OTN Layer Decoupling via OCh and ODUk Link Aggregation Groups
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity and tight coupling between layers in optical transport networks (OTNs) hinder efficient expansion and contraction, particularly due to the inherent differences between the entirely optical OCh layer and the partially electrical ODUk layer, leading to congestion and increased complexity in metropolitan OTNs as bandwidth demands rise.
Innovation Solution
Implementing optical data unit (ODUk) and optical channel (OCh) link aggregation groups (LAGs) to decouple these layers, allowing for independent scaling and reducing tight coupling, thereby simplifying the construction and operation of OTNs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the OCh and ODUk layers are tightly coupled in traditional OTN architecture, then the network provides integrated transport and management functions, but the complexity increases and independent scaling becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the traditional coupled OCh-ODUk architecture into separate link aggregation groups. OCh LAGs handle optical channel functions independently while ODUk LAGs handle data unit functions independently, allowing each layer to be scaled and managed separately without affecting the other, thus resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces link aggregation groups as intermediary structures that bridge the optical layer and electrical layer. These LAGs act as mediators that enable independent scaling of each layer while maintaining necessary coordination, reducing overall network complexity through modular abstraction.
2Quantity of substance
If bandwidth requirements increase to meet customer demands, then the network capacity increases, but congestion and complexity increase in metropolitan OTNs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple physical links into link aggregation groups (LAGs) at both OCh and ODUk layers. This combining approach increases bandwidth capacity by aggregating available resources while simplifying management through unified LAG interfaces, thereby increasing capacity without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables dynamic bandwidth allocation and scaling within the LAG framework. Networks can dynamically adjust the number of active links and allocate bandwidth flexibly based on customer demands, allowing capacity to scale without rigid structural changes that would increase complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the OCh layer is entirely optical while the ODUk layer performs electrical functions, then the network provides diverse signal processing capabilities, but the tight coupling between layers hinders expansion and contraction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the optical and electrical processing functions into separate manageable LAG structures. OCh LAGs manage optical layer operations independently while ODUk LAGs manage electrical layer operations independently, allowing expansion or contraction of either layer without managing the complexity of their interaction, thus improving adaptability and ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A network device establishes first and second Ethernet link aggregation groups (LAGs) at a first access site of an optical transport network (OTN), and creates a first optical channel (OCh) LAG subpath from the first Ethernet LAG, via a second access site of the OTN, to an Ethernet LAG at a third access site of the OTN. The network device also creates a second OCh LAG subpath from the first Ethernet LAG, via a distribution site of the OTN, to the Ethernet LAG at the third access site, and creates a first optical data unit (ODUk) LAG subpath from the second Ethernet LAG to an Ethernet LAG at the second access site. The network device further creates a second ODUk LAG subpath from the second Ethernet LAG, via the distribution site and the third access site, to the Ethernet LAG at the second access site.