WSON Routing Encoding via TLV Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wavelength Switched Optical Networks (WSONs) face challenges in determining efficient routing and wavelength assignment due to limited processing capabilities of network elements, which restricts the flexibility and efficient use of regenerators, OEO switches, and wavelength converters, leading to suboptimal signal routing and processing.
Innovation Solution
The GMPLS control plane is extended to support diverse signal types in WSONs by characterizing signal definitions and attributes, and providing compatibility constraints for network elements, enabling path computation and enhanced provisioning through the Path Computation Element Protocol (PCEP), and encoding routing and wavelength assignment information for accurate control plane communications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional routing and wavelength assignment methods are used in WSONs, then network element processing requirements are reduced, but network flexibility and efficient use of regenerators, OEO switches, and wavelength converters are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the routing and wavelength assignment information into structured Type-Length-Value (TLV) encodings, separating network element-specific parameters from link-specific parameters. This segmentation allows the control plane to process only relevant information for each network element, reducing processing complexity while maintaining comprehensive network flexibility through detailed parameter representation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces comprehensive parameter encoding schemes that represent signal constraints, processing capabilities, and compatibility constraints as structured parameters in TLV format. By changing the representation method from traditional flat routing tables to parameter-rich structured encodings, the system achieves enhanced adaptability while managing device complexity through systematic parameter organization.
2Measurement precision
If comprehensive signal constraints and processing capabilities are encoded in TLVs, then path computation accuracy is improved, but control plane communication overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential routing and wavelength assignment parameters needed for path computation into standardized TLV structures. By taking out and separating critical parameters (signal constraints, processing capabilities, compatibility constraints) from unnecessary data, the system achieves high path computation accuracy while minimizing control plane communication overhead through selective parameter inclusion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates universal TLV encoding structures that can represent multiple types of network elements and constraints using a common framework. This multi-functional encoding approach allows the same TLV structure to convey diverse information (signal constraints, processing capabilities, wavelength assignments) efficiently, reducing overall communication data volume while maintaining comprehensive path computation accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus comprising a network element (NE) configured to communicate at least one of signal constraints and processing capabilities for a plurality of resource blocks (RBs) associated with a network node in a wavelength switched optical network (WSON) node Type-Length-Value (TLV) and signal constraints and processing capabilities associated with a link in a WSON link TLV, wherein the WSON node TLV comprises a node identifier (ID), one or more Generalized Multi-Protocol Label Switching (GMPLS) TLVs, a connectivity matrix TLV, and a resource pool TLV, and wherein the WSON link TLV comprises a link ID, one or more GMPLS TLVs, and a port wavelength restriction TLV.