Wavelength Topology Maps in Optical Network Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical networks face challenges in maintaining accurate records of passthrough wavelengths, leading to potential data corruption or interruption during maintenance operations, as manual records are often stale or contain errors and are not readily accessible to field technicians.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for generating and updating wavelength topology maps at each network element, using a dedicated overhead wavelength channel for messaging, allowing network elements to determine passthrough wavelengths and provide real-time information to technicians during maintenance, leveraging existing hardware and OAM&P functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If manual records of optical network layout are used, then network management information can be stored, but the records become stale or contain errors due to manual upkeep and are not readily accessible to field technicians
Solution Approach 1:
The network elements automatically generate and maintain wavelength topology maps by exchanging information with adjacent network elements through overhead channels. This self-service mechanism eliminates manual record-keeping, ensuring information remains current and accurate without requiring manual updates, thereby resolving the accuracy problem while making information readily accessible through electronic storage and retrieval
Solution Approach 2:
Network elements continuously exchange wavelength topology information through dedicated overhead wavelength channels, creating a feedback loop that automatically updates topology maps. This feedback mechanism ensures that any changes in the network are immediately reflected in the records, preventing staleness and errors while maintaining real-time accessibility for field technicians
2Loss of information
If manual records are used for wavelength information, then network layout data can be maintained, but the records may not be co-located with network elements and may not be readably accessible during maintenance operations
Solution Approach 1:
The wavelength topology information is segmented and distributed to individual network elements, with each element maintaining its own local topology map. This segmentation allows information to be co-located with the network elements it describes, enabling field technicians to access relevant wavelength information directly at the network element during maintenance operations, thereby improving on-site accessibility while maintaining information completeness
Solution Approach 2:
The overhead wavelength channel acts as an intermediary mechanism that enables automatic exchange and distribution of topology information between network elements. This intermediary system ensures complete and accurate information is maintained locally at each network element without requiring centralized manual record-keeping, thus improving both information completeness and on-site accessibility
3Reliability
If automated wavelength discovery is implemented, then real-time wavelength information becomes accessible, but system complexity increases due to messaging protocols and topology map maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The overhead wavelength channel, originally designed for general OAM&P functions, is utilized for wavelength topology information exchange as well. This multi-functional use of existing infrastructure achieves automated wavelength discovery and real-time information accessibility without adding dedicated complex messaging hardware or protocols, thereby improving reliability while minimizing the increase in system complexity
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Ensures accurate and timely access to wavelength information, preventing data disruptions during maintenance and enabling effective protection switching, thereby maintaining network integrity and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
forwarding the first wavelength topology maps in the first direction to adjacent network elements over a dedicated overhead wavelength channel
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method of wavelength discovery in network elements having an optical architecture. In one embodiment, a first wavelength topology map is generated for wavelengths inserted in a first direction at each network element. A second wavelength topology map is generated for wavelengths inserted in a second direction at each network element. The first wavelength topology maps are transmitted in the first direction to adjacent network elements over a dedicated overhead wavelength channel. Similarly, the second wavelength topology maps are transmitted in the second direction to adjacent network elements over the dedicated overhead wavelength channel. Responsive to messaging via the dedicated overhead wavelength channel, each of the first and second topology maps are updated at each of the network elements.