PON OAM Connectivity Fault Management via IEEE 802.1ag Flow Points
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional OAM tools are not well adapted for providing end-to-end OAM capability in passive optical networks (PONs), failing to address Quality of Service (QoS) features and correlating errors across the entire PON architecture.
Innovation Solution
Implementing flow points, such as Maintenance End Points (MEPs) and Maintenance Intermediate Points (MIPs), within the Optical Line Terminal (OLT) and Optical Network Terminators (ONT) to communicate connectivity fault test messages, analogous to the IEEE 802.1ag standard, enabling end-to-end OAM connectivity fault management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional OAM tools are used in PONs, then network management functions are provided, but end-to-end OAM capability and QoS feature monitoring are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements flow points (MEPs and MIPs) within PON network elements that can perform multiple OAM functions including connectivity fault management, quality of service monitoring, and performance measurement. These flow points are designed to be universal and can operate at different maintenance entity levels, providing both end-to-end OAM capability and QoS feature monitoring through a single integrated system rather than separate specialized tools
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces flow points as intermediary entities within the PON architecture that mediate between network management and the underlying optical infrastructure. These flow points act as mediators that can intercept, generate, and process OAM messages, enabling enhanced monitoring and management capabilities without requiring changes to the fundamental PON protocol structure
2Reliability
If IEEE 802.1ag CFM methodology is implemented in PONs, then end-to-end connectivity fault management is achieved, but integration with passive optical network architecture requires adaptation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the OAM functionality into discrete flow points (MEPs and MIPs) that can be independently deployed within different PON network elements. This segmentation allows the IEEE 802.1ag CFM methodology to be implemented in a modular fashion, where each flow point handles specific OAM tasks, reducing the overall integration complexity compared to a monolithic implementation approach
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adapts the IEEE 802.1ag CFM parameters and message structures to fit the PON architecture by modifying certain operational parameters and message formats. This includes adapting the maintenance entity level hierarchy and message transmission protocols to work with the bidirectional optical fiber infrastructure of PONs, thereby reducing integration complexity while maintaining end-to-end connectivity fault management capabilities
Data Source
AI summary
Operations, administration and management (OAM) functions in a passive optical network (PON) can be performed by providing a system of flow points (i.e., software entities), such as those along the lines of the Maintenance End Points (MEPs) and Maintenance Intermediate Points (MIPs) described in the IEEE 802.1ag specification, which communicate connectivity fault test messages with each other. The flow points can be provided in the Optical Line Terminal (OLT) and Optical Network Terminator (ONT). Alternatively or in addition, flow points can be provided in a subscriber gateway coupled to the ONT. The flow points issue test messages, to which other flow points can respond with information regarding the state of network connectivity.