Session Initiation Protocol Control for Multi-Layer Network Abstraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current network control methods require layer-specific controls, which are cumbersome and expose underlying network infrastructure details, making it difficult for users to manage network services across different transport technologies like optical, wireless, and packet networks.
Innovation Solution
The use of Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) to establish and manage network paths across multiple Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) layers, allowing for technology-independent control and abstraction of network resources, enabling seamless service provisioning across various network technologies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If layer-specific controls are used to manage network resources, then network control precision is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to exposure of underlying infrastructure details
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces SIP as an intermediary protocol that mediates between users and the complex layer-specific network controls. SIP acts as a universal interface that translates user-friendly session requests into layer-specific control commands, thereby maintaining control precision while hiding the complexity of underlying infrastructure details from users.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies universality by making SIP a multi-functional control protocol that can manage diverse network resources across different layers (optical, wireless, packet) through a single unified interface. This allows one protocol to perform multiple control functions that would otherwise require layer-specific protocols, reducing overall system complexity.
2Measurement precision
If layer-specific controls are used for network resource management, then network resource allocation precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
SIP serves as an intermediary that translates user-friendly operational commands into precise layer-specific resource allocation commands. Users interact with SIP's simple session-based interface rather than complex layer-specific protocols, while SIP ensures precise resource allocation by converting user requests into accurate control signals for the underlying network infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the control function into two distinct parts: the user interface layer (SIP) that provides ease of operation and the network control layer that ensures precise resource allocation. This segmentation allows each layer to optimize for its specific function without compromising the other.
3Reliability
If technology-specific protocols are used for each network layer, then network reliability is improved, but adaptability deteriorates across different transport technologies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes SIP a universal protocol that can adapt to control diverse network technologies including optical networks, wireless networks, and packet networks. SIP's session-based architecture provides a common interface that works across different transport technologies, allowing the same protocol to maintain reliable control while adapting to various network infrastructures without requiring technology-specific control protocols.
Data Source
AI summary
A network method utilizing Session Initiation Protocol to establish a network path between network elements in a network includes generating a request for a network service in Session Initiation Protocol, wherein the request is one of manually and automatically configured, and wherein the request is directed to the network; obtaining network resources responsive to the request, wherein the network resources comprise network parameters required to obtain and provision the network path; and configuring the network resources responsive to the request. The network includes a plurality of network elements operable to receive Session Initiation Protocol requests. Optionally, the plurality of network elements include a plurality of optical network elements, wherein the network route includes wavelengths between a first and second optical network element in the network. The network parameters include one or more of available wavelengths, available bandwidth, available regeneration points, available circuits, intermediate network elements, and combinations thereof.