Hierarchical Network Control Device for Predictive Resource Allocation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current multilayer network control technologies fail to effectively supply upper layers with desired resources from lower layers and accurately grasp the trend of resource requests, leading to inefficient resource allocation and potential resource shortages.

Innovation Solution

A network control device with an upper hierarchical control unit that predicts future resource demands and a lower hierarchical control unit that allocates resources, allowing for the setup of virtual links and managing their performance, enabling the upper layer to request and set flows through the lower layer network based on predicted needs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If existing multilayer network control technologies are used where only already-set lower layer paths are considered as upper layer links, then the upper layer can establish paths using existing resources, but the upper layer cannot utilize potentially available resources that would require additional lower layer path setup

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource utilization flexibilityVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by having the upper layer node send a path setting request to the lower layer node before actual traffic flow is established. This allows the lower layer to pre-configure paths and resources based on predicted future needs, enabling the upper layer to utilize resources that would otherwise be unavailable. The lower layer node receives the request, determines appropriate paths, and sets them in advance, thus expanding resource availability without waiting for actual traffic demands.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Quantity of substance

If the upper layer requests additional lower layer paths to improve resource availability, then more resources become available for upper layer use, but the lower layer may experience resource shortages for other upper layer requests

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveavailable network resourcesVSAvoidresource supply reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the lower layer node sends path setting response information back to the upper layer node, indicating whether the requested path was successfully established. This feedback loop allows the upper layer to understand resource availability status and adjust its routing decisions accordingly. The system continuously monitors and communicates resource status, enabling dynamic adaptation to resource constraints while maximizing overall resource utilization across multiple upper layer requests.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Productivity

If the network control device accurately grasps future resource demand trends, then resources can be allocated more efficiently, but predicting future demands increases system complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource allocation efficiencyVSAvoidprediction mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies preliminary action by having upper layer nodes proactively send path setting requests to lower layer nodes before actual traffic flows are established. This allows the lower layer to pre-configure paths based on anticipated future demands, improving resource allocation efficiency. The lower layer node processes these advance requests, determines appropriate paths, and sets them beforehand, enabling efficient resource preparation without requiring complex real-time prediction algorithms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3267635B1Network control device, network control method, and recording medium for program
Publication Date: 2020.10.21 NEC CORP
  • EP3267635B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3267635B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3267635B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

In order to make it possible for an upper layer to receive the supply of a desired resource from a lower layer and make it possible to suitably grasp a trend in requests for a lower layer resource, this network control device is provided with: an upper hierarchical layer control unit that receives a request for an upper virtual link settable for the purpose of connecting user ports connected to an upper layer network, determines the performance of the settable upper virtual link, and associates and retains the result; and a lower hierarchical layer control unit that receives a request for a lower virtual link settable for the purpose of connecting ports within the upper layer network via a lower layer network, determines the performance of the settable lower virtual link, and associates and retains the result. The upper hierarchical layer control unit comprises: a resource demand prediction unit that predicts a future request on the basis of the request history of the settable upper virtual link; and a capacity design unit that calculates the resources of the lower layer network required for a predicted request. The upper hierarchical layer control unit sends a request to the lower hierarchical layer control unit for a settable lower virtual link corresponding to a calculated resource and sets a flow corresponding to the settable lower virtual link in the lower layer network.