Preplanned Circuit Activation via Overhead Bytes in SDH Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current telecommunications networks, especially those using SDH/SONET or OTN, face challenges in rapidly activating preplanned circuits, particularly during critical events like failures, due to the limitations of distributed control plans which are not fast enough for immediate circuit reset activation.
Innovation Solution
A method that involves preplanning circuits, distributing local definition data, and using overhead bytes in network frames for dedicated signaling to quickly activate preplanned circuits by propagating activation messages through network members, allowing for fast cross-connections and minimizing service disruption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If distributed control plans (GMPLS, ASTN) are used for circuit activation, then circuit setup flexibility is improved, but activation speed deteriorates and is not fast enough for critical circuit reset
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-calculates and distributes connection data to all network members before actual circuit activation is needed. When activation is required, network members simply execute the pre-prepared instructions by setting cross-connects according to stored data, eliminating the need for real-time control plane signaling and achieving sub-50ms activation speeds.
2Device complexity
If centrally managed systems are used for circuit activation, then control simplicity is improved, but circuit setup time deteriorates and becomes too slow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the control function into two parts: a simple centralized pre-calculation phase that distributes connection data to network members, and a distributed execution phase where each network member independently sets cross-connects using local stored data. This segmentation allows both centralized simplicity and distributed speed.
Solution Approach 2:
Connection paths are pre-calculated and instructions are distributed to network members in advance. When circuit activation is needed, network members simply execute the pre-prepared instructions locally without waiting for centralized control signals, dramatically reducing activation time.
3Productivity
If multiple reset itineraries are defined on the same resources, then resource utilization is improved, but activation complexity increases due to potential conflicts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent assigns specific connection data to each network member based on its local position in the network. Each member stores and executes only the instructions relevant to its own cross-connects, eliminating the need for complex conflict resolution mechanisms while allowing multiple reset itineraries to coexist on shared resources.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for activation of circuits in telecommunications networks comprises a first step in which circuits are preplanned in the network and local definition data are distributed to network members (NE) for connection of sections of the preplanned circuits. In a second step, when it is desired to activate a preplanned circuit, activation messages for the connection of sections making up the preplanned circuit to be activated and which are defined by the data previously distributed to the network members are propagated in the network in cascade among the network members affected by the preplanned circuit by means of overhead bytes of the frames circulating in the network. The data are made up of indexed tables defining pairs formed from “next point (TP) to be connected” and “index” to be propagated for the following cross-connection. A network functioning in accordance with the method is also proposed.