GMPLS Multi-Stage Label for Optical Channel Data Unit Path Setup
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mechanisms for setting up optical channel data unit label switched paths in GMPLS systems require separate paths for each multiplexing level, leading to increased database storage and signaling complexity due to the need for multiple optical channel data unit label switched paths within the multiplexing hierarchy.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method to reserve time slots for multiple types of signals across a multiplexing hierarchy using a multi-stage label, which reduces the number of optical channel data unit label switched paths by allowing shared resource utilization and compact encoding of tributary slot information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If separate optical channel data unit label switched paths are created for each multiplexing level, then resource allocation is simplified, but the number of label switched paths and database storage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate label switched paths at different multiplexing levels into a single unified label switched path. The GMPLS signaling mechanism allows time slots for multiple signal types (ODU0, ODU1, ODU2, etc.) to be reserved within one path, eliminating the need to create separate paths for each multiplexing level while maintaining proper resource allocation
Solution Approach 2:
The unified label switched path is designed to handle multiple signal types and multiplexing levels simultaneously. The path can carry ODU0, ODU1, ODU2, and other optical channel data units through time-division multiplexing, making a single path serve multiple functions that previously required separate dedicated paths
2Ease of operation
If separate optical channel data unit label switched paths are created for each multiplexing level, then signal routing is simplified, but signaling complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the signaling process into hierarchical stages using multi-stage labels. The GMPLS signaling message includes label information for multiple multiplexing levels (first stage label for ODUk, second stage label for ODTUj, third stage label for ODUi), allowing complex routing to be broken down into manageable segments that can be processed independently at each node
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary signaling mechanism that carries multi-stage label information through the network. This intermediary signaling message structure allows nodes to process routing decisions at each multiplexing level without requiring complete knowledge of all lower-level paths, reducing overall signaling complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A method comprising the steps of receiving, with circuitry at a first node, a signal indicative of a request to set up an optical channel data unit label switched path between the first node and a second node in a network. Time slots for a plurality of types of signals to be transmitted from the first node to the second node are reserved, and a set up message is transmitted from the first node to the second node. The set up message identifies the plurality of signal types and the reserved time slots. The optical channel data unit label switched path is then provided between the first and second nodes.