Photonic Layer Path Computation via Partial Connectivity Signaling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional control plane networks in photonic layers face high congestion and performance issues due to the flooding of complete connectivity information across the network, leading to increased routing database size and complexity, especially with partial connectivity scenarios where direct attach ports and regenerator banks have constrained connectivity.
Innovation Solution
A method that receives and stores connectivity information from nodes with partial connectivity in signaling messages, updates path computation based on this information, and periodically sends probe signaling messages to update protect routes without flooding the photonic layer topology, assuming full connectivity initially and adjusting accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If complete connectivity information is broadcast across the control plane network, then all nodes have full topology awareness for accurate path computation, but routing database size increases and network congestion occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the connectivity information by separating it into two components: (1) the photonic layer topology which is not flooded, and (2) the connectivity constraints which are transmitted only when needed through signaling messages. This segmentation allows nodes to have sufficient information for path computation without receiving complete topology data from all nodes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by transmitting only the necessary connectivity information (partial connectivity) rather than complete connectivity information. Nodes receive connectivity constraints only from nodes where they are relevant, avoiding the excessive action of flooding complete topology data across the entire network.
2Loss of information
If complete connectivity information is flooded across the network, then path computation can be performed with full topology awareness, but control plane congestion and performance degradation occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential connectivity information from the complete topology data. Instead of flooding entire topology databases, the system extracts and transmits only the connectivity constraints (such as which OCH ports are connected to which OMS ports) through signaling messages, removing the unnecessary bulk data that causes congestion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a simplified copy mechanism where nodes receive copies of connectivity information only when needed through signaling messages rather than continuous flooding. This selective copying approach ensures that path computation has the necessary information while avoiding the performance degradation caused by constant data transmission.
3Loss of information
If photonic layer topology is flooded in the control plane, then all nodes have current topology information for accurate routing, but bandwidth consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by using periodic probe signaling messages to update connectivity information at intervals rather than continuous flooding. This periodic mechanism ensures topology information remains available for accurate routing while significantly reducing bandwidth consumption compared to continuous data transmission.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods of path computation and setup via a control plane in a network with partial connectivity in a photonic layer include responsive to one or more nodes in the photonic layer having partial connectivity, receiving connectivity information of the one or more nodes in signaling messages at an originating node providing setup messages; storing the connectivity information of the one or more nodes and utilizing the connectivity information for path computation; after path setup of a service through the one or more nodes, periodically sending probe signaling messages over the service; and receiving probe response messages containing updated connectivity information of the one or more nodes and storing the updated connectivity information.