Optical Transport Margin Allocation Using SDN Test Carriers
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical transport networks face inefficiencies in margin optimization due to reliance on planning tools that do not account for real-world conditions, leading to suboptimal use of WDM system margin, especially as WDM designs approach the Shannon-limit for optical fiber communication channels.
Innovation Solution
A Software Defined Network (SDN) controller is employed to dynamically optimize optical transport networks by measuring pre-deployed carriers not carrying client data, using real-time network information and analytics to select appropriate system margin optimization mechanisms, such as FEC-gain sharing or adding WDM carriers, while maintaining constant network capacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If planning tools are used to optimize margin before network deployment, then network optimization can be performed in advance, but the optimization does not account for real-world conditions leading to suboptimal margin allocation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by deploying test carriers before client data traffic to measure actual optical system performance metrics. This allows the system to gather real-world data about margin requirements under actual operating conditions, rather than relying solely on theoretical planning tools. The test carriers are deployed in advance to collect measurement data that informs subsequent margin optimization decisions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring optical system performance metrics from deployed carriers and using this real-world data to adjust margin allocation. The system collects measurement data from the actual network operation, compares it against planning tool predictions, and dynamically optimizes margin allocation based on the feedback loop between actual performance and allocated margin.
2Productivity
If WDM designs approach the Shannon-limit for optical fiber communication channels, then network capacity is maximized, but margin optimization becomes more difficult and less efficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the optical network to automatically measure its own performance metrics and determine its own margin requirements through deployed test carriers. The system uses self-measured optical system performance metrics to drive margin optimization decisions, eliminating the need for complex external planning tools and manual optimization processes even as network capacity approaches theoretical limits.
3Speed
If protection is performed at packet layer (IP/MPLS), then response time meets requirements of a few tens of milliseconds, but optical layer margin optimization is not充分利用
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by separating margin optimization functions from protection functions. Packet layer (IP/MPLS) continues to handle fast protection switching within tens of milliseconds, while a separate SDN controller handles margin optimization using optical layer measurements. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specialized function optimally without interfering with the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an SDN controller as an intermediary between the packet layer and optical layer. The SDN controller collects optical system performance metrics from the optical layer, processes this data to determine margin optimization opportunities, and coordinates with the packet layer protection mechanisms. This intermediary enables cross-layer optimization while maintaining the fast response times required by packet layer protection.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for optimizing optical transport using a software defined network (SDN) controller are disclosed herein. The SDN controller may define a margin optimization function based on at least one optical system performance metric. The function may include at least one related initiation criterion. Further, the SDN controller may collect at least one measurement for the performance metric. The measurement may include an assessment of deployed carriers not carrying client data. The SDN controller may determine whether the initiation criterion is met based on at least one collected measurement. The SDN controller may select a system margin optimization mechanism and define a system margin optimization threshold criterion on a condition that the initiation criterion is met. The SDN controller may determine whether the optimization threshold criterion is met. The SDN controller may implement one or more optimization events on a condition that the optimization threshold criterion is met.