Coordinating Variable Capacity Optical Layer with IP/MPLS
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current networking technologies face inefficiencies in managing variable optical capacity, leading to underutilization of available bandwidth due to channelizing router ports, which results in statistical multiplexing inefficiencies and inadequate capacity utilization, especially when optical line rates exceed standard Ethernet rates.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves coordinating the Internet Protocol (IP) and Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) layers with the optical layer to dynamically adjust capacities, using a closed-loop system for analytics, recommendations, and monitoring to optimize IP paths and optical service capacities, allowing for non-standard Ethernet rates and partial restoration of services during fiber cuts, thereby maximizing router port capacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If channelizing router ports is implemented to match optical line rates, then capacity utilization improves, but statistical multiplexing efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic capacity adjustment where the router port capacity is not fixed but can be dynamically modified to match the optical line rate. The system monitors optical layer capacity changes and automatically adjusts the IP layer routing capacity accordingly, enabling the router port to adapt between channelized and non-channelized modes based on real-time optical capacity availability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If standard Ethernet interface rates are used, then device compatibility improves, but optical bandwidth utilization deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the interface rate parameter from standard Ethernet rates to non-standard rates that match optical line rates. The system modifies the router port capacity parameter to align with optical capacity, breaking away from traditional Ethernet rate constraints (100G, 200G, 400G) to utilize available optical bandwidth more effectively, even though this requires custom rate configurations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If optical capacity is increased dynamically, then network flexibility improves, but IP layer coordination complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the optical layer capacity information is continuously monitored and fed back to the IP layer. The system uses this feedback to automatically adjust routing capacity and optimize traffic engineering parameters, creating a closed-loop control system that coordinates between layers without manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary capacity planning and optimization by pre-calculating optimal routing paths and capacity allocations based on anticipated optical capacity changes. The system proactively adjusts IP layer parameters before optical capacity changes take effect, ensuring smooth transitions and avoiding network disruptions.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for coordinating an optical layer and a packet layer in a network, include a Software Defined Networking (SDN) Internet Protocol (IP) application configured to implement a closed loop for analytics, recommendations, provisioning, and monitoring, of a plurality of routers in the packet layer; and a variable capacity application configured to determine optical path viability, compute excess optical margin, and recommend and cause capacity upgrades and downgrades, by communicating with a plurality of network elements in the optical layer, wherein the SDN IP application and the variable capacity application coordinate activity therebetween based on conditions in the network. The activity is coordinated based on underlying capacity changes in the optical layer and workload changes in the packet layer.