Optical Network Reconfiguration via Control Plane Migration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical communication networks lack efficient mechanisms for in-service network reconfiguration, particularly when changes to the Control Plane Name Space are required, such as adding or removing nodes, merging/splitting domains, or migrating between control plane technologies, which can disrupt existing connections and traffic flows.
Innovation Solution
A method involving CP-to-MP and MP-to-CP migrations is used to update the Control Plane Name Space by transferring ownership of connections between the Control Plane and Management Plane, allowing for in-service reconfiguration without disrupting Transport Plane traffic, by installing an updated Control Plane Name Space and performing back-to-back migrations to redefine connection states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the Control Plane Name Space is updated to reconfigure the network (e.g., adding/removing nodes, merging/splitting domains), then the network adaptability and configuration flexibility are improved, but existing connections and traffic flows are disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing CP-to-MP migration before the actual network reconfiguration takes effect. This preliminary migration transfers connection states from the Control Plane to the Management Plane, preparing the system to accept Name Space updates without disrupting active connections. The reconfiguration can then proceed safely while connections remain stable under Management Plane control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the Management Plane as an intermediary during the reconfiguration process. By migrating connections to the Management Plane (which acts as a mediator), the system can update the Control Plane Name Space without directly impacting active connections. The Management Plane temporarily holds connection states, allowing the Control Plane to be reconfigured and then migrate connections back with the updated Name Space.
2Extent of automation
If the Control Plane manages all connection states, then the control functionality and automation are improved, but the complexity of in-service reconfiguration increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing connection management into two distinct planes: the Control Plane for automated connection establishment and management, and the Management Plane for overseeing reconfiguration processes. This segmentation allows the Control Plane to maintain high automation for routine operations while the Management Plane handles complex reconfiguration tasks, reducing the overall complexity of in-service reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The Management Plane serves as an intermediary that simplifies complex reconfiguration operations. By offloading reconfiguration management to this intermediary plane, the Control Plane can focus on automated connection management without the complexity burden, while the Management Plane coordinates the migration processes and Name Space updates in a controlled manner.
3Reliability
If connections are migrated from Control Plane to Management Plane and back, then the Name Space can be updated without traffic disruption, but the migration process time and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains continuity of useful action by ensuring that traffic flows continue uninterrupted during the migration process. Connections remain active and functional while being migrated from the Control Plane to the Management Plane and back. The Migration process is designed to preserve ongoing traffic, allowing the network to maintain continuous useful action (data transmission) throughout the reconfiguration sequence.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying by creating and maintaining connection state copies during migration. When connections are migrated from the Control Plane to the Management Plane, the state information is copied rather than moved, allowing the original connections to remain intact and active. This copying mechanism enables the migration process to occur without interrupting traffic, as the connection states can be replicated across planes during the transition.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of reconfiguring a network having a transport plane for carrying subscriber traffic flows within end-to-end connections, a control plane for managing at least a portion of resources of the transport plane allocated to each connection, and a management plane for implementing management functions in the control plane and any resources of the transport plane that are not managed by the control plane. The method comprises installing an updated version of a control plane name space for a target node of the network. For each connection traversing the target node: a control plane to management plane migration is performed for removing connection state in the control plane associated with the connection, so as to transfer ownership of the connection from the control plane to the management plane; followed by a management plane to control plane migration for installing new connection state in the control plane associated with the connection, so as to transfer ownership of the connection from the management plant to the control plane, the new connection state being defined using the updated version of the control plane name space.