Optical Network Topology Autodiscovery System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical telecommunication networks face challenges such as long service activation times, limited service offerings, lack of flexibility, and complex network management due to their point-to-point architecture, which hinders scalability and revenue generation.
Innovation Solution
An agile optical network with a topology autodiscovery system that uses a distributed platform for monitoring and controlling optical modules, shelves, and network elements, enabling real-time knowledge of network resources and dynamic allocation of resources for connections, allowing for independent routing and switching.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a point-to-point architecture is used in traditional WDM networks, then electrical cross-connects are provided at all switching nodes, but the network complexity grows with the number of channels, making provisioning and engineering operations more complex and increasing service activation time
Solution Approach 1:
The network management function is segmented into multiple independent domain managers, each responsible for specific domains (e.g., wavelength domain, spatial domain, temporal domain). This segmentation reduces the complexity of any single manager and enables parallel processing of provisioning tasks, thereby reducing service activation time while maintaining comprehensive network control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new hierarchical dimension to network management by adding a coordination layer that manages interactions between domain managers. This dimensional addition allows the system to handle increased network complexity through structured coordination protocols rather than monolithic processing, reducing overall system complexity while enabling faster service activation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a point-to-point architecture is used, then electrical cross-connects are provided at all switching nodes, but the network does not have the ability to turn up/down bandwidth rapidly or provide bandwidth optimized for data layer needs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic bandwidth allocation by allowing domain managers to independently provision and reconfigure network resources in real-time. The wavelength domain manager can dynamically allocate wavelengths, the spatial domain manager can route signals through different physical paths, and the temporal domain manager can manage time-division multiplexing, enabling rapid bandwidth adjustment without changing the underlying point-to-point architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The domain managers are designed as universal components that can handle multiple functions within their respective domains. Each manager can perform provisioning, monitoring, and reconfiguration tasks, making the system adaptable to various service requirements (bandwidth adjustment, latency optimization, protection level configuration) without requiring separate dedicated systems for each function.
3Measurement precision
If conventional network management systems are used, then management is provided at the network element granularity, but the systems do not maintain an accurate inventory of network equipment and require manual data collection and updates
Solution Approach 1:
The network elements themselves provide the inventory data through automated discovery and reporting mechanisms. Each network element announces its presence, capabilities, and status to the appropriate domain manager, which then automatically updates the network inventory. This self-service approach eliminates manual data collection while maintaining highly accurate and real-time inventory information.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback loops where network elements periodically report their status and inventory information to domain managers. This feedback mechanism ensures that the inventory data is always up-to-date without requiring manual intervention, as the system automatically detects and reports changes in network equipment status, location, and configuration.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple software management platforms are deployed for each service and vendor equipment, then specific service requirements can be met, but the network management complexity increases and different platforms need to communicate with each other
Solution Approach 1:
The management system is segmented into separate domain managers (wavelength domain manager, spatial domain manager, temporal domain manager) that operate independently but coordinate through standardized interfaces. This segmentation allows each manager to be optimized for specific service requirements while maintaining compatibility through the coordination layer, reducing the integration complexity that would otherwise arise from multiple vendor-specific platforms.
Solution Approach 2:
The coordination layer acts as an intermediary between the various domain managers and service management platforms. It provides standardized communication protocols and data formats that enable different platforms to work together seamlessly, eliminating the need for direct point-to-point integration between each platform pair and significantly reducing the overall integration complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
The network operating system includes an embedded platform for controlling operation of an agile optical network at the physical layer level. At the module embedded level, each module (card-pack) is provided with an embedded controller EC that monitors and control operation of the optical modules. At the next level, each shelf is provided with a shelf processor SP that monitors and control operation of the ECs over a backplane network. All optical modules are connected over an optical trace channel to send/receive trace messages that can then be used to determine network connectivity. At the next, link management level, a network services controller NSC controls the SPs in a negotiated span of control, over a link network. The control is address-based; each NSC receives ranges of addresses for the entities in its control, and distributes these addresses to the SPs, which in turn distribute addresses to the ECs in their control. One of the SPs operates as a router on the link network to relay signaling and control to all entities based on their address. Each NSC constructs, from queried information, a network topology fragment for the embedded elements under its control. A distributed topology system (DTS) shares this topology information with neighboring NSC's to build a complete network view, which can be used by all interested network applications.