Multiple Control Channels via Unique Source IP Addresses
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical network protocols, such as LMP, do not support multiple control channels between indirectly connected nodes, limiting network resilience and management capabilities.
Innovation Solution
Establishing multiple control channels with unique source IP addresses allows network entities to identify and manage control messages across indirect connections, enabling control channel establishment between non-directly coupled nodes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If LMP protocol is used to maintain control channels, then control channel management is possible, but multiple control channels between indirectly connected nodes are not supported
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control channel identification by using unique source IP addresses for different control channels. Each control channel is identified by a distinct source IP address, allowing multiple control channels to coexist between indirectly connected nodes without requiring complex protocol modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where unique source IP addresses act as mediators to distinguish between multiple control channels. Instead of modifying the LMP protocol directly, the solution uses IP address-based identification as an intermediary layer to enable multiple control channels.
2Adaptability or versatility
If IP-in-IP tunnels are created to achieve logical separation, then control channel separation is possible, but universal tunneling support is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the tunneling complexity from the solution by using a simpler IP address-based identification method. Instead of implementing full IP-in-IP tunneling, the invention extracts only the essential function of logical separation through source IP address differentiation, eliminating the need for universal tunneling support.
3Reliability
If multiple control channels are established between indirectly connected nodes, then network resilience is improved, but control message identification becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses unique source IP addresses as distinctive identifiers for different control channels, analogous to using different colors to distinguish multiple items. Each control channel is 'colored' with a unique source IP address, making it easily identifiable and distinguishable from other control channels without complex identification mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for providing support for multiple control channels includes establishing an indirect data connection with a first network entity in an optical network. The method also includes establishing a first control channel with the first network entity. The first control channel has at least one unique source IP address. The method additionally includes transmitting a first control message to the first network entity via the first control channel. The first control message comprises a first unique source IP address.