Virtualization Delay Model for Hybrid Scheduling Network Nodes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing technologies fail to accurately calculate the shortest delay path in optical transport networks (OTNs) due to the uncertainty of delay attributes when services pass through hybrid scheduling network element nodes with L0/L1/L2 switching layers, as the conventional OTN physical network topology cannot cover various switching delays across different OSI layers.

Innovation Solution

A method for virtualization of physical network element nodes is introduced, which establishes a switching delay link structure and generates a virtualization delay model by creating switching delay matrices and interlayer adaptive delay links across OSI layers, allowing for accurate calculation of the shortest delay path in 5G slicing technology scenarios.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a conventional OTN physical network topology is used to represent network elements, then the topology structure is simple and easy to manage, but it cannot cover various switching delays across different OSI layers (L0/L1/L2) in hybrid scheduling network element nodes, leading to uncertainty of delay attributes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoverage of switching delays across different OSI layersVSAvoidtopology structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the network element node representation by introducing multiple virtual nodes (first virtual node, second virtual node, third virtual node) corresponding to different OSI layers (L0, L1, L2). Each virtual node represents a specific switching layer, allowing the topology to cover various switching delays across layers. This segmentation transforms a single undifferentiated node into multiple layer-specific virtual nodes, enabling precise delay tracking for hybrid scheduling scenarios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent adds a new dimension to the topology representation by introducing virtual nodes that represent different OSI layers. Instead of a flat single-layer topology, the solution creates a multi-dimensional virtual topology where nodes exist at different layer levels (L0, L1, L2). This dimensional expansion allows the topology to capture delay characteristics across multiple switching layers simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Measurement precision

If delay parameters are assumed to be unique and fixed for each network element node, then the calculation process is simple, but it cannot accurately reflect the varying switching delays when services pass through different OSI layers of hybrid scheduling nodes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedelay attribute accuracyVSAvoiddelay model complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by assigning different delay parameters to different virtual nodes representing specific OSI layers. Instead of using a single uniform delay parameter for the entire node, the solution creates layer-specific delay parameters (first delay parameter for L0, second delay parameter for L1, third delay parameter for L2). This allows each layer to have its own optimized delay characteristics, improving measurement precision for hybrid scheduling scenarios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the delay parameters from fixed single values to multiple variable parameters corresponding to different OSI layers. The delay model transitions from a simple fixed parameter to a multi-parameter structure where each virtual node has its own delay characteristics. This parameter transformation enables accurate representation of varying switching delays across L0/L1/L2 layers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If the OTN topology does not include virtual nodes for different OSI layers, then the topology is simpler and easier to implement, but the shortest delay path calculation cannot be performed due to uncertainty of delay attributes in hybrid scheduling nodes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveshortest delay path calculation accuracyVSAvoidtopology structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the delay calculation path by introducing virtual nodes for each OSI layer (first virtual node for L0, second virtual node for L1, third virtual node for L2). This segmentation allows the shortest delay path algorithm to calculate delays separately for each layer and then aggregate them, providing reliable and accurate delay path calculation for hybrid scheduling nodes that was previously impossible.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Adaptability or versatility

If a single scheduling attribute is used for each network element node, then the scheduling mechanism is simple and easy to manage, but it cannot handle hybrid scheduling scenarios where services require different switching layers (L0/L1/L2) with different delay characteristics

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehybrid scheduling capabilityVSAvoidscheduling mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements universality by creating a multi-functional virtual node structure that can handle multiple scheduling attributes simultaneously. The virtual nodes (first, second, third virtual nodes) represent different OSI layers with different scheduling capabilities, allowing a single network element node to provide hybrid scheduling services for L0/L1/L2 layers. This multi-functional approach enables the scheduling mechanism to adapt to various service requirements across different layers.

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

Data Source

PatentEP3813303B1Virtualization method and apparatus for physical network element node, and device and storage medium
Publication Date: 2024.07.31 ZTE CORP
  • EP3813303B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3813303B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3813303B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

A method for virtualization of physical network element node, a device, an apparatus and a storage medium are disclosed. The method includes: establishing a switching delay link structure corresponding to a scheduling link of the physical network element node, where the scheduling link being a link enabling a service to be scheduled to a corresponding switching layer when the service passes through the physical network element node; and generating a virtualization delay model of the physical network element node according to the switching delay link structure.