Service Path Computation Using Link Attribute Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

In multilayer networks, the computation of service paths is hindered by the presence of virtual links, leading to low service setup success ratios and long recovery times, as well as inefficient use of path resources, due to the inability to distinguish between actual and virtual links and flexibly select them based on service requirements.

Innovation Solution

A method and device that differentiate between actual and virtual Traffic Engineering (TE) links by setting additional link attribute IDs, allowing for the flexible selection of path computation resources in the network client layer, and modifying attribute IDs to reissue TE link information, enabling efficient resource utilization and rapid service recovery.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If virtual links are used in the network client layer for path computation, then path flexibility and resource utilization are improved, but service setup success ratio decreases and recovery time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepath flexibilityVSAvoidservice setup success ratio
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the link attribute information by introducing a new attribute type 'linkAttributeID' that specifically identifies whether a TE link is actual or virtual. This segmentation allows the system to differentiate and handle actual and virtual links separately, resolving the contradiction by enabling flexible path computation using virtual links while maintaining reliable service setup by identifying actual links when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by assigning different attribute characteristics to different links based on their nature. Actual links retain their original attributes while virtual links are marked with specific 'linkAttributeID' values. This localized differentiation enables the path computation to selectively use virtual links for flexibility while ensuring actual links are used for reliable service setup and recovery.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Adaptability or versatility

If virtual links are used in the network client layer, then path computation flexibility is improved, but service recovery time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepath computation flexibilityVSAvoidservice recovery time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting link attributes with the 'linkAttributeID' identifier, the system can quickly identify and select appropriate links for recovery scenarios. The segmentation enables the path computation algorithm to immediately recognize actual links versus virtual links, allowing fast recovery by prioritizing actual links when service restoration is needed, thus reducing recovery time while maintaining computation flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamic link attribute management where the 'linkAttributeID' can be modified to reflect the current state and suitability of links for different operations. This dynamic attribute system allows the network to adaptively select between virtual and actual links based on real-time requirements, enabling flexible path computation during normal operation and rapid recovery by dynamically prioritizing actual links when failures occur.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If TE link information is issued without distinguishing actual and virtual links, then network simplicity is maintained, but resource utilization efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork simplicityVSAvoidresource utilization efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by adding a specific attribute 'linkAttributeID' only where needed (in TE link information) without fundamentally changing the overall network structure. This localized enhancement allows the network to maintain its basic simplicity while improving resource utilization efficiency by enabling intelligent differentiation and selection of actual versus virtual links for path computation and resource allocation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter space of TE link information by introducing the 'linkAttributeID' parameter. This parameter change enables the network to distinguish between actual and virtual links, thereby improving resource utilization efficiency. The change is minimal and localized to the link attribute structure, preserving network simplicity while enabling sophisticated resource management through parameter-based differentiation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP2075966B1Method and apparatus for computing a service path
Publication Date: 2014.02.19 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP2075966B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2075966B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2075966B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

A calculating method and apparatus of service path. The method comprises the steps of: obtaining the traffic engineering links information carrying the links attribute identifications issued in a network client layer; selecting a traffic engineering link corresponding to a link attribute identification meeting the service requirement as the path calculating resource of the network client layer according to the service requirement and the traffic engineering link information; calculating the service path according to the selected path resource. It can resolve the problems such as the lower success rate of service establish or the longer time of the service restoration led by the existence of the virtual links and so on, and realize the fair use of the resources by using the method.