TCM Path Search for ODUk Nested Monitoring Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current Tandem Connection Monitoring (TCM) path management methods are inefficient in complex networks with nested, overlapped, and cascaded paths, as they lack a systematic approach to configure and monitor TCM overhead levels across multiple nodes, leading to potential misconfiguration and disruption of monitoring paths.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for TCM path search and creation that acquire and configure TCM modes at each node, allowing for the determination of the appropriate TCM level and configuration for monitoring TCM segments, enabling efficient management of complex TCM paths by calculating and creating TCM paths based on source and sink end TCM modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If TCM OH is configured for each node independently, then each node can monitor its own TCM segment, but the user must know current OH configuration of all nodes to determine which level of TCM OH to use, increasing operational complexity and risk of misconfiguration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a path search management system as an intermediary that automatically determines the appropriate TCM OH level and configuration for monitoring paths. Instead of requiring users to manually know and configure OH settings at each node, the system acts as a mediator that searches for optimal paths and configures TCM OH levels automatically, resolving the contradiction between reliable monitoring and ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service configuration by allowing the path search management system to automatically determine and configure TCM OH levels based on the monitored path characteristics. The system serves itself by searching for appropriate paths and configuring TCM parameters without requiring extensive manual intervention or knowledge of all node configurations
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple levels of TCM OH are used for nested and overlapped paths, then comprehensive monitoring coverage is achieved, but the complexity of managing and distinguishing between different TCM levels increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the TCM monitoring function by assigning specific TCM OH levels to specific path segments. Each nested or overlapped path segment is assigned an appropriate TCM level, allowing comprehensive monitoring while maintaining manageable complexity through systematic segmentation of the monitoring architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The system adds a dimensional approach to TCM management by introducing path search parameters that consider multiple dimensions (path length, node configurations, available TCM levels) to automatically select optimal monitoring configurations, transforming the complex manual selection process into a systematic multi-dimensional search
Data Source
AI summary
A Tandem connection monitoring (TCM) path search method, a TCM path creation method, a path search management system, and a path creation management system are provided. The source end TCM mode and the sink end TCM mode at a single level of each node in an Optical Channel Data Unit-k (ODUk) path are acquired; and a TCM path at the single level between nodes in the ODUk path is calculated according to the source end TCM mode and the sink end TCM mode at the single level of each node that are acquired. TCM level information and the sink end TCM mode of a second node for TCM path creation between a first node and the second node are acquired by specifying the first node and the second node; and a TCM path between the first node and the second node that are specified is created and stored.