Automatic Packet Network Configuration Over DWDM Optical Links
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current DWDM network communication systems face challenges in automatically configuring packet-based network services, detecting active optical links, and determining remote packet switch node parameters, which hinders efficient communication between packet switches in DWDM environments.
Innovation Solution
The system automatically configures packet-based network services by detecting optical wavelengths, requesting optical configuration information, activating wavelengths, and extracting network parameters from OTN frames to set up and tear down packet switch links, enabling dynamic reconfiguration and rerouting in response to network events.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual configuration methods are used for packet switch nodes in DWDM networks, then configuration accuracy can be maintained, but operational efficiency and time consumption deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automatic configuration where packet switch nodes self-configure by detecting optical wavelengths and extracting network parameters from OTN frames without manual intervention. The system extracts configuration data from overhead portions of optical frames and automatically applies packet switching configuration, enabling the network to configure itself autonomously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates configuration information into OTN frames before transmission. The overhead portions of optical frames contain pre-prepared network parameters that packet switch nodes extract to automatically configure themselves, eliminating the need for manual configuration processes.
2Loss of time
If automatic configuration is implemented for packet switch nodes, then operational efficiency improves, but system complexity and detection difficulty worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses OTN frames as an intermediary carrier that transports configuration information between optical network elements and packet switch nodes. The overhead portions of these frames serve as a standardized interface for automatic configuration, simplifying the detection and configuration process while reducing time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where packet switch nodes detect optical wavelengths, extract configuration parameters from incoming OTN frames, and automatically apply configuration. The system continuously monitors and adjusts configuration based on detected optical link status and extracted parameters.
3Productivity
If integration between packet switching layers and DWDM layers is implemented, then end-to-end efficiency improves, but device complexity and configuration difficulty worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges packet switching configuration with OTN frame structures by embedding configuration information in the overhead portions of optical frames. This integration allows packet switch nodes to automatically obtain configuration data from the optical layer without requiring separate configuration processes, thereby improving end-to-end efficiency while managing complexity through unified configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes OTN frames serve multiple functions: they carry payload data and simultaneously transport configuration information for packet switch nodes. The overhead portions of frames provide universal configuration data that can be used by any packet switch node in the network, reducing the need for node-specific configuration mechanisms.
4Adaptability or versatility
If dynamic reconfiguration is enabled for optical links, then network adaptability improves, but configuration stability and reliability worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables dynamic reconfiguration by allowing packet switch nodes to detect changes in optical wavelengths and automatically update configuration based on newly extracted parameters from OTN frames. The system can dynamically adapt to network changes while maintaining stability through standardized configuration extraction processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses feedback mechanisms where packet switch nodes continuously monitor optical link status and automatically reconfigure based on detected changes. The feedback loop ensures that dynamic reconfiguration occurs only when necessary, maintaining configuration stability during normal operation while enabling adaptability when network conditions change.
Data Source
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AI summary
Techniques are provided to automatically configure packet based network services over Dense Wavelength Division Multiplex (DWDM) network communication links. An optical wavelength is detected at an optical interface of a network device configured to send traffic between a packet switched network and an optical network. A message is sent to an optical control plane comprising information configured to request optical configuration information for the optical wavelength. A response to the message is received comprising the optical configuration information and the wavelength is activated at the optical interface using the optical configuration information. A frame is received over the wavelength that is formatted according to an optical protocol. Packet switched network information is extracting from an overhead portion of the frame that is configured to identify network parameters for configuring a packet switched network link and the associated routing. The packet switched network link is configured using the network parameters.