Network Node Resource Allocation for Traffic Restoration
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Solution Overview
Problem
In connection-oriented networks, it is challenging to restore traffic to its original nominal path after a failure is repaired, especially when multiple faults occur, as existing technologies fail to manage resource allocation effectively, leading to sub-optimal routing and reduced network resiliency.
Innovation Solution
A method and node configuration that assign a conditionally-reserved status to resources no longer used for carrying traffic, allowing higher priority traffic to restore on these resources if no other paths are available, while maintaining the reserved resources for the original path to enable seamless return once the fault is repaired.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traffic is restored on an alternative path when the nominal path is affected by a failure, then traffic continuity is maintained, but the resources of the nominal path are consumed by other restorations making it impossible to return to the original path
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-reserving the resources of the nominal path when traffic is first restored to an alternative path. This reservation is established before any subsequent failures occur, ensuring that the nominal path resources remain available for eventual return. The conditional reservation status is set in advance, creating a preemptive safeguard that prevents resource consumption by other restorations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by introducing a conditional reservation status that can dynamically change between reserved and available states. The resources transition from a fixed state to a flexible state where they are conditionally held for the original traffic flow but can be released if needed for other restorations. This dynamic status allows the system to adapt to multiple failure scenarios while maintaining the ability to return to nominal paths when possible.
2Reliability
If multiple faults occur in the network, then network resiliency is tested, but existing restoration mechanisms cannot manage resource allocation effectively leading to sub-optimal routing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by continuously monitoring the status of path resources and the occurrence of failures. When a failure occurs, the system checks whether the nominal path resources are conditionally reserved before allowing restoration. This feedback mechanism ensures that restoration decisions are made with full awareness of existing reservations, preventing sub-optimal routing and improving overall restoration efficiency in multi-failure scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by introducing a new resource status parameter called 'conditionally reserved' in addition to the traditional reserved and available states. This additional parameter enables more granular control over resource allocation, allowing the system to distinguish between resources that should be protected for eventual return and resources that can be freely allocated. This parameter refinement resolves the contradiction between maintaining resiliency and improving restoration efficiency.
3Ease of operation
If nominal paths are reserved for original traffic flows, then return to optimal paths is enabled, but resources are unavailable for restoration of other traffic flows affected by simultaneous failures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by creating a conditional reservation status that can adaptively change based on network conditions. The resources are not statically reserved but are conditionally held, allowing the system to respond to simultaneous failures by releasing reservations when necessary. This dynamic approach maintains the ability to return to nominal paths while providing the flexibility to assist other restorations when multiple failures occur concurrently.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by introducing a conditional reservation status that adds nuance to resource allocation. Instead of a binary reserved/available state, the system uses a three-state model (reserved, conditionally reserved, available) that enables more flexible resource management. This parameter refinement allows the system to balance nominal path protection with restoration flexibility, resolving the contradiction between these two requirements.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method and a network node for managing allocation of network resources in restoration of traffic in a connection oriented network are disclosed. The method comprises restoring (104) a first traffic from a first path on an alternative path if the first path is affected by a first failure (102) and assigning (106) a reserved status to resources of the first path no longer used for carrying the first traffic. If a second path is affected by a second failure the method comprises restoring (114) a second traffic from the second path, wherein the restoration of the second traffic does not use the resources having the reserved status.