Packet Optical Network Configuration Using Reachability Graphs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current telecom networks face inefficiencies in managing mixed traffic flows due to the lack of advanced planning and design systems that integrate packet and optical transport technologies effectively, leading to higher costs and lower efficiency in bandwidth utilization.
Innovation Solution
A packet optical network configuring method that uses a server to generate packet and optical transport designs based on reachability graphs, ensuring the network configuration meets predefined user objectives and optimizes resource allocation across packet and optical layers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If packet and optical transport are integrated in network elements, then network efficiency and adaptability improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the transport network into distinct packet transport layer and optical transport layer, with network elements capable of operating at either layer. This segmentation allows efficient handling of different traffic types at appropriate layers while managing complexity through modular architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements network elements with hybrid capabilities that can function across multiple transport layers (packet and optical). These universal elements can adaptively route traffic through the most efficient path, whether at the packet layer (MPLS-TP, Ethernet) or optical layer (OTN, SDH), thereby improving overall network efficiency without requiring entirely separate infrastructure.
2Productivity
If advanced network planning and design systems are implemented, then bandwidth utilization efficiency improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs advanced network planning and design systems that perform preliminary analysis and optimization of transport architectures before deployment. These systems evaluate traffic matrices, predict future bandwidth needs, and pre-determine optimal network configurations, enabling efficient bandwidth utilization from the outset while avoiding ad-hoc complexity.
3Reliability
If optical transport is used for all traffic flows, then network reachability improves, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different transport technologies at different locations and layers based on local requirements. Packet transport (MPLS-TP, Ethernet) is used where flexibility and cost-effectiveness are priorities, while optical transport (OTN, SDH) is deployed where high reachability and deterministic performance are critical. This localized approach optimizes the balance between reachability and cost.
Data Source
AI summary
A packet optical network configuring method including obtaining network information that includes an optical reachability graph for a packet optical network, generating a packet reachability graph using the network information, generating a packet transport design for a network configuration for the packet optical network based on the packet reachability graph, generating an optical transport design for the network configuration, determining the network configuration is acceptable when the network configuration meets one or more predefined user objectives, and outputting the network configuration based on the determination. An apparatus including a receiver configured to obtain network information that includes an optical reachability graph for a packet optical network, a memory, and a processor coupled to the receiver and the memory, and configured to generate a set of packet reachability graphs using the network information, where each packet reachability graph from the set of packet reachability graphs interconnects a plurality of integrated packet optical network nodes for packet switching and optical switching.