GMPLS Signaling Extensions for FlexE Network Automation

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a lack of automated methodologies for setting up or provisioning label switched paths within Flexible Ethernet (FlexE) Networks, which hinders efficient bandwidth management and service setup.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of GMPLS signaling extensions that configure FlexE Groups by assigning Ethernet Group Numbers and identifying Ethernet PHYs, allowing for automated setup and management of label switched paths through the GMPLS protocol, enabling nodes to reserve bandwidth and advertise available resources within the FlexE Network.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual configuration methods are used for setting up label switched paths in FlexE Networks, then setup accuracy can be maintained, but productivity is reduced and manual errors increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesetup accuracyVSAvoidservice setup efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables automated self-configuration of label switched paths through GMPLS signaling extensions. Nodes automatically exchange messages to reserve bandwidth, assign FlexE group numbers, and configure clients without manual intervention, thereby maintaining accuracy while significantly improving productivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical configuration processes with automated electronic signaling mechanisms. GMPLS protocol messages automatically perform tasks previously done manually, such as bandwidth reservation, group number assignment, and client configuration, eliminating human error while increasing setup speed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If GMPLS signaling extensions are implemented for automated setup, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomated setup capabilityVSAvoidsignaling protocol complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extends the existing GMPLS protocol framework to handle FlexE-specific functions. By reusing established GMPLS signaling mechanisms and adding FlexE-specific parameters, the solution achieves automated setup capability while leveraging the proven robustness of GMPLS, thereby managing complexity through universality rather than creating entirely new protocols

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The GMPLS signaling protocol acts as an intermediary layer between network management and FlexE configuration. It mediates the automated setup process by translating high-level service requirements into specific FlexE group number assignments and client configurations, thereby simplifying the overall system architecture while enabling automation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS10505655B2FlexE GMPLS signaling extensions

Publication Date: 2019.12.10 INFINERA CORP

AI summary

Methodologies and systems that pass signals between control planes of nodes within a FlexE Network also conforming to the Generalized Multiprotocol Label Switching (GMPLS) protocol are described. The signals passed between the control planes conform to the GMPLS protocol and comprise a FlexE Ethernet Group Number and identify at least one Ethernet PHY conforming to the requirements of IEEE 802.3-2015. The Flexible Ethernet Group Number and the at least one Ethernet PHY are stored in non-transitory memory accessible by a node within the FlexE Network. Then, the node configures a FlexE Group based upon the Flexible Ethernet Group Number and the at least one Ethernet PHY.