Virtual Shelf Management for Disaggregated Network Blades
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Solution Overview
Problem
Commissioning and replacing blades in disaggregated network elements is labor-intensive and error-prone, with complexities arising from mis-cabling issues due to the lack of physical slots and the need for intricate cable management.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of virtual shelf management systems that allow for automatic virtual slot ID assignment and management, enabling plug-and-play commissioning of new blades and detecting mis-cabling conditions through a management and control unit, which maps virtual slot IDs to port IDs and assigns tasks dynamically.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If blades are interconnected by cables in a disaggregated NE, then scalability and flexibility are improved, but installation complexity and error-proneness increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-identification and self-commissioning automatically. When a blade is connected via cable, it autonomously transmits identification information to the control unit, which automatically completes the commissioning process without requiring manual configuration or intervention, thereby eliminating the complexity of manual cable management while maintaining scalability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical commissioning processes with automated electronic identification and software-based commissioning. Instead of physically configuring connections manually, the system uses electronic signal transmission for blade identification and automated software routines to establish connections, converting mechanical labor into automated electronic processes
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual commissioning procedures are used for new blades, then flexibility in configuration is improved, but labor intensity and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The blade automatically transmits its identification information to the control unit upon connection, and the control unit autonomously processes this information to complete commissioning. This self-service mechanism eliminates manual commissioning steps while preserving configuration flexibility, as the system automatically adapts to the blade's capabilities and requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The blade's identification information is pre-configured and automatically transmitted upon connection, allowing the system to perform commissioning actions immediately without waiting for manual configuration. This preliminary preparation of identification data enables instant automated commissioning while maintaining configuration flexibility
3Ease of operation
If physical slots are used in aggregated NEs, then ease of blade replacement is improved, but system scalability and resource optimization are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the physical slot constraint from the system by implementing cable-based interconnection instead of fixed backplane slots. This removal of the physical slot limitation allows blades to be connected flexibly via cables, enabling scalable system expansion while maintaining easy blade replacement through automated identification and commissioning
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static physical slot assignments to dynamic cable-based connections with automated identification. Blades can be dynamically connected and disconnected via cables, and the system automatically adapts to changes in connectivity, providing both ease of replacement and scalable flexibility
4Adaptability or versatility
If disaggregated NE architecture is implemented, then resource optimization and scalability are improved, but mis-cabling errors and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit receives automatic feedback from blades through transmitted identification information upon connection. This feedback mechanism allows the system to verify connections, identify blades correctly, and detect mis-cabling errors automatically, thereby maintaining resource optimization while significantly reducing mis-cabling errors through automated verification
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual cable verification processes with automated electronic identification and verification systems. Instead of manually checking cable connections, the system uses electronic signal transmission to automatically identify blades and verify correct connections, eliminating human error in cable management while preserving the benefits of disaggregated architecture
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a method of commissioning a tributary blade in a disaggregated network system, including assigning a port ID to a port of an MCU, mapping to a port map a virtual slot ID to the port ID, receiving a registration request from a tributary blade, and assigning the virtual slot ID to the tributary blade. Disclosed is a method of determining whether a mis-cabling condition exists, including determining the whether a virtual slot ID is mapped to a port ID in a port map. Disclosed is a disaggregated network system including an MCU, a first and second tributary blade coupled to the MCU at a first and second port. The MCU is operable to assign a first and second virtual slot ID to the first and second tributary blades. The MCU is operable to map a first and second virtual slot ID to a first and second port ID.