Virtual Access Node Configuration in Optical Networks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Physical access nodes in infrastructure providers' optical access networks cannot meet the diverse service requirements of user equipment in virtual network operator networks, lacking flexibility in configuration.

Innovation Solution

A method and device for establishing a virtual access node in an optical access network, where an access device obtains a virtual line identifier from user equipment, retrieves configuration information from a configuration server, and creates the virtual access node based on this information, enabling flexible configuration according to service requirements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a physical access node is used in the infrastructure provider's optical access network, then the network structure is simple and stable, but it cannot meet the diverse service requirements of virtual network operator networks

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice requirement adaptabilityVSAvoidnetwork structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The physical access node is segmented into multiple virtual access nodes, each capable of handling different service requirements independently. This allows the system to meet diverse service needs while reusing the same physical infrastructure, avoiding the need to build separate physical nodes for each service type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Virtual copies of the physical access node are created through virtualization technology. These virtual instances can be configured with different parameters and capabilities to serve various virtual network operators and service types, providing adaptability without adding physical complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Adaptability or versatility

If the physical access node configuration is changed to meet different service requirements, then service adaptability is improved, but configuration time and operation and maintenance costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconfiguration flexibilityVSAvoidconfiguration adjustment time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements dynamic configuration of virtual access nodes through automated provisioning. When service requirements change, new virtual access nodes can be instantiated or existing ones reconfigured automatically based on service templates, dramatically reducing the time and manual effort required compared to changing physical node configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Service templates and configuration parameters are prepared in advance for different service types. When a new service is requested, the system can quickly instantiate a pre-configured virtual access node using these templates, avoiding the need for time-consuming on-site configuration adjustments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple physical access nodes are deployed to support different protocols, then service diversity is achieved, but network complexity and operation and maintenance costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotocol support capabilityVSAvoidaccess node quantity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A single physical access node is virtualized to create multiple virtual access nodes, each capable of supporting different communication protocols and service types. This universal approach allows one physical node to perform the functions of multiple specialized nodes, reducing overall network complexity while maintaining protocol diversity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of deploying multiple physical access nodes for different protocols, virtual copies are created through virtualization. Each virtual instance can be configured to handle specific protocols while sharing the underlying physical infrastructure, thereby supporting service diversity without proportionally increasing physical device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentEP3382909B1Method and apparatus for establishing virtual access node in optical access network
Publication Date: 2021.02.03 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP3382909B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3382909B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3382909B1 patent drawingFigure 5A

AI summary

The present invention discloses a method for establishing a virtual access node in an optical access network and a device, so that an access node of an InP can be configured according to a service requirement, thereby improving configuration flexibility. The method includes: obtaining, by an access device in a first network, an identifier of a virtual line corresponding to a physical line after receiving a first message from user equipment, where the physical line is a physical line between the user equipment and a physical access node AN in the first network, and the virtual line is a logical line between the user equipment and a virtual AN; obtaining, by the access device, configuration information from a configuration server in a second network according to the identifier of the virtual line, where the configuration information is used to create the virtual AN; and creating, by the access device, the virtual AN according to the configuration information.