Single Controller Hybrid Network Path Planning
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Solution Overview
Problem
In hybrid networks, planning data transmission paths across different types of networks, such as IP and optical networks, is inefficient due to the need for extensive data exchange between controllers to share network topology information, leading to low planning efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A method and system where a single controller uses a common control channel protocol to obtain and compute network topology information from both networks, determining the data transmission path without additional information exchange, by sending a path computation result that includes interface information for establishing the path.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple controllers are used to manage different network topologies, then each controller can manage its own network information, but the planning efficiency of cross-network data transmission paths is low due to extensive data exchange requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple controllers into a single controller that manages both the first network topology and the second network topology. This consolidation eliminates the need for extensive data exchange between multiple controllers, directly resolving the contradiction by maintaining network management versatility while significantly improving path planning efficiency through unified control.
Solution Approach 2:
The single controller is designed with multi-functionality to obtain network topology information from different networks using the same control channel protocol. This universal approach allows the controller to perform multiple network management functions without requiring separate specialized controllers, thereby improving efficiency while maintaining adaptability.
2Loss of information
If network topology information of different networks is separately managed by different controllers, then each controller has complete information for its network, but massive data exchange is required between controllers for cross-network path planning
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the information storage and processing functions into a single controller, the patent eliminates the need for iterative data exchange between multiple controllers. The single controller maintains complete network topology information for both networks locally, thereby eliminating data exchange time while preserving information completeness.
Solution Approach 2:
The single controller acts as an intermediary that consolidates network topology information from multiple networks. Instead of having multiple controllers exchange data, the intermediary controller collects and processes all topology information centrally, eliminating communication overhead and time loss.
3Productivity
If a single controller manages both network topologies, then path computation can be performed without additional information exchange, but the controller must handle information from multiple different network types
Solution Approach 1:
The controller is designed with universal capability to process network topology information from different network types using the same control channel protocol. This multi-functionality allows the controller to handle diverse network information formats and structures without requiring separate processing mechanisms, thereby improving efficiency while managing complexity through standardization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes by using a unified control channel protocol that can adapt to different network types. The controller adjusts its information processing parameters based on the network type being queried, allowing efficient handling of multiple network formats without increasing structural complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention disclose a path determining method, apparatus, and system. In a hybrid network including one controller for implementing a control function, the controller may separately obtain network topology information of a first network and a second network of different network types by using a same control channel protocol. When the controller obtains a path determining requirement for the data transmission path, because the controller has the network topology information of the first network and the second network, during computation of the data transmission path, the controller can determine a path computation result including transmission path parts of the first network and the second network, without performing additional information exchange with another device, and send the path computation result to the first network device. In this way, planning efficiency of the data transmission path is improved.