LSC Interface Local Advertisement for Data Plane Neighbor Discovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
In optical communication networks, existing 'HELLO' protocols are inefficient for discovering virtual neighbors that are not physically adjacent, as they do not account for optical amplifiers and provide a limited view of network topology, especially in multi-protocol label-switching (GMPLS) networks.
Innovation Solution
A system and method where digital network elements with lambda switching capability (LSC) interfaces send local advertisements through the network, which can be forwarded by optical amplifiers to discover data-plane-adjacent neighbors, even if they are not control-plane-adjacent, using a chain of advertisements until a response is received from the next digital network element with an LSC interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If HELLO protocol is used for neighbor discovery, then control-plane adjacency is established, but data-plane adjacent neighbors that are not control-plane adjacent cannot be discovered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where local advertisements are forwarded through optical amplifiers and other network elements to reach data-plane adjacent neighbors. This intermediary forwarding process enables discovery of neighbors that are not control-plane adjacent, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and protocol adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the neighbor discovery process into control-plane advertisements and data-plane advertisements. By separating these functions and allowing independent advertisement types, the system can accurately discover both control-plane adjacent and data-plane adjacent neighbors without compromising either discovery accuracy or protocol versatility.
2Measurement precision
If local advertisements are forwarded through optical amplifiers, then data-plane adjacent neighbors are discovered, but advertisement message propagation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes network elements universal by enabling them to perform both control-plane functions and data-plane advertisement forwarding. Optical amplifiers and other elements can handle both control traffic and advertisement messages, reducing the need for specialized forwarding mechanisms and lowering overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses advertisement message copying where local advertisements are replicated and forwarded through multiple paths in the data plane. This copying mechanism allows comprehensive topology discovery without requiring complex selective forwarding logic at each network element.
3Productivity
If HELLO packets are sent at fixed intervals, then control-plane neighbor relationships are maintained, but discovery of virtual neighbors is inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by having network elements send local advertisements at regular intervals through the data plane. This periodic advertisement mechanism ensures that virtual neighbors are discovered efficiently without requiring continuous probing, balancing discovery productivity with time efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring advertisement forwarding paths through optical amplifiers and network elements before actual neighbor discovery is needed. This preliminary setup reduces the time required to discover virtual neighbors when traffic engineering requires accurate topology information.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a system, apparatus and method for discovery of network elements, which are adjacent within the network data plane but may or may not be adjacent in the network control plane. In one embodiment of the present invention, digital network elements, with a plurality thereof having a lambda switching capability (hereinafter “LSC”) interface, is provided. A digital network element with an LSC interface originates and sends a local advertisement to its immediate control neighbor. Using this LSC originated advertisements; a neighboring network element may be discovered that is adjacent on the network data plane.