Optical Network Service Restoration with Dynamic Attribute Modification

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional optical network restoration methods cannot alter service attributes during restoration, leading to potential failures in service restoration due to the requirement of maintaining the same attributes as the original path, which may not be feasible in all network conditions.

Innovation Solution

The method involves provisioning a service on a home route with a first set of attributes and defining one or more protect routes with different attributes, allowing for dynamic attribute changes during restoration based on the service and network state, using Designated Transit Lists (DTLs) or Explicit Route Objects (EROS) provided by users, Network Management Systems, or SDN applications.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If service attributes are kept the same as the original path during restoration, then service consistency is maintained, but service restoration may fail when network conditions have changed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveservice restoration successVSAvoidattribute flexibility during restoration

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables dynamic attribute modification during service restoration by allowing the service to transition from a static attribute state (original path attributes) to a dynamic state where attributes can be changed based on current network conditions. The control plane determines appropriate attributes for protect routes and applies them during restoration, making the service adaptable to changing network environments while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent directly applies parameter changes by modifying service attributes during restoration. Instead of maintaining fixed attributes from the original path, the system changes attributes such as bandwidth, priority, or routing parameters to match current network conditions on protect routes, thereby improving restoration success while adapting to network changes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If service attributes are changed during restoration, then adaptability to network conditions improves, but service control complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattribute flexibility during restorationVSAvoidcontrol plane complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a control plane as an intermediary between the service and the network infrastructure. The control plane manages the complexity of attribute modification by centralizing the decision-making process for attribute changes during restoration. It determines which attributes to modify, when to modify them, and applies them systematically, thereby reducing overall system complexity while enabling flexible attribute changes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-defining protect routes with alternative attributes before restoration is needed. When restoration becomes necessary, the system can quickly switch to these pre-prepared attribute sets without complex real-time calculations, reducing control plane complexity during the actual restoration event while maintaining high adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If permanent attribute changes are applied during restoration, then service behavior can be optimized, but the ability to revert to original behavior is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveservice restoration efficiencyVSAvoidservice attribute stability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies periodic action by enabling reversible attribute changes that can be applied and removed in cycles. During restoration, attributes are modified to optimize service behavior, and when the original path becomes available or conditions change, the original attributes can be restored. This periodic modification approach maintains both productivity during restoration and stability through reversibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent provides beforehand cushioning by maintaining the capability to revert to original service attributes. Before applying attribute changes during restoration, the system preserves the option to restore original attributes if needed, cushioning against potential negative outcomes of attribute modification while still enabling productivity improvements during the restoration process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentUS9832548B2Flexible behavior modification during restoration in optical networks

Publication Date: 2017.11.28 CIENA CORP

AI summary

Systems and methods of flexible behavior modification of a service implemented in a node during restoration in an optical network include provisioning the service on a home route with a first set of attributes; defining one or more protect routes in the network for the service, wherein each of the one or more protect routes have a corresponding set of attributes which differs from the first set of attributes; and, responsive to restoration of the service, determining a protect route of the one or more protect routes to restore the service and changing the service to have the corresponding set of attributes while on the protect route.