OTN Backup Demand Packing for Shared Mesh Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
In optical transport networks, dedicated mesh protection results in inefficient allocation of network resources due to permanently active redundant paths, while shared mesh protection can be more resource-efficient but is limited by the inability to share backup resources for non-disjoint working demands, leading to bandwidth underutilization.
Innovation Solution
The method involves provisioning routes for working and backup demands in an optical transport network, packing backup demands that share a common link into a single optical data unit to improve bandwidth utilization and resource allocation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If dedicated mesh protection is used with permanently active redundant paths, then network restoration speed is improved, but network resource allocation efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic path activation where backup paths transition from inactive to active state based on real-time network conditions and failure detection, rather than remaining permanently active as in dedicated mesh protection. This allows the system to maintain restoration capability while optimizing resource utilization by activating redundant resources only when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables backup paths to serve multiple primary paths simultaneously through shared mesh protection mechanisms. A single backup path can provide restoration services for multiple working paths, increasing resource utilization efficiency while maintaining the required restoration speed and reliability.
2Productivity
If shared mesh protection is used with backup paths reserved for use when necessary, then network resource allocation efficiency is improved, but bandwidth utilization deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple backup demands into shared optical data units (ODUs) through a process called backup demand packing. This merging approach allows multiple backup paths to share the same physical infrastructure and resources, improving bandwidth utilization while maintaining the efficiency benefits of shared mesh protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements nested packing where backup demands are hierarchically organized and packed into ODUs that can be further nested within larger transport structures. This nested arrangement maximizes bandwidth utilization by efficiently filling available capacity slots with multiple backup demands at different hierarchy levels.
3Quantity of substance
If backup demands are packed into a single optical data unit, then bandwidth utilization is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the backup demand packing process into distinct functional modules: demand aggregation, ODU packing, transport, and unpacking. This segmentation allows each module to be independently optimized and managed, reducing overall system complexity despite the sophisticated packing operations performed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary control mechanisms and management systems that coordinate the packing and unpacking of backup demands. These intermediaries abstract the complexity of resource allocation and path management, making the system more manageable while enabling sophisticated bandwidth utilization optimization.
Data Source
AI summary
In accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure a method for shared mesh protection in an optical transport network comprises provisioning a route for each of a plurality of working demands through the optical transport network. The method further comprises provisioning a route for backup demands corresponding to each of the plurality of working demands. The method additionally comprises packing into a single optical data unit a first backup demand corresponding to a first of the plurality of working demands and a second backup demand corresponding to a second of the plurality of working demands, wherein the first and second of the plurality of working demands share at least one common link in the optical transport network. The method also comprises unpacking the first and second backup demands from the optical data unit.