OLT Backup Aggregation for Data Center Network Redundancy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Data center networks face high costs and inefficiencies in providing redundancy, particularly due to the need for multiple backup aggregation nodes, which can be costly and resource-intensive.
Innovation Solution
Implementing an Optical Line Terminal (OLT) to function as a backup aggregation node for multiple primary aggregation nodes, utilizing layer 2 switching and scheduling functions to manage traffic and provide redundancy while minimizing additional hardware costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a secondary aggregation node is added for each primary aggregation node to provide redundancy, then network reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The OLT is designed to serve multiple functions: it acts as a backup aggregation node for multiple primary aggregation nodes simultaneously, rather than being dedicated to a single primary node. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of backup nodes required while maintaining redundancy for multiple critical paths, thereby improving reliability without proportionally increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple backup aggregation nodes are merged into a single OLT device that can support multiple primary aggregation nodes. By combining the backup functionality of multiple nodes into one universal backup device, the system reduces the number of additional hardware components needed while still providing redundancy across multiple aggregation paths
2Reliability
If multiple backup aggregation nodes are deployed to ensure continuous communication, then network reliability is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The OLT is designed as a universal backup node that can serve multiple primary aggregation nodes, replacing the need for multiple dedicated backup nodes. This multi-functionality reduces the total hardware cost while maintaining the ability to provide continuous communication paths for multiple aggregation nodes during failures
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of deploying multiple physical backup aggregation nodes, the system uses a single OLT that can assume the role of multiple backup nodes through software-based virtualization. This virtual copying approach provides the same redundancy functionality at a lower hardware cost
3Loss of energy
If backup aggregation nodes are placed in stand-by mode to reduce resource consumption, then energy efficiency is improved, but switching time and productivity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The OLT maintains a pre-established connection and configuration state ready for immediate activation. By preparing the backup node in advance with all necessary routing information and physical connectivity in place, the system can switch to backup mode almost instantly when a primary node fails, minimizing disruption to network traffic
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the operational state of the OLT based on real-time network conditions. The OLT can transition between a low-power standby state and an active backup state on demand, optimizing the balance between energy consumption and rapid failover capability
Data Source
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AI summary
A manner of providing redundancy protection for a data center network that is both reliable and low-cost, hi a data center network where the data traffic between numerous access nodes and a network core layer via primary aggregation nodes, an optical network device such as and OLT (optical line terminal) is provided as a backup aggregation node for one or more of the primary aggregation nodes. When a communication path through a primary aggregation node fails, traffic is routed through the optical network device. In a preferred embodiment, a communication link is formed from a plurality of access nodes to a single port of the OLT or other optical network device via an optical splitter that combines upstream transmissions and distributes downstream transmissions. The upstream transmissions from the plurality of access nodes may occur according to an allocation schedule generated when the backup aggregation node is needed.