Multi-Layer Network Resiliency with Software Defined Orchestration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for data transport networks lack effective mechanisms for orchestrating network resources and configuring protection and restoration across multiple layers, leading to inefficiencies in managing and controlling network elements, especially in integrated optical and digital models.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a configuration manager that utilizes processors to compute and manage paths across multiple layers, employing GMPLS protocols and OpenFlow, to dynamically manage and switch data traffic through optical line modules, providing flexible management, configuration, and provisioning of transport networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional separate control mechanisms are used for each network layer, then each layer can be managed independently, but coordination and orchestration across multiple layers become inefficient and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a centralized controller as an intermediary that coordinates between optical and electronic network layers. This controller receives restoration requirements from one layer, computes cross-layer restoration paths, and provisions resources across both layers, thereby simplifying multi-layer coordination while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller is designed with multi-functional capabilities to handle both optical layer restoration and electronic layer restoration, as well as cross-layer coordination. This universal approach allows a single device to manage diverse restoration scenarios across multiple network layers, reducing overall system complexity.
2Reliability
If dedicated backup paths are pre-configured for each working path, then restoration reliability is improved, but network resource utilization efficiency deteriorates due to idle backup resources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges backup resources from multiple working paths into shared backup pools at both optical and electronic layers. Instead of dedicating separate backup paths for each working path, the system combines backup capacities and allows dynamic allocation to any failed working path, thereby improving resource utilization while maintaining restoration reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements dynamic resource allocation where backup resources are not statically assigned but dynamically provisioned based on actual failure events. When a working path fails, the controller dynamically computes restoration paths using available backup resources from the shared pools, optimizing resource utilization while ensuring reliable restoration.
3Ease of operation
If manual configuration and provisioning is used for network paths, then control precision is maintained, but provisioning speed and automation level deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service automation where the centralized controller automatically detects network failures, computes restoration paths across optical and electronic layers, and provisions resources without manual intervention. The controller autonomously interacts with network elements to implement restoration, thereby achieving high automation levels while maintaining operational precision through algorithmic path computation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where network elements report status information to the controller, which then automatically triggers restoration processes. This closed-loop feedback enables the system to respond to failures autonomously, improving provisioning speed while maintaining control precision through real-time monitoring and automated decision-making.
4Reliability
If simple restoration mechanisms are used within single layers, then implementation complexity is reduced, but cross-layer restoration capability and overall network resilience deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested restoration architecture where electronic layer restoration is nested within optical layer restoration framework. The controller first attempts optical layer restoration, and if unsuccessful or insufficient, it nestles electronic layer restoration as a secondary mechanism. This nested approach provides comprehensive cross-layer restoration capability while managing complexity through hierarchical organization.
Solution Approach 2:
The restoration mechanism is segmented into distinct optical layer and electronic layer components, each with specialized restoration algorithms. The controller segments the restoration process into phase one (optical layer) and phase two (electronic layer), allowing each segment to be independently optimized while working together to provide comprehensive cross-layer restoration.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems are disclosed for storing, in a non-transitory memory device, multi-layer network information comprising at least one of link availability, bandwidth availability, priority levels for paths in a multi-layer network, path status in the multi-layer network, and status for network elements in the multi-layer network; receiving, via at least one input component, a message from a network element in the network comprising information indicative of a failure of a working path in the network; determining, automatically, based at least in part on the multi-layer network information, an alternate path for transmission of the data traffic through the network; and transmitting, via at least one output component, at least one signal comprising configuration instructions to at least one optical line module, the configuration instructions directing the optical line module to switch and select the data traffic using the alternate path.