Path Computation Element for Network Concatenation Constraints

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Solution Overview

Problem

In large-scale service networks, existing path computation methods are complex and burdensome for nodes, especially when computing cross-domain paths, due to limited processing capabilities and the need for multiple nodes to participate in the computation.

Innovation Solution

A path computation method and node device that utilize a Path Computation Element (PCE) to compute concatenation paths in a Time Division Multiplex network, receiving concatenation capabilities and constraints to determine and send path information conforming to concatenation constraints, simplifying the path computation process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If each node serves as a head node to compute paths independently, then path computation can be distributed across the network, but the processing burden on each node increases due to limited node capabilities

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedistributed path computationVSAvoidnode processing burden
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a dedicated path computation element (PCE) as an intermediary component that handles path computation tasks. This PCE receives path computation requests from network devices, performs the computation using stored topology information, and returns the computed paths. This mediator approach transfers the computational burden from individual network nodes to a specialized element, resolving the contradiction between distributed computation and node processing capacity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Loss of energy

If the network is divided into multiple domains to prevent topology flooding, then network congestion is reduced, but cross-domain path computation becomes complex requiring multiple nodes to participate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork congestion preventionVSAvoidcross-domain computation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables the path computation element to perform multiple functions: it can compute paths within a single domain and also compute cross-domain paths by utilizing topology information from multiple domains. This universal capability allows a single PCE to handle both intra-domain and inter-domain path computation, simplifying the cross-domain scenario without requiring complex multi-node participation while maintaining domain boundaries for congestion prevention.

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

Data Source

PatentEP2352261B1Path computation method, node device and path computation element
Publication Date: 2015.02.18 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
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AI summary

A path computation method is provided. A node device and a path computation element (PCE) are also provided correspondingly. The path computation method includes: sending a path computation request message to the PCE after receiving a client-side service transmission request, the path computation request message carrying identifiers of a source node and a destination node that access a client-side service and carrying a path concatenation constraint; and receiving the path computation response message carrying path information returned by the PCE, the path information being obtained by the PCE through computation according to the identifiers of the source node and the destination node that accesses a client-side service, the concatenation constraint, and concatenation capabilities of each interface of nodes in a network. The technical solution of the present invention is simpler and more convenient, which obviously reduces the complexity of the specific implementation.