Physical Network Controller Dynamic Bandwidth Allocation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current network management systems in hierarchical networks face challenges in efficiently managing physical resources for providing guaranteed minimum traffic capacity and adapting to changes in traffic demand, especially in scenarios involving failures or enhancements.
Innovation Solution
Implementing an Elastic Physical Network (EPN) with variable bit rates and adaptive modulation, allowing physical network controllers to configure resources to meet minimum traffic capacity requirements and adjust capacity dynamically based on network conditions, using techniques like fractional bandwidth, adaptive modulation, and elastic optical networking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If physical resources are configured to provide guaranteed minimum traffic capacity, then service reliability is improved, but resource flexibility and adaptability to traffic demand changes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic bandwidth allocation where the physical network controller can adjust the bandwidth capacity of physical layer connections in real-time based on actual traffic demand. The controller receives traffic demand information from higher layer controllers and dynamically reconfigures the physical resources to match the current needs, allowing the system to transition from static guaranteed capacity to dynamic adaptive capacity while maintaining service reliability through controlled adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the bandwidth parameter of physical layer connections dynamically. The physical network controller modifies the capacity allocation by adjusting parameters such as bandwidth width, modulation schemes, and coding rates based on traffic demand feedback. This allows the same physical infrastructure to provide different levels of guaranteed capacity as needed, resolving the contradiction between maintaining reliability and adapting to changing demands.
2Quantity of substance
If physical resources are allocated to meet minimum traffic capacity requirements, then traffic capacity is improved, but resource utilization efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic resource allocation where physical network resources are allocated based on real-time traffic demand rather than static pre-allocation. The physical network controller continuously monitors traffic patterns and adjusts the bandwidth capacity of physical layer connections accordingly, ensuring that sufficient capacity is provided to meet minimum requirements while avoiding over-provisioning and wasted resources during low-demand periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback mechanisms where the physical network controller receives traffic demand information from higher layer controllers and uses this feedback to adjust resource allocation. This closed-loop control ensures that traffic capacity is optimized to match actual needs, preventing both capacity shortages and resource waste, thereby improving overall resource utilization efficiency while maintaining adequate traffic capacity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If physical network controllers configure resources dynamically, then adaptability to network conditions is improved, but system complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a physical network controller as an intermediary layer between the physical infrastructure and higher layer network controllers. This intermediary handles the complexity of dynamic resource configuration by centralizing the control functions, managing bandwidth allocation, and coordinating with higher layer controllers through standardized interfaces. This abstraction layer simplifies the overall system architecture while enabling sophisticated dynamic adaptation to network conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The physical network controller implements self-service capabilities by autonomously monitoring network conditions, detecting traffic patterns, and making configuration decisions without requiring constant manual intervention or complex coordination with every higher layer component. The controller uses built-in algorithms to automatically adjust resource allocation based on observed network states, reducing system complexity while maintaining high adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
A method in a physical network controller (130) for configuring physical resources to provide a physical layer connection in a communications network (100). The physical layer connection provides physical connectivity for a higher layer network connection controlled by a higher layer network controller (120) in a hierarchical arrangement with the physical network controller (130). The method comprising the physical network controller (130) receiving (210) an indication for a minimum traffic capacity for the physical layer connection. The physical network controller configuring (220) physical resources according to the received indication.