Automated TCM Level Allocation in Optical Transport Networks
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing TCM allocation methods in optical transport networks are manual, lack direct visibility of configuration modes, and are inflexible, leading to inefficiencies in complex network topologies and service trails, where fixed allocation of TCM levels can result in idle levels being unused while essential levels are seized, failing to accommodate the specific needs of different domains and service trails.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for automatically allocating and configuring TCM levels through a Network Management System (NMS), where TCM levels are coordinated between forward and reverse directions, allowing for centralized or distributed control, and ensuring correct insertion of AIS and BDI by handling TCM levels in a specific order, with non-intrusive monitoring and adjustable settings for each node.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If TCM levels are fixedly allocated to domains, then domain management is simplified, but TCM levels become insufficient when there are more than six domains, causing allocation conflicts and idle levels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic TCM level allocation where the NMS automatically assigns TCM levels to domains based on current network state and domain requirements, rather than using fixed static allocation. This allows the system to adapt when more than six domains exist, preventing allocation conflicts while optimizing TCM level usage across the network
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the allocation parameters from fixed domain-level assignments to dynamic service-trail-based assignments. The NMS considers service trails, domain relations, and current TCM level availability to optimize allocation, transforming the rigid parameter structure into a flexible one that can accommodate varying network conditions and domain configurations
2Ease of operation
If manual TCM allocation is used, then user control over configuration is maintained, but the process becomes complex and time-consuming, especially in networks with more than six domains
Solution Approach 1:
The NMS implements self-service automatic allocation of TCM levels to domains and services. The system autonomously analyzes network topology, service trails, and domain relations to perform TCM level assignment without requiring manual user configuration, significantly reducing allocation time while maintaining optimized resource distribution
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the NMS continuously monitors TCM level usage, domain configurations, and service requirements. Based on this feedback, the NMS dynamically adjusts and re-allocates TCM levels to optimize network performance and accommodate changing conditions, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual reconfiguration
3Device complexity
If TCM levels are allocated without considering service trails, then allocation is simplified, but essential TCM levels may be seized while idle levels remain unused
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by allocating TCM levels specifically tailored to each service trail's requirements rather than using uniform allocation across all domains. The NMS analyzes the unique characteristics of each service trail and assigns appropriate TCM levels, ensuring optimal utilization efficiency while preventing both seizures of essential levels and waste of idle levels
4Productivity
If automatic TCM allocation is implemented, then allocation efficiency is improved, but configuration mode visibility becomes reduced, making it perplexing for users
Solution Approach 1:
The NMS acts as an intermediary between the automatic TCM allocation system and the user. It performs the complex automatic allocation in the background while presenting simplified, intuitive configuration interfaces to users. The NMS translates complex allocation decisions into user-friendly status displays and configuration options, maintaining both high allocation efficiency and clear configuration mode visibility
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A method for allocating and configuring TCM in an embodiment of the present invention includes: configuring the domain that needs TCM in a network and the scope of the domain; determining the ODU service that needs TCM; and allocating TCM automatically according to the ODU service trail and the configured domain; and enabling or disabling the TCM of each level. The present invention enables the system to allocate TCM automatically after the user sets necessary items, without manual allocation by the user. The TCM levels can be allocated easily in a centralized way, or for each node in a distributed way. The present invention ensures that the TCM level allocated for the service in the forward direction corresponds to that in the reverse direction. The method is perfectly applicable to the networks of more than six operators. The TCM levels are handled according to the allocated order, thus ensuring correct insertion of AIS and BDI and unique result of insertion.