Reachability Matrix for Multi-Vendor Optical Network Routing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current optical networks with multiple vendor domains lack a common framework for calculating bit-error rate (BER) and determining reachability across heterogeneous subsystems, leading to inefficient routing and signal degradation due to vendor-proprietary parameters and formulas.

Innovation Solution

A method is introduced to generate a reachability matrix based on subnetwork information, using a processing device to determine the shortest path through the optical network with a cost model graph, and display optimized routes, regeneration locations, and wavelength assignments via a graphical user interface, supporting multiple users and vendors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If vendor-proprietary parameters and formulas are used for reachability calculation, then each vendor's subsystem can be optimized independently, but routing across multiple vendor domains becomes inefficient and complex

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveIndependent subsystem optimizationVSAvoidMulti-vendor routing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal reachability matrix framework that works across multiple vendor domains by translating proprietary vendor parameters into a common matrix format. This allows the system to maintain vendor-specific optimizations while providing a unified interface for multi-vendor routing decisions, effectively making the reachability calculation system multi-functional across different vendor ecosystems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The reachability matrix serves as an intermediary layer between vendor-proprietary calculation methods and the routing system. Instead of directly integrating multiple proprietary formulas, the system uses the matrix as a mediator that captures reachability information from various vendors in a standardized format, simplifying the routing process while preserving vendor-specific optimizations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If signal regeneration is performed on a per-wavelength basis, then signal quality can be maintained, but the reachability limitation increases and routing flexibility decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveSignal qualityVSAvoidRouting flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extends the traditional per-wavelength reachability analysis by incorporating fiber-level information into the reachability matrix. This adds a new dimension to the analysis, allowing the system to identify paths where multiple wavelengths can be regenerated at the same fiber location, thereby maintaining signal quality while increasing routing flexibility through coordinated multi-wavelength regeneration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Measurement precision

If detailed vendor-proprietary formulas are used for BER calculation, then measurement precision improves, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring reachability across vendors increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveBER calculation precisionVSAvoidCross-vendor reachability assessment

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a simplified copy or representation of vendor-proprietary BER calculation results in the form of reachability matrix entries. Instead of requiring the routing system to directly implement and compare complex proprietary formulas from multiple vendors, each vendor's detailed calculations are copied into the standardized matrix format, preserving the precision benefits while eliminating the measurement difficulty.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

4Device complexity

If traditional routing methods are used without reachability matrices, then system simplicity is maintained, but routing efficiency and network availability decrease

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveSystem simplicityVSAvoidRouting efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by pre-calculating and storing reachability information in matrices before routing decisions are made. The reachability matrices capture advance analysis of signal degradation, regeneration requirements, and vendor-specific parameters, allowing the routing system to make efficient decisions based on pre-computed data rather than performing complex calculations in real-time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS8897641B2Reachability matrices spanning multiple domains in an optical network

Publication Date: 2014.11.25 AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY I L P

AI summary

A method of providing routes through heterogeneous subsystems in an optical network is disclosed, which includes generating, using a processing device, a reachability matrix based on subnetwork information; and generating, using the processing device, a topology associated with the optical network using the reachability matrix. The method also includes determining, using the processing device, a shortest path through the optical network using the reachability matrix and a cost model graph; and displaying, using a graphical user interface, subsystems associated with the shortest path, regeneration locations associated with the shortest path, wavelengths associated with the shortest path, the topology, and the shortest path. Corresponding apparatus and computer-readable storage media are also disclosed.