Multi-Layer Network Controller for Resource Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multi-layered optical communication networks face challenges in jointly solving lightpath and wavelength assignment problems due to computational complexity and the need for network resource isolation among clients in a multi-layer context, which existing approaches often fail to address effectively.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that utilize a controller in a time division multiplexed network to configure optical links in a photonic network, assign optical signals to these links, and associate them with switches, enabling network resource isolation and virtual network topology construction across layers to provide VPN services in a multi-layered environment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a complete joint solution to lightpath and wavelength assignment problems is implemented in multi-layered optical communication networks, then network resource isolation and VPN services are improved, but computational complexity increases significantly making the problem intractable for moderate and large size networks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the multi-layer network problem into separate client layer and server layer problems. The controller independently solves the client layer virtual topology design and the server layer routing and wavelength assignment, avoiding the need to solve the complete joint problem simultaneously. This segmentation makes the problem tractable for moderate and large size networks while still achieving network resource isolation through coordinated solutions between layers.
2Productivity
If separate solutions are used for client layer and server layer problems, then computational complexity is reduced, but integration between solutions becomes difficult resulting in worse overall performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the controller iteratively adjusts client layer virtual topology design based on server layer routing and wavelength assignment results. The server layer provides feedback about wavelength availability and routing constraints, which the controller uses to refine the client layer solution. This iterative feedback process ensures strong integration between separate layer solutions while maintaining computational efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller acts as an intermediary between the client layer and server layer, coordinating their respective solutions. It translates client layer traffic engineering requirements into server layer routing and wavelength assignment constraints, and vice versa. This intermediary role enables seamless integration of separate layer solutions without requiring a complex joint optimization approach.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for a multi-layer network to achieve network resource isolation among clients using the same server network, such as a VPN in a multi-layered network and interaction within the node, may include interaction between a server layer (e.g. L0 Photonic network) and the client layer (e.g. L1 network) that help the client layer (L1) gather information about the server-layer (L0) connection affinities. For example, the use of server layer (L0) connection affinities to construct Virtual Network Topologies (VNT) and/or network abstractions for customer traffic isolations in client layer (L1), the use of VNT to offer physical and/or logical network resource isolation for L1 customers, and provide L1 VPN services in a multi-layer environment.