Hybrid Packet-Optical Network Dedicated EPL Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current Ethernet Private LAN solutions are operationally challenging and expensive due to the need for separate physical networks or shared Layer 2 implementations, which lead to inefficient use of packet resources and increased costs, especially in large networks with varying bandwidth demands.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid packet-optical private network system that uses Optical Transport Network for optical/time division multiplexing switching and Ethernet for packet switching, with dedicated Optical channel Data Units at Layer 1 and virtual switching instances at Layer 2, allowing for dedicated, multiplexed connections and flexible rerouting in case of failures, managed by customers with limited provider visibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate physical Ethernet networks are used for each Ethernet private LAN service, then dedicated connectivity is provided, but device complexity and operational cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple Ethernet private LAN services onto a single shared physical Ethernet infrastructure. Virtual switching instances partition the shared packet switch fabric to provide dedicated Layer 2 connectivity for each service, eliminating the need for separate physical networks while maintaining dedicated service isolation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the shared packet switch fabric into multiple virtual switching instances, each dedicated to a specific Ethernet private LAN service. This logical segmentation provides dedicated connectivity and isolation for each service while sharing the underlying physical infrastructure.
2Productivity
If shared Layer 2 implementation is used on common Ethernet infrastructure, then resource utilization improves, but packet resource efficiency deteriorates due to tandem traffic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the packet switch fabric into dedicated virtual switching instances for each Ethernet private LAN service. This ensures that packet resources are efficiently utilized by directing traffic only through the necessary virtual switching instances, eliminating wasteful tandem traffic forwarding through unnecessary switches.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes tandem traffic from the packet switching path by implementing direct optical bypass connections for degree-2 sites. This eliminates unnecessary packet processing and forwarding through intermediate switches, improving packet resource efficiency while maintaining service connectivity.
3Stability of the object's composition
If all Ethernet bridges participate in single network topology with spanning tree protocol, then loop-free forwarding is achieved, but productivity decreases due to inefficient packet fabric usage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network into multiple virtual switching instances, each with its own dedicated topology. This allows each Ethernet private LAN service to have an optimized loop-free topology without constraining other services, improving packet fabric efficiency by eliminating unnecessary spanning tree constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts degree-2 sites from the Layer 2 switching function and implements direct optical bypass connections. This removes unnecessary spanning tree protocol participation and packet fabric traversal for transit traffic, improving overall packet fabric efficiency while maintaining loop-free forwarding for services that require it.
4Reliability
If dedicated EPL services are implemented over WDM or OTN technologies, then bandwidth is dedicated at Layer 1, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the packet switch fabric into virtual switching instances that provide Layer 2 dedication for each Ethernet private LAN service. This achieves dedicated bandwidth and service isolation at Layer 2 without requiring complex Layer 1 dedicated infrastructure such as WDM or OTN technologies.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical Layer 1 dedicated infrastructure (WDM, OTN) with a virtualized Layer 2 approach using virtual switching instances. This substitution achieves the same dedicated service goals with simpler, more flexible Ethernet-based infrastructure.
Data Source
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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.