Localized Network Repair Segments for Photonic Restoration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional network repair methods in the photonic and OTN domains are limited by the need for end-to-end redialing and wavelength changes, which are time-consuming and involve network-wide signaling, making them inefficient for rapid restoration and wavelength management.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of localized repair segments within the network, allowing for local repair between boundary nodes or optical-electrical conversion points, which enables switching to alternative regenerators without network-wide involvement, thus avoiding unnecessary wavelength changes and maintaining connection integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional end-to-end redialing is used for network repair, then connection restoration is achieved, but restoration speed is slow and network-wide signaling is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the network connection into multiple spans or segments between adjacent nodes. When a failure occurs, only the affected span is repaired locally rather than tearing down the entire end-to-end connection. This segmentation enables independent local repair actions that restore service faster without requiring network-wide signaling and redialing procedures.
2Reliability
If conventional photonic repair methods are used, then connection repair is possible, but photonic constraints such as optical modem reach limit the repair effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces electrical conversion points as intermediary elements between optical segments. When an optical failure occurs beyond the reach of direct optical repair, the system can convert optical signals to electrical signals at intermediate points, perform the repair in the electrical domain where different constraints apply, and then convert back to optical. This intermediary approach overcomes photonic reach limitations and expands repair versatility.
3Reliability
If network-wide signaling is performed for connection repair, then complete connection restoration is ensured, but signaling overhead and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the repair signaling from the global network-wide context and localizes it to only the affected span or segment. Instead of initiating end-to-end redialing procedures that involve all network nodes, the system performs repair signaling only between the adjacent nodes bounding the failed span. This extraction of localized repair actions from global signaling reduces signaling overhead and complexity while maintaining restoration reliability.
4Speed
If single link techniques are used for local repair, then repair speed is improved, but multi-span repair capabilities are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the advantages of single-link fast repair with multi-span repair capabilities by enabling independent local repair actions on each span while maintaining overall connection integrity. Multiple adjacent spans can be repaired simultaneously through coordinated local actions at different node pairs, combining the speed of single-link repair with the versatility of multi-span restoration without requiring end-to-end redialing.
Data Source
AI summary
A localized repair method in a network using a control plane includes, responsive to a failure on a local repair segment defined on a connection traversing the network, generating a release message in the control plane; attempting a local repair on the local repair segment; if the local repair is unsuccessful, transmitting the release message to redial the connection; and, if the local repair is successful, signaling a new sub-path based on the local repair. A controller and a network are also disclosed.