Optical Provisioning SR Label for Dynamic Circuit Creation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current packet optical networks require pre-established optical circuits, which can lead to unnecessary overhead and inefficiency, as they are not dynamically created based on need, and lack the ability to efficiently manage bandwidth on-demand in converged optical and packet networks.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of Segment Routing (SR) using Optical Provisioning SR Label (OPSL) allows for dynamic creation of optical circuits on-demand within packet-optical networks, enabling the creation of optical label switch paths based on need, rather than pre-establishment, and facilitating efficient bandwidth management through the use of SR labels and OPSLs to signal optical circuit creation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If optical circuits are pre-established in advance, then traffic steering is enabled, but network overhead increases and resource utilization decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-advertising OPSL labels and their associated node mapping information through IGP protocols before actual traffic needs arise. This allows the network to have circuit setup capability ready without establishing physical optical circuits in advance, reducing resource consumption while maintaining steering capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The network elements automatically create optical circuits on-demand when packets with OPSL labels are received, without requiring manual intervention or complex UNI signaling. The system serves itself by dynamically provisioning circuits only when and where needed, reducing overall network overhead.
2Reliability
If optical circuits are pre-established manually or with optical binding SID, then traffic steering is achieved, but complexity of UNI signaling increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the OPSL label functionality with standard IGP routing protocols, combining circuit provisioning capabilities with existing routing infrastructure. This eliminates the need for separate complex UNI signaling protocols, as OPSL labels are advertised and processed through standard routing mechanisms already present in the network.
Solution Approach 2:
The OPSL label serves multiple functions: it acts as a routing label for traffic steering, a circuit provisioning signal for optical circuit creation, and a node mapping indicator. This multi-functionality replaces multiple specialized protocols with a single versatile mechanism, reducing overall system complexity.
3Productivity
If optical circuits are created on-demand using OPSL, then resource utilization improves, but dynamic circuit creation capability must be implemented
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual or complex mechanical circuit setup procedures with automated label-based signaling. The OPSL label acts as a digital instruction that automatically triggers circuit creation through standard network protocols, substituting manual operations with automated information processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the state of optical circuits from static pre-configured to dynamic on-demand by introducing OPSL labels as a new parameter. This label parameter carries circuit provisioning information that transforms the circuit creation process from manual to automated, enabling flexible resource allocation.
4Reliability
If complex UNI signaling is used for optical circuit setup, then circuit provisioning is achieved, but maintenance overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The OPSL label acts as an intermediary that simplifies the circuit provisioning process. Instead of direct complex UNI signaling between network elements, the OPSL label mediates the interaction, carrying all necessary provisioning information in a standardized format that can be processed by standard routing protocols, reducing maintenance complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Presented herein are techniques for dynamic optical network programming using Segment Routing (SR) using an Optical Provisioning SR Label (OPSL). In one form, a method is provided that is performed by a network element that has received an OPSL from another network element to create an optical circuit. In another form, a method is provided that is performed by a network element that sends an OPSL to another network element to cause that other network element to create an optical circuit.