In-band Network Element Control via Shared Photodiode
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Solution Overview
Problem
Large-scale networks face complexity, increased power consumption, and maintenance challenges due to the proliferation of dedicated control plane hardware and cabling, as higher data rate communication channels are less reliable for control plane communications and require handshaking processes that are not feasible without configuration data.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a network element with dual transceiver logic capable of operating at high and low data rates over shared communication channels, allowing control plane communications to be transmitted over data plane links, reducing the need for separate control plane networks by using a shared photodiode and laser module for optical signal conversion and transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a dedicated control plane network is employed, then control plane communications can be transmitted reliably, but the network complexity and hardware requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the control plane and data plane by transmitting control plane communications over the data plane communication channels. Network elements use the same physical infrastructure (fiber optic cables, transceivers) for both control and data traffic, eliminating the need for separate control plane hardware and reducing overall network complexity while maintaining reliability through protocol-level separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes communication channels universal by enabling them to serve dual purposes: carrying both control plane traffic and data plane traffic. The transceiver logic is designed to handle multiple functions - transmitting and receiving both types of communications over the same physical medium, thereby reducing the quantity of specialized hardware required.
2Productivity
If high data rate communication channels are used for control plane, then bandwidth is sufficient, but reliability decreases and handshaking processes become problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different quality characteristics to different types of traffic within the same physical channel. Control plane communications use lower data rates with higher reliability characteristics, while data plane traffic utilizes the full high data rate capacity. This local differentiation of communication quality within the shared channel ensures that control traffic maintains reliability while the overall system achieves high productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically adjusts the data rate parameter for control plane communications based on channel conditions and traffic requirements. By lowering the data rate for control traffic specifically (rather than using the maximum rate for all traffic), the system achieves more reliable transmission without sacrificing overall network productivity, as data plane traffic continues to utilize high data rates.
3Reliability
If separate control plane hardware is deployed, then control functionality is isolated and secure, but power consumption and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines control plane and data plane processing within the same network elements and shared hardware infrastructure. Transceivers, photodiodes, and laser modules are shared between control and data functions, eliminating duplicate hardware and reducing power consumption. The logical separation of control and data traffic is maintained through protocol handling rather than physical isolation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates universal network elements that can handle both control plane and data plane traffic using the same hardware resources. The transceiver logic is designed to multiplex control and data communications, allowing a single set of hardware components to perform multiple functions, thereby reducing overall power consumption and maintenance requirements while maintaining functional isolation through software and protocol layers.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach reduces the scale and complexity of control plane networks, enhances reliability through lower data rate communication channels, and enables efficient in-band control of network elements by utilizing existing data plane links for control plane data, thereby minimizing the need for additional hardware and maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
a shared photodiode for receiving optical signals over the first and second communication channels. The shared photodiode also converts received optical signals into electrical signals for processing
Implementation Method 2
A shared laser module configured to be driven by the high data rate transceiver logic and the low data rate transceiver logic is also included in the network element to output an optical signal over a fiber optic cable
Data Source
AI summary
A network element that allows in-band control of the network element includes a plurality of interfaces for connecting to other network elements. The network element includes a high data rate transceiver logic configured for transmitting and receiving communications having a first data rate over a first communication channel. The network element also includes a low data rate transceiver logic configured for transmitting and receiving communications having a second data rate that is substantially lower than the first data rate over a second communication channel. The network element further includes a shared photodiode for receiving optical signals over the first and second communication channels. The shared photodiode also converts received optical signals into electrical signals for processing by one of the high data rate transceiver logic and the low data rate transceiver logic. A shared laser module configured to be driven by the high data rate transceiver logic and the low data rate transceiver logic is also included in the network element to output an optical signal over a fiber optic cable via one of the first and second communication channels.