ODUflex Resizability via Data Plane Overhead
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems lack a real-time mechanism to communicate resizability information of ODUflex connections across Optical Transport Networks, leading to inefficient hitless resizing attempts due to asymmetric configurations and bandwidth constraints, which are not effectively communicated to endpoints, resulting in trial-and-error methods and software delays.
Innovation Solution
The method involves receiving and propagating resizability information through the ODUflex connection's overhead, using reserved bits in the Resize Control Overhead (RCOH) to indicate available tributary slots and symmetry, allowing real-time adjustments and communication directly within the data path, eliminating the need for control planes and reducing delays.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If control plane-based mechanisms are used to communicate resizability information, then information can be distributed to endpoints, but real-time communication is not achieved due to software delays and the need for complete path setup
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts resizability information from control plane signaling and embeds it directly into the data plane overhead (RCOH bytes) of ODUflex connections. This allows the information to travel with the data traffic itself, eliminating the need for separate control plane communication paths and their associated delays.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces RCOH (Resize Control Overhead) bytes as an intermediary carrier that transports resizability information within the existing ODUflex data plane. These overhead bytes act as a mediator that enables real-time information exchange without requiring control plane involvement, thus resolving the timing contradiction.
2Adaptability or versatility
If trial and error mechanism is used for resizing, then resizing can be attempted, but operational efficiency is reduced due to unsupported attempts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by communicating resizability information in advance through RCOH overhead before any resizing operation is attempted. Endpoints receive real-time information about available tributary slots and symmetry status, allowing them to make informed decisions and avoid futile resizing attempts that would waste operational resources.
3Ease of operation
If manual cross-connects or mixed cross-connect/control plane connections are used, then connectivity can be established, but information distribution becomes tedious involving many control/management planes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables self-service by allowing the data plane itself to carry and distribute resizability information through RCOH overhead. This eliminates the need for complex inter-plane coordination and manual information distribution, as the information automatically travels with the connection data without requiring additional control plane interventions.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, in a network element, for detecting and propagating resizability information of an Optical channel Data Unit flex (ODUflex) connection includes receiving resizability information in overhead associated with the ODUflex connection, wherein the resizability information indicates a number of available tributary slots and whether the ODUflex connection is symmetric; and adjusting the resizability information based on a change in the available tributary slots due to a bandwidth change at the network element. The systems and methods include a solution to communicate, in real time, the resizability information of an ODUflex connection utilizing the associated data path to carry it instead of the management/control plane.