3Reliability
If optical signals are switched between working and protection paths, then service continuity is maintained, but switching speed must be sub-50ms to minimize downtime
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-establishing packet forwarding tables with routing information for both working and protection paths before faults occur. The Optical Protection Switching Module can immediately switch optical signals to the protection path upon receiving fault packets, without requiring real-time route computation, achieving sub-50ms switching times while maintaining service continuity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements skipping by bypassing traditional sequential fault processing steps through hardware-assisted packet forwarding. The fault packet routing uses pre-computed forwarding tables to rapidly direct fault information and trigger switching decisions, rushing through the protection switching process in under 50 milliseconds to minimize service interruption while ensuring continuity.
Data Source
AI summary
Optical networks and nodes are described herein, including an optical network comprising a head-end node and a tail-end node. A line module of the head-end node receives fault information, generates a fault packet, and sends the fault packet to a first node controller identified by first packet forwarding information included in a packet header of the fault packet. The first node controller retrieves second packet forwarding information using the first packet forwarding information, updates the packet header, and sends the fault packet to the tail-end node identified by the second packet forwarding information. A second node controller of the tail-end node retrieves third packet forwarding information using the second packet forwarding information, updates the packet header, and sends the fault packet to an optical protection switching module (OPSM) of the tail-end node identified by the second packet forwarding information. The OPSM switches an optical switch based on the fault information.