Co-modelling Packet and Optical Networks for Bandwidth Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
IP/MPLS networks face challenges in achieving high availability and reliability for voice transmission, requiring effective packet link protection mechanisms that often result in resource wastage when both MPLS fast reroute and optical mesh protection are used simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
A method for co-modelling packet and optical networks to evaluate bandwidth requirements, allowing for the simulation of packet transport networks and performing survivability analysis, which includes generating basic packet and optical capacities and establishing backup or protection tunnels to assess network resilience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If both MPLS fast reroute and optical mesh protection are implemented, then network reliability is improved, but bandwidth resource utilization deteriorates due to redundant protection capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the protection function from the packet network layer and relocates it to the optical network layer. By implementing protection switching at the optical layer through mesh protection, the patent eliminates the need for MPLS fast reroute protection in the packet network, thereby removing redundant protection mechanisms and optimizing bandwidth resource utilization while maintaining network reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent shifts the protection mechanism from the packet network dimension to the optical network dimension. Instead of implementing protection at the IP/MPLS layer, the patent implements protection at the underlying optical transport layer, creating a hierarchical protection architecture where the optical layer provides protection for packet network connections, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and resource utilization
2Device complexity
If packet link protection is completely handled by the packet network, then device complexity in the optical network is reduced, but bandwidth requirements increase due to unprotected optical connections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a multi-functional protection architecture where the optical network layer provides protection services that benefit both protected and unprotected packet network connections. The optical mesh protection mechanism serves as a universal protection layer that can protect multiple packet network connections simultaneously, reducing the need for packet network-specific protection mechanisms while optimizing bandwidth allocation
Data Source
AI summary
A method is provided for co-modelling and analyzing a packet network operating over an optical network. The method includes co-modelling the packet network and the optical network by generating a basic packet capacity based on a simulated packet network comprising packet network topology information and packet traffic information and generating a basic optical capacity based on a simulated packet transport network comprising optical network topology information and the basic packet capacity. The output of the co-modelled network is then used to perform analysis on the simulated packet transport network. For example, embodiments of the present invention provide methods of survivability analysis for providing packet link is protection in either the packet network or the optical network of the simulated packet transport network.