In-skin WDM Path Computation for Optical Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
In modern optical communications networks, lower-cost nodes lack resources to implement and maintain centralized control-plane based topology discovery and route computation, leading to increased complexity and inefficiency, especially as networks grow in size and complexity.
Innovation Solution
Instantiating a Path Computation Element (PCE) function at each regeneration site in the network, which maintains a reach table and uses a Recursive Path Computation algorithm to compute end-to-end routes through the physical layer, enabling distributed 'in-skin' path computation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a centralized PCE is used to compute end-to-end paths, then path computation accuracy is improved, but network management complexity and resource burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the network into multiple sub-domains, each managed by a local PCE instance at regeneration sites. This segmentation allows distributed path computation within each sub-domain while reducing the burden on any single centralized controller, thereby maintaining computation accuracy locally while simplifying overall network management.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a hierarchical dimension to path computation by implementing PCE functions at multiple levels - local PCE instances at regeneration sites for sub-domain computation, and centralized PCE for end-to-end path computation. This multi-dimensional approach distributes computational load across different hierarchical levels, reducing management complexity while maintaining accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If OSPF-like topology discovery is extended to the physical layer, then route computation accuracy is improved, but resource requirements and messaging burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the topology discovery and path computation functions from the control plane and implements them separately at regeneration sites in the data plane. This extraction allows physical layer topology information to be collected and processed locally without requiring extensive LSA messaging across the entire network, reducing messaging burden while maintaining computation accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
Each regeneration site autonomously discovers and maintains its local physical layer topology information and computes paths within its sub-domain without requiring continuous messaging from other network nodes. This self-service approach reduces the overall messaging volume while ensuring accurate local route computation.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of managing an optical communication network having a plurality of nodes, the plurality of nodes including at least one regeneration site. A respective Path Computation Element (PCE) function is instantiated and associated with each regeneration site in the network. Each PCE function maintains a reach table containing information of viable optical paths extending from transceivers of its regeneration site. The PCE function implements a Recursive Path Computation algorithm to compute end-to-end routes through a physical layer of the network.