IP Backbone Spare Capacity Utilization via Dynamic Standby Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
In IP backbone networks, spare capacity allocated for network failures remains largely idle due to the infrequent occurrence of severe failures, and is not utilized under normal conditions, despite being designed to accommodate all traffic types including 'best effort' services.
Innovation Solution
A method and system to determine and utilize spare link capacity by establishing a standby network within the existing IP backbone network, routing traffic marked for the secondary logical network through this standby network, thereby maximizing the utilization of previously unused spare capacities without affecting the quality of service.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If spare capacity is allocated for network failures, then network reliability is improved, but resource utilization deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic capacity allocation where links can switch between primary and standby roles based on network conditions. The standby network is not permanently idle but dynamically activated when primary links fail, and dynamically utilized for best effort traffic when primary links are operational. This dynamic switching resolves the contradiction by making the capacity allocation adaptive rather than static.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the spare capacity multi-functional by allowing it to serve dual purposes: (1) provide backup capacity for network failure recovery, and (2) carry best effort traffic during normal operations. This universal usage of the same physical resources for multiple functions resolves the contradiction between maintaining reliability through spare capacity and maximizing resource utilization.
2Stability of the object's composition
If spare capacity is provisioned for failure recovery, then network stability is improved, but productivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the functional role of standby links based on real-time network conditions. When the primary network is stable and operational, standby links carry best effort traffic to maximize productivity. When failures occur, the system dynamically switches to use standby links for recovery, maintaining stability. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between stability and productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent ensures continuous useful action by keeping standby links actively carrying best effort traffic during normal operations, rather than leaving them completely idle. This continuous utilization maintains productivity while the standby capacity remains available for stability purposes when needed, resolving the contradiction between maintaining stability through provisioning and achieving productivity through utilization.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods and computer-readable media for utilizing spare link capacities of links within a communications network are described. According to one aspect, a method for utilizing spare network capacity on a communications network includes determining a spare capacity of a plurality of links within the communications network. Upon determining the spare capacity of the plurality of links, a portion of the plurality of links according to the spare capacity of the plurality of links is selected. A standby network including the selected portion of the plurality of links is established, and traffic is routed through the standby network.