Network Controller Optical Port Connection Discovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual processes for verifying and discovering network cable connections in data centers are prone to human error, especially when connecting the Internet Protocol (IP) layer with optical networking, as existing methods do not allow for in-band connection discovery and verification due to the analog link between IP interfaces and Optical Line Systems (OLS).
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method that automatically detects connections by providing a measurement schedule to network elements to sample optical ports at a predetermined time, cross-correlating the measurement results to determine direct connections between optical ports, and providing a notification to administrative devices, using existing optical power measurement points like photodiodes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual processes are used for verifying and discovering network cable connections, then operational flexibility is maintained, but human error increases and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables optical ports to self-identify connections by autonomously measuring optical signals and generating connection information without external intervention. Each optical port measures incoming optical signals and determines connection status independently, eliminating the need for manual verification processes while ensuring high reliability through automated detection
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where measurement results from optical ports are continuously reported to the network controller, which then provides connection information back to administrative devices. This closed-loop feedback ensures accurate and real-time connection verification, improving reliability by automatically detecting and reporting connection status changes
2Loss of information
If connection discovery actively checks all available ports, then comprehensive connection information is obtained, but measurement time and system resource consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuously monitoring all ports, the system implements periodic measurement schedules where the network controller instructs optical ports to measure signals at predetermined intervals. This periodic approach maintains comprehensive connection information while significantly reducing measurement time and system resource consumption compared to continuous monitoring
Solution Approach 2:
The network controller pre-configures measurement schedules and instructions for optical ports before measurements are performed. By preparing measurement parameters and coordination information in advance, the system efficiently collects comprehensive connection information from all ports without requiring extended measurement periods during operation
3Measurement precision
If in-band connection discovery is implemented over analog optical links, then connection verification accuracy improves, but compatibility with existing optical networking infrastructure becomes problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables existing optical network elements to perform dual functions: their primary optical signal transmission function and an additional connection discovery function. By utilizing existing optical power measurement points like photodiodes for both optical signal monitoring and connection discovery, the system achieves high measurement precision while maintaining full compatibility with existing optical networking infrastructure without requiring specialized dedicated discovery hardware
Solution Approach 2:
The network controller acts as an intermediary that coordinates measurement activities between optical ports and administrative devices. It collects measurement results from optical ports, processes connection information, and provides verified connection data to administrative devices, enabling accurate in-band connection discovery while maintaining compatibility with standard optical networking protocols and infrastructure
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This method reduces human error by accurately determining direct connections between optical ports, tolerating reasonable timing offsets and not requiring high time precision, and can be applied to various network architectures, including Software Defined Networking (SDN) deployments.
Implementation Method 1
A computer-implemented method includes providing a measurement schedule to a plurality of network elements... sample optical ports of each network element... obtain a plurality of measurement results from the plurality of network elements... cross-correlating the plurality of measurement results
Data Source
AI summary
A centralized controller automatically detects connections in a network system of network elements. The centralized controller provides a measurement schedule to network elements in the network system. The measurement schedule indicates a predetermined time to sample optical ports of each network element. The centralized controller obtains measurement results from each network element, with each particular measurement result being associated with an optical port of a network element. The centralized controller then cross-correlates the measurement results to determine one or more direct connections between optical ports on corresponding pairs of network elements. A notification indicating the one or more direct connections is provided to at least one administrative device.