VLAN-Based Management Traffic in Ethernet Transport Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern communication and data networks that support both connectionless and connection-oriented traffic face challenges in efficiently managing connectivity and propagating management messages across nodes without requiring direct connections or additional protocols.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a communications network that propagates management messages as connectionless traffic with a unique VLAN identifier, allowing for efficient management of both connection-oriented and connectionless traffic within the network, eliminating the need for direct connections and additional protocols by utilizing VLAN-based communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If direct connections are established between nodes for management purposes, then management reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a Data Communication Network (DCN) as an intermediary layer that carries management traffic between nodes. Instead of requiring direct management connections between each pair of nodes, the DCN provides a centralized management plane that mediates all management communications, thereby maintaining reliability while reducing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments management traffic from data traffic by creating a separate DCN plane. Management messages are encapsulated in DCN packets with specific protocol identifiers, allowing them to be transmitted independently from connection-oriented or connectionless data traffic, simplifying node configuration while ensuring reliable delivery.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional protocols are implemented for management traffic, then management functionality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The DCN protocol is designed as a universal management protocol that can carry multiple types of management messages (OAM, provisioning, fault management, performance monitoring) through a single standardized framework. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate protocols for different management tasks, reducing complexity while enhancing versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter-based message types and protocol identifiers within the DCN framework to differentiate between various management functions. By changing message parameters rather than implementing separate protocols, the system achieves high adaptability with minimal complexity increase.
3Manufacturing precision
If connection-oriented traffic and connectionless traffic are managed separately, then traffic management precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The DCN acts as an intermediary management plane that can independently manage both connection-oriented (PBB-TE) and connectionless (PBB) traffic without requiring separate management infrastructures. The DCN messages can target specific connection-oriented paths or general connectionless networks, providing precise traffic management through a unified protocol.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments management traffic into DCN messages that are distinct from data traffic planes. These DCN messages can be selectively routed to manage connection-oriented traffic engineering paths or connectionless backbone bridging, achieving precise control over different traffic types while using a single management protocol stack at nodes.
Data Source
AI summary
A communications network comprising a plurality of nodes supporting connection-oriented traffic and connectionless traffic, wherein management traffic between the nodes is propagated as connectionless traffic having a common management identifier. Also disclosed is a communications network component comprising logic that supports connection-oriented traffic and Virtual Local Area Network (VLAN)-based connectionless traffic, wherein the logic propagates management messages as VLAN-based connectionless traffic having a unique VLAN identifier (VID). Included is a communications network component comprising at least one processor configured to implement a method comprising provisioning a unique VID for management messages, and selectively propagating management messages with the unique VID.