Flex Ethernet DCN Packet Processing for Automated Network Device Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for configuring flexible Ethernet networks require manual intervention, leading to increased manpower, material, and maintenance costs, as well as reduced efficiency due to complex parameter settings and potential configuration errors when adding new network elements.
Innovation Solution
A method for establishing a channel between a network device and a network management system without manual configuration, utilizing a DCN packet processing technique that encapsulates packets into a Flex Ethernet overhead multiframe and sends them over a physical link, allowing the network management system to perceive and manage new network devices automatically.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual Flex Eth configuration is performed on newly added NEs, then the NEs can establish DCN channels with the NMS, but manpower costs, material costs, and operation and maintenance costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The newly added NE automatically generates DCN packets and establishes communication channels with the NMS without requiring manual configuration. The NE self-configures the Flex Eth parameters by receiving configuration information from directly connected NEs through automatic detection and learning mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The directly connected NEs pre-configure their Flex Eth parameters before the new NE arrives. When the new NE is added, it automatically learns and copies these pre-configured parameters, eliminating the need for on-site manual configuration and reducing construction costs
2Reliability
If multiple Flex Eth parameters are manually configured, then the NE can communicate with the NMS, but the configuration process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The new NE automatically copies Flex Eth configuration parameters from directly connected NEs through parameter learning and replication. This copying mechanism eliminates the need for technicians to manually configure multiple complex parameters, significantly reducing configuration time while ensuring communication capability
3Reliability
If manual configuration is performed on site, then the NE can be integrated into the network, but configuration errors may occur requiring reconfiguration
Solution Approach 1:
The NMS monitors the DCN packet transmission and provides feedback on the status of newly added NEs. If configuration errors occur, the system automatically detects them and triggers reconfiguration through the same automatic parameter learning mechanism, eliminating the need for manual error correction and reducing reconfiguration requirements
4Reliability
If Flex Eth mode is enabled on all NEs, then DCN packet exchange is possible, but the network construction complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The NE is designed with multi-functionality to operate in both standard Ethernet mode and Flex Eth mode. The physical interface can automatically switch between modes, and the control unit can adaptively select the appropriate communication protocol, reducing network construction complexity while maintaining DCN packet exchange capability
Data Source
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AI summary
This application provides a DCN packet processing method, a network device, and a network system. The DCN packet processing method includes: generating, by a network device, a first DCN packet whose destination address is an IP address of an NMS, loading the first DCN packet into a Flex Eth overhead multiframe, and sending, over a physical link, the Flex Eth overhead multiframe to a network device that has accessed a network, so that the network device that has accessed the network extracts the first DCN packet, and sends the first DCN packet to the NMS based on the destination address, so as to enable the NMS to perceive that a new network device accesses the network. This process does not require a technician to perform on-site manual configuration and operation and maintenance on the network device that newly accesses the network, thereby reducing manpower, material, and operation and maintenance costs. In addition, a process in which the first DCN packet is sent over the physical link requires no manual operation and is not likely to encounter an error, so that network accessing efficiency of the network device is further improved.