Virtual Connection Points for Digital Cross-Connect Matrices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional digital cross-connect models limit the scalability and management of connections in digital switching fabrics, particularly in applications like drop-and-continue multicast connections, signaled network connections, and bridge-and-roll, due to their reliance on fixed termination points, which complicates the handling of selector states and traffic flow.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of unidirectional virtual connection points (VCPs) as logical objects maintained in software, allowing them to act as source or termination points, selectors, and intermediate points within the cross-connect, enabling flexible management of connections and scaling without disrupting traffic.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional digital cross-connect models use fixed termination points, then the structure is simple and well-defined, but the scalability and management of connections is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces virtual connection points (VCPs) as intermediary logical objects between physical termination points and cross-connect functions. These VCPs serve as mediators that can dynamically represent different states (source, sink, selector) without requiring changes to the underlying physical infrastructure, thereby enabling scalable connection management while simplifying the tracking of selector states.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic role assignment where virtual connection points can change their function (source, sink, or selector) based on operational requirements. This dynamic flexibility allows the system to adapt to different connection scenarios and scaling needs without being constrained by fixed termination point definitions, resolving the contradiction between versatility and complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional models use fixed termination points for cross-connects, then the configuration is straightforward, but handling drop-and-continue multicast connections and bridge-and-roll applications becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the cross-connect function into multiple virtual connection points, each handling specific aspects of connection management. This segmentation allows different VCPs to independently manage source selection, sink distribution, and selector states, making it easier to handle complex multicast and protection applications while maintaining operational simplicity through clear separation of concerns.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the cross-connect relationship is always defined between termination points, then the model is consistent with ITU standards, but the scaling of the cross-connect matrix is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds a logical dimension to the traditional physical cross-connect model by introducing virtual connection points that exist in the software/domain layer rather than the physical layer. This dimensional shift enables the system to scale beyond physical termination point limitations while maintaining compatibility with existing ITU standards at the physical interface level.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides methods and systems for managing matrices of connections within digital switching fabrics. The methods and systems include means for defining one or more of sources and sinks in a matrix of connections as one or more of unidirectional connection termination points and novel unidirectional virtual connection points, where each of the unidirectional virtual connection points is a logical object that is maintained in software that defines connections between one or more of network resources and logical objects. The virtual connection points selectively act as origination points for one or more of other virtual connection points and termination points in a cross-connect; termination points for one or more of other virtual connection points and origination points in a cross-connect; origination points for a multicast set of connections; intermediate points within a cross-connect for the addition of new connections; selectors for two or more inputs; simultaneously as selectors for two or more inputs and as origination points for a multicast set of connections; one or more of bridges, selectors, and bridge/selectors in a protection application; one or more of origination points and termination points in a signaled network connection; local test access points; and/or remote test access points.