Local Span Mesh Restoration for Network Link Recovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional Mesh Restoration methods in communication networks are inefficient due to high restoration times and scalability limitations, especially with increased number of hops, and generate excessive signaling and management events.
Innovation Solution
The Local Span Mesh Restoration (LSMR) method detects failed lines within a link and maps sub-network connections (SNCs) to alternate lines within the same link, reducing the need for source node intervention and minimizing message transmission, allowing for faster and more scalable network recovery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional Mesh Restoration method is used to restore SNC, then the SNC can be recovered, but the restoration time increases significantly as the number of hops increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the restoration process into two distinct phases: (1) local span restoration at the link level between adjacent nodes, and (2) end-to-end path restoration at the network level. This segmentation allows the time-consuming signaling and path recalculation to be performed only once at the network level, rather than being propagated through every intermediate node, thus reducing overall restoration time while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary local span restoration at adjacent nodes before initiating end-to-end path restoration. By pre-establishing local alternate paths and preparing restoration resources in advance, the system reduces the time required for complete SNC recovery when failures occur, as the bulk of the restoration work is already completed locally
2Reliability
If conventional Mesh Restoration method is used, then SNC recovery is achieved, but the number of signaling messages and management events increases with network size
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the restoration signaling into two segmented processes: local span restoration signaling between adjacent nodes, and end-to-end path restoration signaling at the network level. This segmentation concentrates the majority of signaling messages at the boundaries of the affected span rather than propagating them through all intermediate nodes, thereby reducing overall signaling overhead and management event generation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the restoration signaling function from intermediate nodes and concentrates it at the network level for end-to-end path restoration. By removing the burden of complex restoration signaling from intermediate nodes and performing it centrally, the system reduces the number of signaling messages and management events that intermediate nodes must process and forward
3Reliability
If conventional Mesh Restoration method is used, then SNC can be restored, but scalability of nodes and management stations is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the restoration responsibility between local nodes and the network, allowing local nodes to handle simple span-level restoration independently while the network handles end-to-end path restoration. This segmentation enables local nodes to scale independently without being burdened by complex restoration logic, improving overall network scalability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables local nodes to perform self-service restoration by automatically detecting link failures and executing local span restoration without requiring intervention from the network or management stations. This self-service capability reduces the burden on management stations and allows nodes to scale independently, improving network scalability
Data Source
AI summary
An embodiment of the invention provides a method and apparatus for restoring a connection in a network. The connection is typically a sub network connection (SNC). In an embodiment, a failed line in a link connecting a first node and a second node is detected, where the failed line is associated with a sub network connection (SNC). The sub network connection (SNC) is then mapped to an alternate line in the link. The first node will change cross connections in a switch fabric in the first node, while the second node will change cross connections in a switch fabric in the second node, so that both nodes can transmit data on the selected alternate line, in order to restore the SNC.