SDON Controller Dynamic Light Path Allocation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Optical networks cannot dynamically route signals for efficient bandwidth utilization due to their inability to access and interpret signal addressing information during transit, leading to the need for dedicated light paths for each signal, which results in underutilization of available bandwidth.
Innovation Solution
A software-defined optical network (SDON) controller monitors network resources and automatically creates and manages light paths based on network conditions, optimizing bandwidth allocation by determining optimal routes and allocating channels dynamically, allowing for on-demand service provisioning and efficient use of optical network bandwidth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If dedicated light paths are created for each signal in optical networks, then signal transmission reliability is improved, but bandwidth utilization deteriorates due to underutilization of available bandwidth
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic light path creation and teardown based on real-time connection requests and network conditions. The controller continuously monitors network state and dynamically establishes dedicated light paths only when needed, then tears them down when connections end, transforming the static dedicated path allocation into a dynamic resource allocation system that adapts to changing traffic demands.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller receives network condition reports from ROADMs and uses this feedback to make intelligent decisions about light path creation. The system monitors available bandwidth, connection requests, and network topology in real-time, using this feedback loop to optimize light path allocation and improve bandwidth utilization while maintaining transmission reliability.
2Ease of manufacture
If ROADMs allocate predetermined bandwidth channels, then channel allocation simplicity is improved, but network adaptability deteriorates due to inability to dynamically route signals
Solution Approach 1:
The controller acts as an intermediary between connection requests and ROADM devices. It receives high-level connection requests, determines optimal routes based on network conditions, and translates these into specific ROADM configuration commands. This intermediary layer enables dynamic adaptability while keeping the ROADMs themselves relatively simple devices that execute predefined allocation commands.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller provides universal routing functionality that can handle various connection requests across the entire optical network. Instead of requiring each ROADM to have complex routing intelligence, the controller centralizes the multi-functionality of dynamic route determination, wavelength assignment, and path optimization, allowing ROADMs to focus on their core signal switching function.
3Loss of time
If light paths are created prior to data transmission, then connection setup time is reduced, but network resource flexibility deteriorates due to inability to respond to changing network conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The controller performs preliminary route determination and resource reservation based on connection requests before actual data transmission begins. It calculates optimal paths, reserves necessary bandwidth, and pre-configures ROADMs, enabling fast connection establishment. This preliminary action occurs dynamically based on real-time network conditions rather than requiring advance static configuration.
Data Source
AI summary
An embodiment method for managing connections on a communications network having an optical network portion includes receiving a request for a first connection at a controller in signal communication with one or more reconfigurable optical add-drop multiplexers (ROADMs) controlling an optical network portion of a communications network, wherein the controller is connected to the communications network. The controller determines a route on the communications network for the first connection according to conditions of the communications network, with the route comprising one or more first links of the optical network. The controller determines one or more first ROADMs controlling the one or more first links and sends commands from the controller to the one or more first ROADMs to allocate bandwidth on the one or more first links.