Multi-Layer Network Restoration Framework
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current multi-layer communication network restoration frameworks face challenges such as high latency, inability to address failures in both IP and optical layers, unnecessary traffic outages, cumbersome negotiation processes, and vulnerability to central controller availability, leading to inefficient and unreliable service continuity.
Innovation Solution
A system that maps traffic patterns between client and server layers to identify communication path failures and restoration paths, using a framework to selectively establish restoration paths based on network state and traffic conditions, without requiring inter-layer control planes or manual reconfiguration, and capable of operating across multiple vendors and network types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a pure optical framework is used for restoration, then optical routing can be restored rapidly, but the restoration path may not meet IP layer demands (e.g., high latency) and does not address IP layer failures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges optical layer and IP layer restoration frameworks into a unified multi-layer restoration system. The IP router participates in optical path restoration decisions by providing IP layer failure information and constraints, while the optical layer provides rapid path restoration. This combination ensures that restoration paths meet both optical speed requirements and IP layer service demands, resolving the contradiction between rapid restoration and service continuity.
2Ease of operation
If a distributed multi-layer framework is used, then restoration decisions can be made at the router level, but the negotiation process becomes cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring restoration paths and parameters in the IP router before failures occur. The router stores multiple candidate optical path options with associated constraints and metrics. When a failure occurs, the router can quickly select from pre-evaluated options without time-consuming real-time negotiation, thus maintaining operational flexibility while reducing restoration time.
3Reliability
If a centrally controlled multi-layer framework is used, then global network understanding enables optimal restoration decisions, but the system becomes vulnerable to central controller availability and experiences signaling load during large scale failures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the restoration control function between the IP router and optical layer components. The IP router performs local failure detection and initiates restoration requests based on IP layer constraints, while optical network elements execute path reconfiguration. This segmentation distributes the control burden, reducing central controller dependency and signaling load during failures, while maintaining optimal restoration decisions through coordinated multi-layer operation.
4Speed
If the optical layer restores paths independently without IP layer coordination, then optical connectivity is recovered rapidly, but unnecessary IP layer traffic outages occur during path switching
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the IP router continuously monitors optical path status and IP layer traffic conditions. During optical path restoration, the router receives feedback about path availability and quality, and adjusts IP layer routing decisions accordingly. This coordinated feedback loop ensures that IP layer traffic is switched only when optical paths are fully restored and validated, preventing unnecessary outages while maintaining rapid optical restoration.
Data Source
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AI summary
A system for mapping a multilayer network having a server layer and a client layer is provided. The system includes a framework configured for comparing information obtained from a first traffic counter of a client port to information obtained from a second traffic counter of a server port to thereby determine if the client port and the server port are linked.