SDN Controller Dynamic Bandwidth Allocation in Optical Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Optical virtual private networks (OVPNs) require pre-allocation of bandwidth capacity, leading to costly initial investments and inefficient network topologies due to inaccuracies in capacity forecasts, which can result in underutilization of resources and delayed revenue for service providers.
Innovation Solution
A software-defined network (SDN) controller dynamically allocates bandwidth based on user requests, using a path computation element (PCE) to determine and activate additional bandwidth as needed, reducing the need for pre-deployment of optical equipment and allowing for flexible, incremental capacity allocation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If bandwidth capacity is pre-allocated in OVPNs, then service providers can ensure guaranteed performance and availability, but this leads to costly initial investments and inefficient network topologies due to inaccuracies in capacity forecasts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic bandwidth allocation where the SDN controller continuously monitors network conditions and user demands, adjusting bandwidth allocation in real-time rather than using static pre-allocation. This allows the system to maintain reliability by ensuring minimum guaranteed bandwidth while optimizing resource utilization by allocating additional bandwidth dynamically based on actual needs, thus resolving the contradiction between guaranteed performance and resource efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the bandwidth allocation parameter from a fixed pre-allocated value to a dynamic value that adjusts based on network conditions, user demands, and service level agreements. The SDN controller modifies bandwidth parameters in real-time, allowing the network to adapt to changing conditions while maintaining performance guarantees, thereby reducing unnecessary resource reservation and investment
2Ease of manufacture
If bandwidth is pre-allocated based on capacity forecasts, then network topology can be established in advance, but this results in underutilization of resources and delayed revenue for service providers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring the network topology and bandwidth allocation frameworks in advance through the SDN controller, but defers actual bandwidth activation until user requests are received. This allows the network infrastructure to be prepared and ready for rapid deployment while avoiding the commitment of actual bandwidth resources until needed, thus enabling quick topology establishment without resource underutilization
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts bandwidth allocation based on real-time user requests and network conditions. The SDN controller enables on-demand bandwidth activation, transforming the static pre-allocation model into a dynamic system that activates resources only when needed, thereby improving both resource utilization and revenue generation while maintaining ease of topology establishment
3Adaptability or versatility
If additional bandwidth is activated based on user requests, then network flexibility and efficiency improve, but this requires complex dynamic allocation mechanisms and policy management
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an SDN controller as an intermediary between the physical network infrastructure and users. The controller centralizes the complex dynamic allocation logic, policy management, and decision-making processes, simplifying the user interface while handling the complexity internally. This intermediary manages bandwidth activation, licensing, and allocation based on user requests and network policies, providing flexibility without exposing the underlying complexity to users
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the SDN controller continuously monitors network conditions, bandwidth utilization, and user demands. Based on this feedback, the controller dynamically adjusts bandwidth allocation and activates additional capacity when needed. The feedback loop enables automated policy enforcement and resource optimization, providing network flexibility while managing complexity through intelligent control rather than manual configuration
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for the efficient dynamic allocation of additional bandwidth in an optical virtual private network (OVPN) are described herein. A software defined network (SDN) controller may receive a request from an end-user of an OVPN for active bandwidth. Then, the SDN controller may determine whether the OVPN requires additional bandwidth to satisfy the request. As of the request, the additional bandwidth may be pre-deployed, but not yet activated for use. In an example, a path computation element (PCE) of the SDN controller may make this determination. Further, the SDN controller, on a condition that additional bandwidth is required, may determine whether additional bandwidth may be activated based on a policy of the end-user. As a result, the SDN controller, on a condition that additional bandwidth may be activated, may transmit an activation message to one or more line cards of the OVPN to activate the additional bandwidth.