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We.C1.3
ICTON 2010
We.C1.3
ICTON 2010
We.C1.3
The Control Plane (CP) consists of signalling, routing protocols and algorithms (e.g. path computation) as well
as network topology mechanisms that can use cognitive loops to deliver self-composed and self-configured
protocols and algorithms. Such protocols can adapt their structure, routines, state machines and conditions
depending on the application requirements and network infrastructure.
At the Medium Access Control (MAC) layer functions such as reconfigurable MAC protocols and routines,
cognitive channel and BW allocation (on one or multiple channels) and self-adapted aggregation, data transport
format can be delivered. Reconfigurable elements have the ability to accommodate new operational aspects in
terms of network elements (hardware (e.g. memory), software (e.g. algorithm, routine).
Furthermore, the Physical Layer (PL) consists of cognitive hardware/software modules that are able to selfadapt, self-configure, self-optimize their structure and behaviour. Modulation format, bit-rate, number of
wavelength used, launch power, amplification gain, compensation, and many others can be adapted, re-purposed
and optimized according to the needs of infrastructure and service provider as well as user and application
requirements. Self-optimized PL can also observe local and network-wide physical impairments to optimize the
performance of individual devices and node to guarantee end-to-end quality of transmission (QoT) levels. For all
these reasons hardware programmable elements need to be deployed such that the state-of-the art optical
modules can be controlled and in turn converted to cognitive-enabled optical systems.
Apart from the layer specific cognition deployment, cognitive cross-layer optimization is an important
element to deliver a holistic approach on delivering end-to-end performance. To do so, states of cognitive cycle
(e.g. observe, act) of one layer can interact with the states of another layer (e.g. orient, decide, etc.) in order to
create a cross layer cognitive cycle and consider complete aspects of the network stack. However, the amount of
interaction and information exchange should be controlled and limited to minimize complexity that could
potentially degrade overall performance. The level, complexity and amount of cognitive elements per layer and
element should also be controlled and limited. Finally, monitoring and observation of network operations and
status to create short and long term memory needed for the cognitive process exists on each layer and
abstract/filtered information needs to be communicated from one layer to another.
2.3 Multi-lateral and multi-domain cognitive optical networks
Figure 1 also shows a simplified version of the cognitive cycle introduced by Mitola [6]. This cycle is a state
machine that shows the stages in a cognitive process to be applied in optical networks. The first state, Observe,
monitors and perceives multiple stimuli coming from the network environment (devices, nodes, layers).
The second state, Orient, determines the significance of the information and on the concurrent stage it makes
a long term Plan if needed before Deciding among candidate Plans and finally Acts. The system (mechanism,
node, layer, etc.) Learns throughout the process by using these observations and decisions to improve future
operations. As mentioned earlier each cycle can be applied on one or multiple elements per layer. When a cycle
doesnt interact from one element to another then the cognitive processing is unilateral and aims on enhancing
performance of a specific element based on local information. However, optical networks that consist of multiple
elements require cognitive processes where the cycles interact among multiple elements of a single layer or
different layers to create a multi-lateral cognitive optical network. Such interaction is shown on Fig. 2 for the
case of single domain, multi-domain and multi-region cognitive optical networks. Each node of a specific region
has its own cognitive cycle. The Orient state of each cycle feeds a domain-wide cognitive processing element
(another cycle), which then drives the Act cycle of all individual nodes. To do so, the domain-wide cycle
considers observed information from all elements (nodes) on a collective manner in order to trigger Plan, Decide
and Act states. When the network expands to multiple domains or multiple regions then the domain-wide
processing elements interact with each other before they trigger the Act state of all cycles across the whole
network. This means that the overall network addresses the collective end-to-end needs. However the interdomain communication could be limited to level of trust and agreements between infrastructure providers
something that should be considered.
ICTON 2010
We.C1.3