IP/MPLS Intra-Connect Routers for Multi-Plane Network Scaling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Telecommunication networks face challenges in scaling their capacity to meet growing demands for data services without exceeding the limitations of current optical switch technology, leading to the need for costly and inefficient optical bundling.
Innovation Solution
The architecture introduces multiple network planes connected by IP/MPLS intra-connect routers, allowing each plane to operate within the maximum optical load capacity of its optical switches without bundling, and a management system to dynamically route traffic across these planes, thereby increasing overall network capacity and reducing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If optical bundling is used to increase network capacity, then the network can handle higher data demands, but capital and operational expenses increase and the solution becomes inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The network is segmented into multiple independent network planes (first network plane, second network plane, etc.), each capable of operating within the maximum optical load capacity of its optical switches without requiring bundling. This segmentation allows the network to scale capacity by adding planes rather than bundling optical fibers, thereby reducing capital and operational expenses while maintaining cost efficiency.
2Productivity
If a single network plane is used, then the network structure is simple, but the network cannot scale capacity without exceeding optical switch limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a single-dimensional network structure to a multi-dimensional architecture by adding network planes as an additional dimension. Instead of increasing capacity within a single plane (which would require optical bundling and exceed switch capacity), the system adds planes vertically, allowing each plane to operate independently within its optical switch capacity limits while collectively providing scalable network capacity.
3Productivity
If optical bundling is implemented to meet growing data demands, then network capacity increases, but the solution becomes costly and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the network into multiple planes, each plane can be optimized for specific data services and operated within the efficient capacity range of optical switches. This eliminates the need for optical bundling, which consumes additional energy and resources, thereby reducing operational inefficiencies while maintaining high data service capacity through coordinated operation of multiple planes.
Data Source
AI summary
An architecture is provided for a core network of a service provider. Intra-connect routers operate multiprotocol label switching under Internet protocol for packets. Network planes are coupled in parallel to the intra-connect routers to form the core network for the service provider. Each of the network planes is defined by a maximum optical load capacity of an optical switch.