Summarized Network Topology Parameters for Optical Path Computation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In automatic switched optical communications networks, the time required for path computation is excessively long due to the number of nodes and links, leading to higher traffic loss intervals and failure to meet Service Level Agreements, and there is a commercial need to share network topology information without revealing the physical structure.
Innovation Solution
A method to generate network topology parameters that represent a communications network domain with a lower number of nodes and links, preserving transmission parameters, allowing for efficient path computations and sharing of information without disclosing the full topology, using summarized nodes and the Bellman-Ford algorithm to identify and bundle paths based on transmission parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the full network topology information is disclosed to enable path computation across network domains, then path computation accuracy is improved, but the time required for path computation increases excessively
Solution Approach 1:
The network topology is segmented into multiple network domains, where each domain is represented by boundary nodes. Path computation is performed by combining intra-domain paths (computed within each domain) and inter-domain paths (computed between domains), rather than computing paths across the entire network topology at once. This segmentation reduces the computational complexity and time required.
Solution Approach 2:
Boundary nodes act as intermediaries between network domains. These nodes aggregate topology information from their respective domains and participate in inter-domain path computation. The boundary nodes enable path computation across domains without requiring other domains to have access to the complete internal topology details, thus reducing computation time while maintaining accuracy.
2Adaptability or versatility
If detailed network topology information is shared with other operators, then routing capability across domains is improved, but commercial confidentiality of the physical network structure is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential topology information required for path computation—specifically boundary nodes and their connections—from the complete network topology. This extracted subset is shared with other domains, while the detailed internal topology structure remains private. This allows routing capability to be maintained while protecting commercial confidentiality.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of sharing the complete topology information (excessive action), the patent shares only the partial information necessary for path computation (boundary nodes and inter-domain connections). This partial sharing is sufficient to enable routing across domains while avoiding disclosure of sensitive physical network structure details.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of generating network topology parameters of a communications network domain comprising a plurality of network nodes and a plurality of interconnecting links. The method comprises: identifying network nodes configured to interface with one or more other network domains as summarized nodes; and generating network topology parameters for one or more pairs of summarized nodes. The network topology parameters are dependent on the transmission parameters of one or more identified paths between said pair of summarized nodes. At least one said path comprises at least one other network node and respective interconnecting links.