Optical Network Controller Simulation for Traffic Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical network monitoring and control systems affect network traffic during testing and decision-making processes, as they require physical changes to network elements, leading to unpredictable outcomes and potential degradation in system performance.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize a network controller to simulate changes in the optical network using individual ID tags with static and dynamic parameters, allowing for decision-making without affecting traffic, and implementing changes only if deemed acceptable, while providing alternative recommendations if necessary.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If physical testing of network elements is performed to determine performance changes, then decision-making accuracy is improved, but network traffic is affected and system performance degrades
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the optical network in a simulation environment. This virtual network replica allows testing and evaluation of parameter changes without affecting the real network traffic. The simulation model includes identical network elements, links, and topologies, enabling accurate prediction of performance changes while maintaining network reliability during decision-making processes.
2Manufacturing precision
If network elements are physically changed to test performance variations, then control accuracy is improved, but operational stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs all necessary testing and evaluation actions in advance within the simulation environment before any real network changes are implemented. By pre-testing parameter variations, their impact on performance metrics can be assessed, and only approved changes are then applied to the real network, ensuring operational stability is maintained throughout the process.
3Reliability
If real network testing is conducted to evaluate parameter changes, then decision reliability is improved, but traffic disruption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The simulation environment creates a parallel copy of the network that can be tested independently of actual traffic flow. This allows comprehensive evaluation of parameter changes and their impact on network performance without interrupting or affecting real-time traffic throughput, as the testing occurs in the virtual replica rather than the operational network.
Data Source
AI summary
A technique is described for controlling and optical network composed of network elements (NEs), with the aid of a network controller (NC) being in communication with the network elements. The technique includes collecting, by the network controller NC, information on the NEs therefrom, and, whenever a change in the network is requested, simulating within the NC operation of the network with the requested change and based on the collected information. The NC makes a decision on acceptability of the requested change, and may then cause implementation of the requested change in the network.