Automatic Node Configuration in OTN Networks

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing OTN frame structure is cumbersome and prone to human error in configuring node working modes, especially as network complexity increases, and lacks support for more than six sub-domains due to limited overhead, making manual operation time-consuming and inefficient.

Innovation Solution

A method and system for automatically configuring node working modes in the SM, PM, and TCM layers based on node position, using a network management device to determine and send working mode information to a network element proxy device, which configures the modes, including transparent, monitoring, and operation working modes, and utilizes a reserved byte to support more than six sub-domains by extending the TCM layer overhead.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If manual configuration of node working modes is performed according to configuration standard rules, then configuration accuracy can be maintained, but operation time increases and human error occurs easily as network complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconfiguration accuracyVSAvoidoperation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables automatic configuration of node working modes through the network management device that autonomously determines and configures SM, PM, and TCM layer modes based on node position, eliminating the need for manual configuration operations while maintaining configuration accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The manual mechanical configuration process is replaced by an automated electronic system that uses network management devices to automatically determine node positions and configure appropriate working modes, substituting human operators with intelligent algorithms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If the TCM overhead structure is used according to present standard, then standard compliance is maintained, but support for more than six sub-domains is limited due to no spare reserved byte

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestandard complianceVSAvoidsub-domain support capability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system extends the TCM layer functionality by utilizing the reserved byte (another dimension of the overhead structure) to enable support for more than six sub-domains, effectively adding capacity without violating the standard TCM overhead format

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the utilization parameter of the TCM overhead by activating the previously unused reserved byte, thereby increasing the sub-domain identification capacity from 6 to more than 6 while maintaining standard compliance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of manufacture

If configuration is limited to only TCM layer, then implementation simplicity is maintained, but SM and PM layer working modes cannot be configured

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimplementation simplicityVSAvoidlayer configuration coverage
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The network management device is designed to perform multi-functionality by configuring working modes across three layers (SM, PM, and TCM) simultaneously, making the system universal and adaptable to different monitoring requirements across multiple protocol layers

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP2306673B1Method and system for realizing automatic configuration of the node working mode
Publication Date: 2013.04.03 ZTE CORP
  • EP2306673B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2306673B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3

AI summary

The present invention provides a method and system for realizing automatic configuration of node working modes. The system comprises a network management device, a network element proxy device and a node device. The network management device is configured to determine working modes of a network node in a section monitoring (SM) layer, path monitoring (PM) layer and tandem connection monitoring (TCM) layer according to a position of the network node in a network, and sending the determined working mode information to a network element proxy device; and the network element proxy device is configured to configure the working modes of the node to a corresponding node device. The method and system of the present invention can shield the user from specific technical details, improve network intelligence, simplify manual operation, and meet more needs of the user.