TLV Encoding for Routing and Wavelength Assignment in Optical Networks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Determining efficient routing and wavelength assignment (RWA) in wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) networks remains a challenge due to the need for sufficient information to ensure successful completion of the RWA process, particularly in wavelength switched optical networks (WSON) where minimal optical-electrical-optical (OEO) conversions are desired.

Innovation Solution

A network component comprising a control plane controller that transmits Type-Length-Value (TLV) messages to a path computation element (PCE) for RWA information, using link set TLV or wavelength set TLV to encode connectivity matrices, wavelength ranges, and other relevant data, reducing the size of the message and improving efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If sufficient RWA information is provided to ensure successful completion of the RWA process, then the reliability of routing and wavelength assignment is improved, but the quantity of data transmitted in messages increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveRWA process completion reliabilityVSAvoidmessage data volume
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The RWA information is segmented into distinct Type-Length-Value (TLV) structures, where each TLV represents a specific parameter (e.g., connectivity matrix, wavelength availability, link properties). This segmentation allows the PCE to process only the necessary portions of information for each routing decision, reducing the effective data volume handled while maintaining complete information availability for reliable RWA completion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transforms RWA information into a standardized parameter format (TLV structures with specific types, lengths, and values). By encoding complex network state information as structured parameters with defined schemas, the system maintains comprehensive information for reliable RWA while enabling efficient parsing and processing that reduces the functional data volume required for computation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If detailed RWA information is transmitted to the PCE, then the precision of routing and wavelength assignment is improved, but the processing time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveRWA information precisionVSAvoidprocessing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The control plane controllers perform preliminary actions by pre-computing and structuring RWA information in standardized TLV formats before transmission to the PCE. Information such as connectivity matrices, wavelength availability, and link properties are organized in advance with defined schemas, allowing the PCE to perform rapid precise calculations without spending time on data formatting or validation during the actual routing decision process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

By transforming detailed RWA information into standardized parameters with fixed schemas and data types, the patent enables the PCE to use efficient parameter-based algorithms for rapid processing. The structured parameter format allows for optimized memory access patterns and computational routines that maintain high precision while significantly reducing processing time compared to unstructured detailed information.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3208951B1Encoding for information needed for routing and wavelength assignment in wavelength switched optical networks
Publication Date: 2019.02.20 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP3208951B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3208951B1 patent drawingFigure 2~4
  • EP3208951B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A network component is disclosed, including at least one control plane controller configured to implement a method including transmitting a message to at least one adjacent control plane controller, wherein the message includes a Type-Length-Value (TLV) indicating Routing and Wavelength Assignment (RWA) information. A method is also disclosed, including: communicating a message c including a TLV to a control plane controller, wherein the TLV indicates RWA information. An apparatus also disclosed, including: a control plane controller, configured to communicate a TLV to at least one adjacent control plane controller, wherein the TLV indicates RWA information.