Hybrid Packet-Optical EPLAN With Dedicated Virtual Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current Ethernet Private LAN solutions are operationally challenging and expensive due to the need for separate physical Ethernet networks or shared Layer 2 implementations, which do not provide adequate partitioning and efficiency, especially for large enterprises requiring dedicated and private connectivity.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid packet-optical network system with dedicated virtual switching instances and a Layer 1 infrastructure, allowing for a private Ethernet Private Local Area Network (EPLAN) that bypasses shared packet fabrics and uses Optical Transport Network (OTN) switching for efficient multi-point connectivity, managed through Software Defined Networking (SDN) for enhanced resilience and autonomy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate physical Ethernet networks are used for each Ethernet private LAN service, then dedicated connectivity and partitioning are achieved, but device complexity and operational challenges increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network infrastructure into separate Layer 1 optical transport paths while sharing Layer 2 packet switching resources. Each Ethernet private LAN service gets dedicated optical connectivity through separate EPLs, while the packet fabric is shared among multiple services through virtual switching instances, resolving the contradiction between dedicated connectivity and overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges Layer 1 optical transport with Layer 2 packet switching in a hybrid architecture. The optical layer provides dedicated physical separation for reliability, while the packet layer provides shared virtual switching for efficiency. This combination allows multiple Ethernet private LAN services to coexist on shared infrastructure while maintaining dedicated connectivity at the optical level
2Device complexity
If shared Layer 2 implementations are used, then device complexity is reduced, but partitioning and dedicated bandwidth allocation are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds a new dimension of separation at the optical layer (Layer 1) while maintaining sharing at the packet layer (Layer 2). This dimensional approach allows dedicated bandwidth allocation through separate optical paths while using shared packet switching fabric, achieving both simplicity and dedicated resources simultaneously
3Ease of operation
If Ethernet bridges participate in single network topology, then Layer 2 forwarding is simplified, but tandem traffic through bridges causes inefficient use of packet fabric
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts Layer 2 forwarding functionality from traditional Ethernet bridges and relocates it to dedicated virtual switching instances. This allows traffic to bypass the general packet fabric through optical switching at Layer 1, eliminating inefficient tandem traffic processing while maintaining simple Layer 2 forwarding for services that require it
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides hybrid packet-optical private network systems and methods for a private and dedicated multi-point Ethernet Private Local Area Network (EPLAN). The network systems and methods include a Layer 1 infrastructure service with the inclusion of reserved, dedicated packet switch capacity upon which clients can build their personal, private packet networks. In the systems and methods described herein, packet networking methods are not used to partition the isolated LAN connectivity. Instead, dedicated Ethernet Private LANs (EPLs) are defined between dedicated virtual switching instances (VSIs) that are defined, as necessary, within larger packet-optical switches. Each VSI is partitioned from the remainder of its packet switch fabric as a dedicated, private resource for a specific EPLAN. A packet network is then built by the customer on top of the private EPLAN bandwidth and operated as an isolated, private network with no influence by other carrier's network resources.