Network Path Replacement Using Exclusive Physical Resources

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing network communication systems face challenges in efficiently replacing an existing communications path with a new one, as exclusive physical resources dedicated to the existing path cannot be simultaneously used for determining a new path, limiting network flexibility and performance improvements.

Innovation Solution

The method involves determining a new communications path that includes exclusive physical resources of the existing path, removing the existing path from service, and instantiating the new path, which can be done by progressively signaling through optical nodes and locking resources in the control plane without disrupting the data plane initially.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If exclusive physical resources are dedicated to the existing communications path, then reliability of the existing path is improved, but network flexibility deteriorates as these resources cannot be simultaneously used for determining a new path

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereliability of existing communications pathVSAvoidnetwork flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary signaling and resource locking in the control plane before actually switching traffic to the new path. This allows the network to prepare and evaluate new paths using exclusive resources without disrupting ongoing traffic on the existing path, thus maintaining both reliability and flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent separates network operations into distinct planes: control plane operations (path determination, resource locking, signaling) and data plane operations (actual traffic forwarding). This segmentation allows exclusive physical resources to be used for control plane activities while the data plane continues to operate on the existing path, resolving the contradiction between reliability and flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If a new communications path is determined while the existing path is actively carrying traffic, then network performance improvement is enabled, but service disruption occurs during path switching

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork performanceVSAvoidservice continuity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system determines the new path, locks resources, and performs all signaling operations in advance while the existing path remains active. Only after the new path is fully prepared and validated does the system switch traffic, minimizing service disruption while enabling performance improvements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a buffer period where the new path is prepared and locked in the control plane before actual traffic switching occurs. This cushioning period allows for validation and rollback if needed, protecting service continuity while enabling performance optimization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Manufacturing precision

If exclusive physical resources are allocated to the existing path, then manufacturing precision of the communications path is improved, but device complexity increases when managing path replacement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepath configuration precisionVSAvoidpath replacement management complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces control plane elements as intermediaries between the exclusive physical resources and the path replacement management system. These intermediaries handle resource locking, signaling, and coordination, simplifying the management of path replacement while maintaining precise control over exclusive resource allocation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS9391704B2Replacing an existing network communications path with a new path using some exclusive physical resources of the existing path

Publication Date: 2016.07.12 CISCO TECHNOLOGY INC

AI summary

In one embodiment, a replacement network communications path is determined using dedicated resources of an existing path. One or more network elements in a network determines a new communications path between a first network node and a second network node in the network while an existing communications path is currently configured in the network to carry traffic between the first and second network nodes. The existing communications path includes one or more exclusive physical resources dedicated to the existing communications path. The new communications path includes at least one of said exclusive physical resources dedicated to the existing communications path. One embodiment includes: subsequent to said determining the new communications path, removing the existing communications path from service, and then instantiating the new communications path, with the new communications path including said at least one of said exclusive physical resources.