Optical Network Restoration Path Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical network systems do not effectively consider restoration time in path computation, leading to slow restoration times in the photonic layer, which scale with the number of hops and channels, and are influenced by existing wavelength load, causing disruptions and inefficiencies in service restoration.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that maintain wavelength load status across optical links, estimate restoration time based on wavelength load, and determine optimal restoration paths considering total restoration time, using control planes and SDN to select paths that minimize overall restoration time while avoiding congestion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If conventional path computation techniques are used that do not consider restoration time, then path selection is simplified and based on standard metrics, but optical restoration time increases and scales with the number of hops and channels
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-calculates and stores restoration time estimates for different optical links based on wavelength load conditions before failures occur. When a failure happens, these pre-computed estimates are immediately available for path computation, eliminating the need for real-time calculations during restoration operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary restoration time estimation mechanism that acts between the failure detection and path computation processes. This intermediary layer provides pre-computed time estimates that guide the path selection algorithm, bridging the gap between simple path computation and complex restoration time optimization.
2Quantity of substance
If optical links have high wavelength load, then more channels can be restored to the link, but restoration time increases due to power optimization requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-estimates restoration time for each optical link considering different wavelength load scenarios before failures occur. These pre-computed estimates capture the relationship between channel quantity and restoration time, allowing the path computation to select optimal paths that balance channel restoration capacity with acceptable restoration time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter consideration in path computation from static metrics to dynamic restoration time estimates that vary with wavelength load. By incorporating restoration time as a variable parameter in the path selection process, the system can optimize for faster restoration even when dealing with high channel loads that require power optimization.
3Productivity
If conventional path computation metrics are used without restoration time consideration, then path selection is faster and simpler, but service restoration efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary estimation of restoration times for all optical links based on current wavelength load conditions. These pre-computed estimates are stored and immediately available when failures occur, enabling efficient path computation that considers restoration time without adding computational overhead during actual restoration operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where restoration time estimates are continuously updated based on changing wavelength load conditions. This feedback loop ensures that path computation always uses current, accurate restoration time estimates, improving service restoration efficiency while maintaining computational efficiency through pre-computed values.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for improving optical restoration time in a network include maintaining a status of wavelength load for a plurality of optical links in the network; utilizing the wavelength load to estimate a restoration time for one or more wavelengths being added to each of the plurality of optical links; and determining one or more restoration paths for the one or more wavelengths in the network and considering a total service restoration time in selecting a path for each of the one or more wavelengths, wherein each of the one or more restoration paths comprises one or more of the plurality of optical links.