PCE Feedback Mechanism for Path Computation Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
The Path Computation Element (PCE) in GMPLS networks lacks accurate and timely feedback on connection setup results, leading to limited information on path feasibility, which affects network performance and causes unnecessary signaling overhead due to transient failures being misinterpreted.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method where the Path Computation Client (PCC) reports the result of connection setup attempts to the PCE, including success or failure information, and additional details on failure causes and locations, using enhanced PCEP messages or objects, to refine the PCE's network view for future path calculations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the PCE requests feedback on connection setup results from the PCC, then the PCE can improve path computation accuracy and reduce setup times by distinguishing between transient and persistent failures, but the communication protocol complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the PCE sends a feedback request message to the PCC after receiving a path computation request, and the PCC responds with the connection setup result. This feedback loop enables the PCE to distinguish between transient and persistent failures by receiving actual connection setup outcomes, thereby improving path computation accuracy without requiring fundamental protocol changes
Solution Approach 2:
The PCE sends the feedback request message in advance, before the PCC has completed the connection setup. This preliminary action allows the PCC to report the connection setup result as soon as it becomes available, reducing overall setup time and enabling the PCE to make informed decisions about path computation without waiting for the entire connection setup process to complete
2Ease of manufacture
If the PCE uses existing PCEP messages for feedback requests, then protocol implementation is simpler, but the ability to convey detailed failure information is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The feedback request message is segmented into distinct components: a mandatory PCEP message structure for basic communication, and optional information elements for detailed failure information. This segmentation allows the protocol to maintain simplicity for basic operations while providing enhanced information capability when needed, resolving the contradiction between implementation simplicity and information completeness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements optional information elements that provide detailed failure information only when necessary. The core PCEP message structure handles basic feedback requests and responses, while additional information elements can be included when detailed failure analysis is required, allowing the system to operate efficiently in normal conditions while providing comprehensive information when needed
Data Source
AI summary
A Path Computation Client (24) of a node in a network sends a request message (52) to a Path Computation Element (28) of the network for computation of a path, and the Path Computation Element sends a response message (54) comprising information identifying a calculated path. The Path Computation Element also sends a request for feedback on a result of the attempt to set up the connection. The Path Computation Element attempts to set up a connection based on the calculated path, and reports (64) to the Path Computation Element the result of the attempt to set up the connection.