Optical Module Path Determination via Network Device Mediator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing network devices do not provide a data reporting service, making it difficult for optical modules to send data to network management systems without requiring host device reconstruction, which increases costs and disrupts the original network.
Innovation Solution
An optical module generates and sends packets with an identifier and feature information to determine transmission paths, allowing it to communicate with the network management system using the network device, without needing a host device data reporting service, by creating and using packets that include an IP packet header encapsulating an ICMP packet with an echo reply type field.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the optical module uses the host device to send data to the network management system, then the optical module can communicate with the network management system, but the host device needs to be reconstructed to provide data reporting service
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a network device as an intermediary between the optical module and the network management system. The optical module sends management packets to the network device, which then forwards them to the network management system. This mediator approach allows the optical module to communicate with the network management system without requiring the host device to provide data reporting services, thus avoiding host device reconstruction while maintaining communication capability.
2Reliability
If the host device is reconstructed to provide data reporting service, then the optical module can send data to the network management system, but network reconstruction costs and disruption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The network device serves as a mediator that receives management packets from the optical module and forwards them to the network management system. This eliminates the need to reconstruct the host device to provide data reporting services, thereby reducing network reconstruction costs and minimizing disruption to the existing network architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical module generates and sends management packets independently using its own processor and transmitter, without relying on the host device's data reporting service. The module includes an identifier and feature information in the packets to enable the network device to identify and forward them appropriately, allowing the optical module to self-serve its communication needs.
3Ease of operation
If the optical module generates packets with identifier and feature information, then the transmission path can be determined, but the packet structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The management packet is segmented into distinct functional components: an identifier field for the optical module, feature information indicating the packet type, and payload data. This segmentation allows the network device to efficiently process different parts of the packet for path determination while maintaining a structured format that balances complexity with functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
A communication method and an optical module are disclosed. In various embodiments the method includes generating, by an optical module, a first packet according to a service packet that passes through the optical module, wherein a source address of the first packet is the same as a source address of the service packet, and wherein a destination address of the first packet is the same as a destination address of the service packet; sending, the first packet in a transmission direction of the service packet; and receiving, a second packet sent by the network device, wherein the second packet indicates that the first transmission path from the optical module to the network device exists, and wherein the second packet instructs the optical module to communicate with a network management system by using the network device and the first transmission path.