Physical Layer Network Element Topology Discovery
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In transport SDN networks, optimizing communication routing across layers is challenging without a mapping from network layer topology to physical layer topology, as existing methods lack the necessary knowledge or mechanisms to effectively relate these layers.
Innovation Solution
Mechanisms are introduced for discovering a mapping between physical and logical topologies by having physical layer network elements inspect network layer adjacency discovery messages, distribute mappings via advertisement messages, and using transport SDNCs to determine and optimize communication routing based on these relationships.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If centralized control is implemented to manage network complexity, then network management becomes more controllable and flexible, but the complexity of mapping and discovering relationships between physical and logical topologies increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces intermediary components including a topology discovery agent that acts as a mediator between physical network elements and the SDN controller. This agent automatically discovers and reports topology relationships, serving as an intermediary that bridges the gap between physical and logical layers without requiring direct complex mapping mechanisms in the controller itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service mechanisms where physical network elements and the topology discovery agent autonomously perform topology discovery and mapping functions. The agent automatically inspects adjacency discovery messages, determines mappings between physical and logical topologies, and reports findings to the controller without manual intervention, enabling the system to self-manage topology information.
2Productivity
If manual topology mapping is performed to optimize routing, then routing optimization is achievable, but the time and resources required for topology discovery increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by having the topology discovery agent continuously and proactively discover topology relationships in advance of routing decisions. The agent inspects adjacency discovery messages as they occur, determines mappings beforehand, and maintains an up-to-date topology database, so that routing optimization can occur immediately without time-consuming on-demand discovery.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback mechanisms where the topology discovery agent continuously monitors the network, discovers topology changes, and reports them to the SDN controller. This ongoing feedback loop ensures the controller has current topology information for real-time routing optimization without requiring repeated full topology discoveries.
3Ease of manufacture
If existing topology discovery methods are used without layer mapping mechanisms, then implementation is simpler, but the ability to optimize communication routing across layers is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by designing the topology discovery agent to perform multiple functions: it discovers physical topology, discovers logical topology, determines mappings between layers, and provides this information to the SDN controller for routing optimization. This multi-functional approach consolidates several discovery and mapping tasks into a single versatile component.
Solution Approach 2:
The system adds another dimension to traditional topology discovery by introducing cross-layer mapping capability. Instead of only discovering topology within a single layer, the agent discovers relationships across multiple layers (physical to logical), adding a dimensional aspect of inter-layer mapping that enables cross-layer routing optimization while building upon existing single-layer discovery methods.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A physical layer network element comprising one or more physical ports, a network packet interface, and a processor coupled to the network packet interface. The processor and the network packet interface may be configured to inspect adjacency discovery messages forwarded across the network packet interface between adjacent logical nodes operating at a network layer and map at least one of the physical ports to at least one of the adjacent logical nodes, wherein the network packet interface and the processor are not configured to modify header information contained in the adjacency discovery messages forwarded across the network packet interface.