Optical Network Virtualization Mapping Weights

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current network virtualization technologies face challenges in effectively utilizing network resources, achieving efficient resource allocation, and reducing operational costs, particularly in constructing and managing virtual optical networks within physical optical networks.

Innovation Solution

A virtualization mapping method and apparatus that selects target physical nodes and links for virtual nodes based on node and link mapping weights, considering switching capacity and bandwidth resources, to ensure successful mapping and optimal resource utilization, implemented using a software-defined network (SDN) controller.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If network virtualization technology is used to construct virtual optical networks on shared infrastructure, then network resource utilization is improved, but mapping precision and resource allocation efficiency deteriorate due to lack of effective technical solutions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork resource utilizationVSAvoidmapping precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces mapping weights as a key parameter to quantify the relationship between virtual nodes and physical nodes, and between virtual links and physical links. These weights are calculated based on multiple factors including node degree, link capacity, and resource availability, enabling precise and optimized mapping decisions that resolve the contradiction between resource utilization and mapping precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary calculations of mapping weights and construction of auxiliary graphs before actual mapping occurs. By pre-computing the auxiliary graph with weighted edges representing virtual nodes, physical nodes, virtual links, and physical links, the system prepares all necessary mapping information in advance, improving both mapping precision and resource allocation efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If dedicated-path protection is provided for each virtual link, then network reliability is improved, but device complexity and operational costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork reliabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the auxiliary graph serve multiple functions: it represents both virtual and physical network topologies, stores mapping weight information, and facilitates both primary path and backup path calculations. This multi-functional approach provides dedicated-path protection for reliability while avoiding the complexity of separate protection mechanisms for each virtual link

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Manufacturing precision

If integer linear program models are used for mapping, then mapping precision is improved, but computational time and operational complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemapping precisionVSAvoidcomputational time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses partial action by employing greedy algorithms that make local optimal choices at each step rather than solving the complete integer linear program. The algorithm iteratively selects virtual links with highest mapping weights and assigns them to physical links, achieving sufficient mapping precision without the computational burden of exact ILP solutions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentEP3793206B1Physical optical network virtualization mapping method and apparatus, and controller and storage medium
Publication Date: 2023.05.10 ZTE CORP
  • EP3793206B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3793206B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5
  • EP3793206B1 patent drawingFigure 6

AI summary

Disclosed are a virtualization mapping method and apparatus for a physical optical network, and an SDN controller and a storage medium for improving the utilization of network resources in a network virtualization mapping process. The method comprises: selecting, from physical nodes of the physical optical network, N target physical nodes to which virtual nodes of a virtual link are to be mapped, according to node mapping weights between the virtual nodes of the virtual link and the physical nodes; selecting a first physical link from target physical links constituted by the N target physical nodes, according to link mapping weights between the virtual link and physical links, when determining that all virtual nodes of the virtual link can be successfully mapped to each of the target physical nodes.