SDN Controller Proactive Protection for Packet-Optical Transport Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current packet-optical transport networks face limitations in protection mechanisms, particularly with slow response times in wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) systems, which hinder effective coordination between packet and optical layers, leading to inadequate network protection and increased management complexity.
Innovation Solution
A software-defined network (SDN) controller is employed to proactively monitor optical system performance metrics, define protection thresholds, and initiate appropriate protection mechanisms, such as re-routing, to ensure timely and efficient protection across multiple network layers, including the WDM layer, by continuously collecting and analyzing metrics and triggering proactive protection events.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If protection mechanisms are implemented at packet layer only, then response time requirement is met, but network protection coverage is inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The protection mechanism is segmented into multiple independent layers: packet layer protection (IP/MPLS) and optical layer protection (WDM/OTN). Each layer operates autonomously with its own protection protocols and threshold criteria, allowing comprehensive coverage without requiring complex cross-layer coordination. The SDN controller implements separate protection workflows for each layer.
Solution Approach 2:
The SDN controller acts as an intermediary that coordinates between packet layer and optical layer protection mechanisms. It collects performance metrics from both layers, evaluates threshold criteria, and triggers appropriate protection events independently for each layer, enabling multi-layer protection without direct complex interaction between layer protocols.
2Reliability
If WDM system response time is increased for better protection, then network resilience improves, but response time exceeds acceptable limits
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by continuously monitoring optical system performance metrics (Q-Factor, OSNR, BER, power levels) and evaluating threshold criteria in advance. When degradation trends are detected, the SDN controller proactively triggers protection events before actual failures occur, enabling fast response without waiting for WDM system recovery procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The SDN controller implements continuous feedback by collecting real-time optical performance metrics from network elements, comparing them against defined threshold criteria, and dynamically triggering protection events. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables rapid detection and response to optical layer degradation, achieving fast protection without increasing WDM system response time.
3Measurement precision
If multiple optical system performance metrics are monitored, then protection accuracy improves, but management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring system is segmented into dedicated collection modules for each optical performance metric type (Q-Factor, OSNR, BER, power metrics, chromatic dispersion). Each metric is collected and evaluated independently against its own threshold criteria, simplifying the SDN controller's processing logic while maintaining comprehensive monitoring coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The SDN controller implements a universal protection framework that handles multiple optical performance metrics through a common threshold evaluation and event triggering mechanism. The same protective actions and workflows are applied across different metric types, reducing management complexity while maintaining precise monitoring of all optical parameters.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for pro-active protection of packet-optical transport in a software defined network (SDN) controller are disclosed herein. The SDN controller may define a proactive protection threshold criterion based on based on a plurality of optical system performance metrics and may collect at least one measurement for each of the metrics. The SDN controller may then determine whether the proactive protection threshold criterion is met based on at least one of the collected measurements. Further, the SDN controller may select a protection mechanism and define a protection threshold criterion on a condition that the proactive protection threshold criterion is met. Also, the SDN controller may initiate proactive protection events based on the selected protection mechanism. The SDN controller may determine whether the protection threshold criterion is met. The SDN controller may implement one or more protection events on a condition that the protection threshold criterion is met.