Network Control Device for Multilayer Path Evaluation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Establishing appropriate redundant paths in multilayer networks using Shared Risk Link Group (SRLG) values is complex, especially in large-scale networks, due to the need for knowledge of both lower and higher layer configurations, which is often in short supply among network administrators.
Innovation Solution
A network control device that hierarchizes SRLG values based on inclusion relationships between network elements, allowing for the detection of longest matched identifying values and calculation of severity values to evaluate the appropriateness of protection paths relative to primary paths, thereby simplifying the determination of redundant paths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If SRLG values are used to establish appropriate protection paths in multilayer networks, then the reliability of redundant path establishment is improved, but the device complexity and difficulty of operation increase due to the need for knowledge of both lower and higher layer configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a path determination support device as an intermediary between network administrators and the complex SRLG calculation process. This device automatically retrieves SRLG values from network elements, performs the complex matching calculations between primary and protection paths, and provides evaluation results to administrators. The intermediary handles the technical complexity while administrators only need to input basic path information, thus maintaining reliability improvement while reducing operational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The path determination support device performs self-service by automatically gathering SRLG information from network elements through communication interfaces, performing the matching calculations autonomously, and generating evaluation results without requiring administrators to manually collect or process SRLG data. This automation eliminates the need for administrators to possess specialized knowledge of both lower and higher layer configurations.
2Measurement precision
If manual determination of redundant paths using SRLG values is performed, then the precision of path evaluation is improved, but the loss of time increases due to the need for communications between engineers and network administrators
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring SRLG values in network elements and having the path determination support device automatically retrieve and store this information before path evaluation is needed. When path determination is required, the device immediately performs the matching calculation using pre-gathered data, eliminating the time-consuming communication and information gathering process while maintaining precise evaluation through the same SRLG matching methodology.
3Manufacturing precision
If comprehensive knowledge of lower and higher layer configurations is required for path determination, then the manufacturing precision of path selection is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to the short supply of qualified network administrators
Solution Approach 1:
The path determination support device serves as an intermediary that encapsulates the complex knowledge requirements within its automated processing logic. It retrieves and processes SRLG values from lower layer network elements and performs matching calculations against higher layer path requirements, delivering precise path selection results without requiring administrators to possess specialized knowledge of either layer. The intermediary handles the knowledge-intensive tasks while administrators only need to perform simple operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A network control device includes a storage and a processor. The storage stores an identifying value and a severity value for each of network elements. The identifying values are hierarchized based on inclusion relationships between the network elements. The severity values respectively indicate a severity in sharing a risk of a failure in the network elements. When first and second paths are designated, the processor detects, for each of a plurality of target identifying values corresponding to a plurality of network elements implementing the first path, a longest matched identifying value having a longest region matching the target identifying value from among a plurality of identifying values corresponding to a plurality of network elements implementing the second path. The processor calculates a sum of severity values corresponding to the detected longest matched identifying values, and evaluates the second path for the first path based on the sum.