[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of networking infrastructure. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a system for continuous and integrated isolation through disparate technology implementations over a Fiber to the x (FTTx) infrastructure, and offers dynamic scaling of end to end control plane capabilities. The present application is based on, and claims priority from an Indian Application Number 201921013989 filed on 08th April 2019, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND

[0002] In the last few years, changing infrastructure and business requirements are forcing enterprises to rethink their networks. Enterprises are looking for network infrastructures that increase network efficiency, flexibility, and cost reduction. In this context, Fiber to the x (FTTx) infrastructure has gained much attention in the last few years as a promising solution for enterprise networks. However, when FTTx Infrastructure is re-designed by leveraging the principles of Control & User plane Separation (CUPS), handling control plane performance, it becomes a challenge for scenarios where control plane messages are generated in large volumes. Most of the time, this physically separated control plane introduces latency of signal processing that leads to degradation of customer experience. In addition, scenarios such as massive power outage, sudden surge of connectivity setup from particular location, sudden failover of passive infrastructure components would generate such sudden surge of control plane activity for live customers. Considering the indeterminist nature of these scenarios, existing approach of pre-provisioned hardware and control plane software demands significant reservation of FTTx and compute resources, and this leads to high cost of ownership. In addition, current software defined virtualization technologies have focused on representing virtual resources from physical resources. However, virtual resources realizations are fragmented across network due to implementation of disparate technologies such as Ethernet, passive optical network (PON), and multi- protocol label switching (MPLS) in end-to-end service paths. Also, each technology of disparate implementations may have a specific realization of logical or virtual resources. However, the specific realization of logical or virtual resources is restricted within scope of particular technology implementation. Also, current systems are focusing on passive optical networks carrying out dynamic capacity allocation over the disparate FTTx infrastructure, but not focusing on the dynamic scaling needs of the Control plane function itself. Some of the prior art references are given below:

[0003] CN108282708 discloses a multi-operator ODN sharing and heterogeneous Passive Optical Network (PON) unified management method. The method includes a step of providing an open control interface in a PON access network to implement a programmable intelligence management and control platform. In addition, the method includes another step of dividing resources into multiple slices virtually and flexibly. Further, the method includes yet another step of independently forwarding the slices by operators in respective virtual resource channels.

[0004] US20160127216 discloses a software-defined passive optical network that includes a set of optical network terminals, a set of passive optical network ports, and a plurality of splitters. Each of the optical network terminals is connected to a single one of the passive optical network ports through the given plurality of splitters, and the network is divided into a plurality of areas, each of which is assigned a given fraction of the passive optical network ports. Passive optical network port utilization is monitored for each of the plurality of areas; for those of the areas determined to have passive optical network port overutilization, the number of the passive optical network ports assigned thereto is increased; and for those of the areas determined to have passive optical network port underutilization, the number of the passive optical network ports assigned thereto is reduced.

[0005] WO2018167318 discloses a method and system for Dynamic Bandwidth Assignment (DBA) Virtualization in a Passive Optical Network. The system includes an Optical Line Termination (OLT) point, a plurality of Optical Network Units (ONU) and a plurality of Virtual Network Units (VNO). Each VNO is configured with a virtual Dynamic Bandwidth Assignment module to schedule a bandwidth assignment independently of the other VNOs. In addition, a merging engine is utilized to implement a detailed bandwidth scheduling allocation over the Passive Optical Network.

[0006] While the prior arts cover various approaches to host a control plane function to manage the passive infrastructure resources and allocate those resources dynamically for improved utilization, there are no considerations to identify the approach to better manage the resources that are needed to host the control plane functions. And due to that, there are different real-life situations when the control plane function itself becomes the bottleneck for high performance FTTx services, as explained above. In light of the above stated discussion, there is a need for an advanced system that overcomes the stated disadvantages.

OBJECT OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0007] A primary object of the present disclosure is to provide a system for dynamic scaling of end to end control plane capabilities across at least one network segments in an end to end FTTx infrastructure.

[0008] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide the system that handles bursty control plane workloads end to end across at least one network segments in the FTTx infrastructure.

[0009] Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide the system that dynamically scales at least one control plane capabilities in the end to end FTTX infrastructure across all network segments.

[0010] Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide the system that establishes an optimized cost of deployment that reduces resource reservation requirements in anticipation of bursty scenarios.

[0011] Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide the system that enables dynamic demand driven scale up and scale down capability for FTTx end to end control plane functionality.

[0012] Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide the system that offers dynamic scaling of subscriber provisioning or re-provisioning capabilities in the end to end FTTx infrastructure.

[0013] Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide the system that reduces probability of failed control plane handling and ensures that customer experience is maintained in best possible way.

[0014] Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide the system to reduce operating expenses and capital expenses of FTTx network infrastructure.

SUMMARY

[0015] In an aspect, the present disclosure provides a method for providing dynamic scaling of control plane capabilities in a Fibre to the x (FTTx) infrastructure. The method includes a first step of identifying at least one network segments and at least one control plane requirement for each of the at least one network segments in the FTTx infrastructure. In addition, the method includes a second step of encapsulating at least one metadata for each of the at least one network segments. Further, the method includes a third step of establishing a plurality of continuous chained implementation of the at least one network segments of the FTTx infrastructure based on the at least one control plane requirement. Furthermore, the method includes a fourth step of performing the dynamic scaling of the control plane capabilities with the plurality of continuous chained implementation of the at least one network segments of the FTTx infrastructure in an orchestrated way.

[0016] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, each of the plurality of continuous chained implementation of the at least one network segments corresponds to a common control plane requirement.

[0017] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the dynamic scaling of the control plane capabilities includes at least one of increasing workload of control plane functionalities and decreasing workload of control plane functionalities.

[0018] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the dynamic scaling of the control plane capabilities is performed based on dynamic demand parameters. The dynamic demand parameters includes at least one of power outage, sudden surge of connectivity setup from specific locations, sudden failure of passive infrastructure components, and control plane message flooding.

[0019] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the method includes end to end scaling of the control plane capabilities in the FTTx infrastructure.

[0020] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the at least one network segments corresponds to one or more disparate technologies. In addition, the one or more disparate technologies includes an Ethernet, a passive optical network (PON), an internet protocol (IP), active optical networks (AON), an optical distribution network (ODN), and a metro network and multiprotocol label switching (MPLS)

[0021] In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a system for providing the dynamic scaling of the control plane capabilities in the FTTx infrastructure. The system includes a segmentation capability discovery engine unit configured for identifying the at least one network segments in the FTTx infrastructure and the at least one control plane requirement for each of the at least one network segments. In addition, the system includes a segmentation meta-data unit. Further, the system includes a control chaining function unit. The segmentation meta- data unit is connected to the segmentation capability discovery engine unit. The segmentation meta-data unit encapsulates the at least one metadata for each of the at least one network segments. The control chaining function unit is configured to establish a plurality of continuous chained implementation of the at least one network segments based on the at least one control plane requirement. The control chaining function unit is configured to perform the dynamic scaling of the control plane capabilities with the plurality of continuous chained implementation of the at least one network segments in the FTTx infrastructure.

[0022] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, each of the plurality of continuous chained implementation of the at least one network segments corresponds to the common control plane requirement.

[0023] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the control chaining function unit is configured to perform the dynamic scaling of the control plane capabilities. The dynamic scaling of the control plane capabilities includes at least one of increasing workload of control plane functionalities and decreasing workload of control plane functionalities. In addition, the control chaining function unit performs the dynamic scaling of the control plane capabilities based on dynamic demand parameters. The dynamic demand parameters include at least one of: power outage, sudden surge of connectivity setup from specific locations, sudden failure of passive infrastructure components, and control plane message flooding.

[0024] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the at least one network segments corresponds to one or more disparate technologies. The one or more disparate technologies includes an Ethernet, a passive optical network (PON), an internet protocol (IP), active optical networks (AON), an optical distribution network (ODN), and a metro network and multiprotocol label switching (MPLS).

[0025] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the segmentation capability discovery engine unit includes a technology abstraction module, a capability discovery engine, and a handler module.

[0026] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the segmentation meta-data unit encapsulates the at least one metadata. The at least one metadata comprising protocol buffer data, remote procedure call (RPC) data, inter-micro services data, technology implementation profiles, key-value data, micro-services registry data, state data, SBI data, and NBI data.

[0027] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the control chaining function unit includes a device agent module, an adapter agent module, a logical device agent, a technology handler module, a chaining handler module and a segment chaining controller. The device agent module allow abstraction over a plurality of devices used in the Fibre to the x (FTTx) infrastructure. The plurality of devices includes optical line terminal (OLT), optical network unit (ONU), customer- premises equipment (CPE) gateways, switch fabric, and aggregation switch. In addition, the adapter agent module allows inter-working of each of the plurality of devices. Further, the logical device agent sets logical partitioning of the device agent module based on the at least one network segments and the plurality of continuous chained implementation. Furthermore, the technology handler module leverages technology requirements of the at least one network segments to enforce corresponding encapsulation mechanism. Moreover, the chaining handler module establishes the plurality of continuous chained implementation. Also, the segment chaining controller enables interconnection of each of the one or more disparate technologies for seamless handling of control plane workload for the plurality of continuous chained implementation of the at least one network segments in the FTTx infrastructure.

STATEMENT OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0028] The present disclosure talks about a method for providing dynamic scaling of control plane capabilities in a Fibre to the x (FTTx) infrastructure. The method includes a first step of identifying at least one network segments and at least one control plane requirement for each of the at least one network segments in the FTTx infrastructure. In addition, the method includes a second step of encapsulating at least one metadata for each of the at least one network segments. Further, the method includes a third step of establishing a plurality of continuous chained implementation of the at least one network segments of the FTTx infrastructure based on the at least one control plane requirement. Furthermore, the method includes a fourth step of performing the dynamic scaling of the control plane capabilities with the plurality of continuous chained implementation of the at least one network segments of the FTTx infrastructure in an orchestrated way.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

[0029] Having thus described the disclosure in general terms, reference will now be made to the accompanying figures, wherein:

[0030] FIG. 1 illustrates an interactive computing environment for providing dynamic scaling of control plane capabilities in a Fibre to the x (FTTx) infrastructure, in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0031] FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram of various advantages offered by the Fibre to the x (FTTx) infrastructure (as illustrated in FIG. 1) using a segmentation approach, in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0032] FIG. 3 illustrates a system for providing the dynamic scaling of the control plane capabilities in the Fibre to the x (FTTx) infrastructure (as illustrated in FIG. 1), in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0033] FIG. 4 illustrated a block diagram for deployment design of the system (as illustrated in FIG. 3), in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0034] FIG. 5 illustrates a flowchart of a method for providing the dynamic scaling of the control plane capabilities in the Fibre to the x (FTTx) infrastructure (as illustrated in FIG. 1), in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure; and

[0035] FIG. 6 illustrates a block diagram of a computing device, in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0036] It should be noted that the accompanying figure is intended to present illustrations of exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. This figure is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. It should also be noted that accompanying figure is not necessarily drawn to scale.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] Reference will now be made in detail to selected embodiments of the present disclosure in conjunction with accompanying figure. The embodiments described herein are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, and the present disclosure should not be construed as limited to the embodiments described. This disclosure may be embodied in different forms without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosure. It should be understood that the accompanying figure is intended and provided to illustrate embodiments of the10 disclosure described below and are not necessarily drawn to scale. In the drawings, like numbers refer to like elements throughout, and thicknesses and dimensions of some components may be exaggerated for providing better clarity and ease of understanding.

[0038] It should be noted that the terms "first", "second", and the like, herein do not denote any order, ranking, quantity, or importance, but rather are used to distinguish one element from another. Further, the terms "a" and "an" herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced item.

[0039] FIG. 1 illustrates an interactive computing environment 100 for providing dynamic scaling of control plane capabilities in a Fibre to the x (FTTx) infrastructure, in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure. In general, FTTx is a term used for any broadband network architecture using optical fiber to provide all or part of local loop used for last mile telecommunications. In general, optical fiber is a thin fiber of glass or plastic that can carry light from one end to the other. In addition, optical fibers are mainly used in telecommunications and networking. Further, optical fibers are used for lighting, sensors, toys, and special cameras for seeing inside small spaces.

[0040] FTTx stands for Fiber to the x or Fiber to the loop. In addition, FTTx is a generalization for various configurations of fiber deployment. Further, the various configurations of fiber deployment include a first configuration and a second configuration. The first configuration includes but may not be limited to FTTP, FTTH and FTTB. The FTTP stands for Fiber to the Premises. The FTTH stands for Fiber to the Home. The FTTB stands for Fiber to the Building. The second configuration includes but may not be limited to a FTTC and a FTTN. The FTTC stands for Fiber to the Cabinet. The FTTN stands for Fiber to the Node. However, the various configurations of fiber deployment are not limited to above mentioned configurations. The present invention discloses the Fibre to the x (FTTx) infrastructure for at least one network segments 122. The Fibre to the x infrastructure is a programmable infrastructure. In addition, the present invention discloses the dynamic scaling of the control plane capabilities in the FTTx infrastructure. Further, the present invention talks about deploying the FTTx infrastructure without duplication of hardware resources. The present invention talks about increasing scale and capacity of the Fibre to the x (FTTx) infrastructure, especially the scale & capacity of controlling functions that in turn drives the scale & capacity of FTTx infrastructure. In general, scale refers to size or extent of the FTTx infrastructure and the ability of controlling the same. In general, capacity in the context of present invention is amount of control plane traffic which may include service subscription, consumption, modification, sustenance, or un-subscription requests that a network can handle at any given time.
[0041] The interactive computing environment 100 includes one or more central offices, one or more aggregation switches and one or more optical link terminals. The one or more central offices include a first central office 102 and a second central office 104. The one or more aggregation switches include a first aggregation switch 106 and a second aggregation switch 108. The one or more optical link terminals include a first optical line terminal 110 and a second optical line terminal 112. In addition, the interactive computing environment 100 includes an edge cloud setup 114, a leaf spine fabric 116, and a compute and storage cluster 118. Further, the interactive computing environment 100 includes one or more splitters 120 and the at least one network segments 122.

[0042] The interactive computing environment 100 includes the first central office 102 and the second central office 104. In general, central office is initial point of origination of the passive optical network. In addition, the optical fiber is supplied to home or premises of a user from the central office. In general, the central office hosts optical line terminals (OLTs) and optical distribution frames (ODFs). In addition, the central office provides necessary powering and includes some important components of core network. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first central office 102 is connected with the second central office 104.

[0043] The first central office 102 hosts the edge cloud setup 114. In addition, the second central office 104 hosts the edge cloud setup 114. In general, edge cloud computing is a distributed computing paradigm in which computation is largely or completely performed on distributed device nodes as opposed to primarily taking place in a centralized cloud environment. In addition, the distributed device nodes are known as smart devices or edge devices. In general, edge cloud takes compute capacity at edge of network (near traffic).

[0044] Further, the edge cloud setup 114 includes the leaf spine fabric 116 and the compute and storage cluster 118. In general, the leaf spine fabric is a two layer network topology composed of leaf switches and spine switches. In general, servers and storage connects with leaf switches. In addition, the leaf switches connect with the spine switches. Further, the leaf switches aggregate traffic from server nodes and connects to core of network. Furthermore, the leaf switches mesh into the spine switches, forming access layer that delivers network connection points for servers.

[0045] Furthermore, the edge cloud setup 114 includes the compute and storage cluster 118. In general, compute is used to handle compute-intensive applications that require large amounts of compute power for extended periods of time. In general, the compute is a term used to refer to one or more resources being used or served up in server and data center spaces. The one or more resources include but may not be limited to memory resource, storage resource, network resource and I/O resource. In general, the storage refers to overall set of hardware and software components needed to facilitate storage for any system. In general, the storage is a technology consisting of computer components and recording media that are used to retain digital data. The compute and storage cluster 118 is responsible for collective working of compute and storage altogether for proper functioning of the edge cloud setup 114.

[0046] The first central office 102 hosts the first optical line terminal 110. The second central office 104 hosts the second optical line terminal 112. In general, the optical line terminal is a device which serves as a service provider endpoint of the passive optical network (PON). In general, the passive optical network is a telecommunications technology used to provide optical fiber to end consumer, both domestic and commercial. In addition, the optical line terminal performs conversion between electrical signals used by service provider's equipment and fiber optic signals used by the passive optical network. Further, the optical line terminal coordinates multiplexing between conversion devices on other end of network. The conversion device includes but may not be limited to optical network terminals (ONTs) and optical network units (ONUs).

[0047] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first optical line terminal 110 and the second optical line terminal 112 are programmed to leverage the at least one network segments 122 in one or more disparate technologies. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first optical line terminal 110 is initially programmed with a segmentation capability discovery method. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the second optical line terminal 112 is initially programmed with the segmentation capability discovery method. In addition, the plurality of optical network units (ONU), the one or more aggregation switches or routers and the leaf spine fabric 116 are programmed with the segmentation capability discovery method. The segmentation capability discovery method discovers the at least one network segments 122 in each of the one or more disparate technologies. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the one or more disparate technologies include but may not be limited to Ethernet, passive optical network (PON), internet protocol (IP), and multiprotocol label switching (MPLS).

[0048] The interactive computing environment 100 includes the one or more aggregation switches. The one or more aggregation switches include the first aggregation switch 106 and the second aggregation switch 108. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first aggregation switch 106 in the first central office 102 is connected with the second aggregation switch 108 in the second central office 104. In general, the aggregation switch provides methods of combining multiple network connections in parallel in order to increase throughput beyond what a single connection could sustain. In addition, aggregation switches provide redundancy in case one of the links may fail.

[0049] The interactive computing environment 100 includes the one or more splitters 120. In general, the splitters (i.e., optical splitters) split power of signal. In an example, each optical fiber link entering splitter may be split into a given number of optical fibers leaving splitter. The interactive computing environment 100 includes the at least one network segments 122. In general, network segment is a portion of a computer network that is separated from rest of the network by a device such as a repeater, hub, bridge, switch or router. In addition, each network segment contains one or multiple computers or other hosts.

[0050] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the FTTx infrastructure is useful for telecom operators that own infrastructures and a virtual network operator (VNO) licenses. In general, the VNO is a reseller for communications services. In general, the VNO leases wireless capacity from a third-party network operator at wholesale prices and resells it to consumers at reduced retail prices under its own business brand. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the FTTx infrastructure is useful for government bodies to reuse last mile optics infrastructure. In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, the FTTx infrastructure is useful for infrastructure companies.

[0051] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, queue and scheduler segmentation is leveraged at GPON or xPON part of network for the FTTx infrastructure. In general, queue is a sequence of work objects that are waiting to be processed. In general, Ethernet is a family of computer networking technologies commonly used in local area networks (LANs), metropolitan area networks (MANs) and wide area networks (WANs). The term GPON stands for Gigabit Passive Optical Network. The GPON includes all of its successor technologies. In general, the GPON is a point-to-multi point access mechanism capable of transmitting Ethernet, time division multiplexing (TDM) as well as ATM (asynchronous transfer mode) traffic. In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, queue and scheduler segmentation is leveraged at Ethernet and GPON or xPON part of network for specific SVLAN. In general, the SVLAN stands for Service VLAN. Moreover, the VLAN stands for virtual LAN. In general, the VLAN is a group of devices on one or more LANs that are configured to communicate as if they are attached to same wire, when in fact they are located on a number of different LAN segments. In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, queue and scheduler segmentation is leveraged at GPON or xPON part of network for dedicated Gem (Gpon Encapsulation method) port. In general, the GEM port provides segmented connection used to classify service traffic. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, software instances running in compute infrastructure of the first central office 102 and the second central office 104 undergoes isolation under a process called containerization. In general, containerization is a lightweight alternative to full machine virtualization that involves encapsulating an application in a container with its own operating environment. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, aggregation underlay fabric is provided isolation using eBGP at the first central office 102 and the second central office 104. In general, eBGP (External Border Gateway Protocol) is a term or process used while referring to BGP peers or neighbors that are in a different Autonomous System and Number (ASN). Also, eBGP is used to exchange route information between different autonomous systems. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, aggregation underlay fabric is provided isolation using VXLAN at the first central office 102 and the second central office 104. In general, VXLAN (virtual extensible LAN) is a network virtualization technology that attempts to address scalability problems associated with large cloud computing deployments. In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, the aggregation underlay fabric is provided isolation using MPLS at the first central office 102 and the second central office 104. In general, the MPLS (Multiprotocol Label Switching) is a protocol-agnostic routing technique designed to speed up and shape traffic flows across enterprise wide area and service provider networks.

[0052] FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram 200 of various advantages offered by the Fibre to the x (FTTx) infrastructure (as illustrated in FIG. 1) using a segmentation approach, in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the FTTx infrastructure provides advantage of segmented transport using technologies such as eBGP, MPLS, and the like. In general, pseudowire is a mechanism for emulating various networking or telecommunications services across packet-switched networks that use Ethernet, IP, or MPLS.

[0053] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the FTTx infrastructure provides advantage of segmented POD (Programmable, Open, and Disaggregated Solution). The FTTx infrastructure provides advantage of segmented POD using data plane and control applications. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the FTTx infrastructure provides advantage of segmented PON or ODN (optical distribution network). In general, ODN refers to physical fiber and optical devices that distribute signals to users in a telecommunications network. In addition, the segmentation approach defines segments of ODN or PON, POD at Central Office, and Transport. Further, the segmentation approach enables defining suitable segment of the at least one network segments 122 for ODN or PON, POD at Central Office, and Transport in the FTTx infrastructure that has a common control plane requirement. In addition, at least one control plane requirement for each segment of ODN or PON, POD and transport at a particular point of time is different. Further, each segment of ODN or PON, POD and transport requires different scaling. Furthermore, the FTTx infrastructure follow a programmatic segmentation and programmatic chaining the control plane capabilities to acquire a demand driven scaling capability

[0054] FIG. 3 illustrates a system 300 for providing the dynamic scaling of the control plane capabilities in the Fibre to the x (FTTx) infrastructure (as illustrated in FIG. 1), in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure. The system 300 includes an edge orchestrator, a segmentation capability discovery engine unit 302, a segmentation meta-data unit 304, and a control chaining function unit 306. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the edge orchestrator is associated with the segmentation capability discovery engine unit 302, the segmentation meta-data unit 304, and the control chaining function unit 306. The system 300 performs end to end scaling of the control plane capabilities in the FTTx infrastructure.

[0055] The system 300 includes the edge orchestrator. In general, edge orchestrator is a resource manager that makes resource allocation decisions on the behalf of a user application. In addition, edge orchestrator may be centralized or distributed. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the edge orchestrator is associated with the segmentation capability discovery engine unit 302. In addition, the edge orchestrator includes a plurality of northbound interfaces. Further, the plurality of northbound interfaces conceptualize lower level details of the plurality of devices to allow the plurality of devices to interface with higher level layers. Furthermore, the edge orchestrator is connected with a global orchestrator, an operations supports system (OSS), and a business support system (BSS). In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the global orchestrator ensures flexibility in tailoring deployment of the plurality of devices according to individual customer requirements. In addition, the global orchestrator enables enterprises to globally manage and monitor multiple software defined networking fabrics supported by independent edge orchestrator.

[0056] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the operations supports system (OSS) provides support in operations to enterprises to manage software defined networking. In addition, the operations supports system (OSS) supports a plurality of functions. Further, the plurality of functions include but may not be limited to network inventory, service provisioning, network configuration, and fault management.

[0057] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the business support system (BSS) includes the plurality of devices that enterprises utilize to run operations for end users. In addition, the business support system (BSS) is integrated with the operations supports system (OSS) to support end-to-end services. Further, the operations supports system (OSS) manages a plurality of processes. Furthermore, the plurality of processes include but may not be limited to product management, devices management, customer management, revenue management, and order management.

[0058] The segmentation capability discovery engine unit 302 is configured to identify the at least one network segments 122 in the FTTx infrastructure and the at least one control plane requirement for each of the at least one network segments 122. The segmentation capability discovery engine unit 302 establishes meta-data usage agreement. The meta-data usage agreement governs use of metadata statements and files accessed, viewed download or received. The meta-data usage agreement is established for the control chaining function unit 306 by the segmentation capability discovery engine unit 302. The at least one network segments 122 corresponds to the one or more disparate technologies. The one or more disparate technologies include but may not be limited to an Ethernet, a passive optical network (PON), an internet protocol (IP), active optical networks (AON), an optical distribution network (ODN), and a metro network and multiprotocol label switching (MPLS).

[0059] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the at least one network segments 122 includes the Ethernet. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the at least one network segments 122 includes the passive optical network (PON). In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, the at least one network segments 122 includes the internet protocol (IP). In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, the at least one network segments 122 includes the active optical networks (AON). In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, the at least one network segments 122 includes the optical distribution network (ODN). In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, the at least one network segments 122 includes the metro network and multiprotocol label switching (MPLS).

[0060] In general, Ethernet is a family of computer networking technologies commonly used in local area networks (LANs), metropolitan area networks (MANs) and wide area networks (WANs). In addition, Ethernet divides data into a plurality of frames. Further, each of the plurality of frames is characterized by source address and destination address. Furthermore, internet protocol is carried over Ethernet. In general, passive optical network is a telecommunications technology used to provide optical fiber to end consumer, both domestic and commercial. In addition, optical line terminal performs conversion between electrical signals used by service provider's equipment and fiber optic signals used by passive optical network. Further, optical line terminal coordinates multiplexing between conversion devices on other end of network. In general, internet protocol delivers packets from a source host to a destination host based on internet protocol addresses in packet headers. In addition, internet protocol enables internetworking and establishes internet.

[0061] In general, active optical network utilizes electric switching equipment. In addition, electric switching equipment includes router or switch aggregator. Further, electric switching equipment manages signal distribution. Furthermore, electric switching equipment directs signals to specific consumers. In general, metro network and multiprotocol label switching provides routing technique in communication networks. In addition, metro network and multiprotocol label switching directs data from one node to other node base on shortest path. Further, metro network and multiprotocol label switching avoids complexity in data traffic flow.

[0062] In addition, the segmentation capability discovery engine unit 302 includes a technology abstraction module. In addition, the technology abstraction module selects the at least one metadata from repository of the segmentation meta-data unit 304 according to the meta-data usage agreement established for the control chaining function unit 306. Further, the technology abstraction module allows selection of the at least one metadata from repository of the segmentation meta-data unit 304 through programming interfaces. Furthermore, the segmentation capability discovery engine unit 302 includes a capability discovery engine. Furthermore, the capability discovery engine identifies the at least one network segments 122 and the at least one control plane requirement. Moreover, the capability discovery engine identifies the at least one network segments 122 that belongs to the one or more disparate technologies. Also, the at least one network segments 122 that belongs to the one or more disparate technologies is suitable to establish the at least one control plane requirement. Also, the segmentation capability discovery engine unit 302 includes a handler module. Also, the handler module corresponds to segment handler module. Also, the handler module identifies a network requirement of the at least one network segments 122 in the segmentation capability discovery engine unit 302. Also, the handler module matches the network requirement of the at least one network segments 122 in accordance with the one or more disparate technologies. Also, matched network requirement of the at least one network segments 122 in accordance with the one or more disparate technologies allows flexible delivery of variety of services across a range of environment using the one or more disparate technologies.

[0063] The system 300 includes the segmentation meta-data unit 304. The segmentation meta-data unit 304 is connected to the segmentation capability discovery engine unit 302 and the edge orchestrator. In addition, the segmentation meta-data unit 304 establishes a workable set of meta-data. Further, the segmentation meta-data unit 304 encapsulates the at least one metadata from the workable set of meta-data for each of the at least one network segments 122. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the at least one metadata includes protocol buffer data, remote procedure call (RPC) data, inter-micro services data and the like. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the at least one metadata includes technology implementation profiles, key-value data, micro-services registry data, state data, SBI data, NBI data, and the like. In addition, the encapsulation of the at least one metadata is hosted over the control plane. Further, the control plane is available at corresponding central office of the one or more central offices. The system 300 establishes a plurality of continuous chained implementations of the at least one network segments 122. Each of the plurality of continuous chained implementation of the at least one network segments 122 corresponds to the common control plane requirement. In addition, the plurality of continuous chained implementation is established based on the at least one control plane requirement. Further, the plurality of continuous chained implementations is established through dynamically utilizing the workable set of meta-data established by the segmentation meta-data unit 304. Furthermore, the system 300 establishes continued and integrated chaining of control plane environment over the FTTx infrastructure while implementing the one or more disparate technologies.

[0064] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, remote procedure call (RPC) data, protocol buffer data, and SBI data are used for a control plane software to device communication. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the remote procedure call (RPC) data, the protocol buffer data and the inter-micro services data are used for inter micro-services communication within the control plane software. In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, NBI data / REST data are used to offer north-bound application programming interface (API).

[0065] The system 300 includes a control chaining function unit 306. The control chaining function unit 306 is configured to receive the encapsulated at least one metadata. In addition, the control chaining function unit 306 establishes the plurality of continuous chained implementation of the at least one network segments 122 based on the at least one control plane requirement. The control chaining function unit 306 enables the system 300 to perform the dynamic scaling of the control plane capabilities with the plurality of continuous chained implementation of the at least one network segments 122. The dynamic scaling of the control plane capabilities is performed based on dynamic demand parameters. The dynamic demand parameters comprising at least one of power outage, sudden surge of connectivity setup from specific locations, sudden failure of passive infrastructure components, and control plane message flooding. The dynamic scaling of the control plane capabilities includes at least one of increasing workload of control plane functionalities and decreasing workload of control plane functionalities.

[0066] The control chaining function unit 306 includes a device agent module. In addition, the device agent module allows abstraction over a plurality of devices used in the Fibre to the x (FTTx) infrastructure. Further, the plurality of devices includes optical line terminal (OLT), optical network unit (ONU), customer-premises equipment (CPE) gateways, switch fabric, one or more aggregation switches, and the like. Furthermore, the control chaining function unit 306 includes an adapter agent module. Moreover, the adapter agent module allows inter-working of each of the plurality of devices.

[0067] The control chaining function unit 306 includes a logical device agent. In addition, the logical device agent sets logical partitioning of the device agent module based on the at least one network segments 122 and the plurality of continuous chained implementation. Further, the control chaining function unit 306 includes a technology handler module. Furthermore, the technology handler module leverages technology requirements of the at least one network segments 122 to enforce corresponding encapsulation mechanism.

[0068] The control chaining function unit 306 includes a chaining handler module. In addition, the chaining handler module establishes the plurality of continuous chained implementation through dynamically utilizing the encapsulated at least one metadata. Further, the chaining handler module maintains network requirement of the at least one network segments 122. Furthermore, the control chaining function unit 306 includes a segment chaining controller. Moreover the segment chaining controller enables interconnection of each of the one or more disparate technologies for seamless handling of control plane workload for the plurality of continuous chained implementation of the at least one network segments 122 in the FTTx infrastructure. Also, the segment chaining controller establishes integrated working of each of the one or more disparate technologies.

[0069] FIG. 4 illustrated a block diagram 400 for deployment design of the system 300 (as illustrated in FIG. 3), in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The block diagram 400 includes an internet 402, a router 404, L3 aggregation module, one or more spines, one or more leaves, one or more computes, the edge orchestrator, optical line terminal (OLT), one or more segments of ONU.

[0070] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the internet provides network connectivity to the one or more spines, the one or more leaves, the one or more computes, the edge orchestrator, optical line terminal (OLT), and the one or more segments of ONU. Further, the block diagram 400 includes the router 404. In general, router is a networking device that forwards data packets between computer networks. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the router 404 performs traffic directing functions on the internet 402.

[0071] The block diagram 400 includes the one or more spines and the one or more leaves. The one or more spines include spine 1, and spine 2. In addition, the one or more leaves include leaf 1, and leaf 2. In an example, leaf 1 and leaf 2 aggregates traffic of the at least one network segments 122 from server nodes and connects to core of network. Further, the block diagram 400 includes the one or more computes. The one or more computes include compute 1 and compute 2. Furthermore, the one or more spines and the one or more leaves are connected with the edge orchestrator through the one or more computes. Moreover, the one or more spines and the one or more leaves form two-tiered spine-leaf topology. Also, each of the one or more leaves is connected to each of the one or more spines in the two-tiered spine-leaf topology. Also, the one or more leaves in the two-tiered spine-leaf topology consist access switches to form access layer that are connected to servers. Also, the one or more spines in the two-tiered spine-leaf topology enable interconnection of each of the one or more leaves. Also, selection of the one or more leaves in the two-tiered spine-leaf topology is based on traffic load. In general, compute is used to handle compute-intensive applications that require large amounts of compute power for extended periods of time. In general, the compute is a term used to refer to one or more resources being used or served up in server and data center spaces. The one or more resources include but may not be limited to memory resource, storage resource, network resource and I/O resource. In general, the storage refers to overall set of hardware and software components needed to facilitate storage for any system.

[0072] The block diagram 400 includes the L3 aggregation module. The L3 aggregation performs specific programmable segmentation for the one or more spines and the one or more leaves with utilization of VLAN. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, number of the L3 aggregation module is 2. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, number of the L3 aggregation module may vary. In addition, the L3 aggregation module is connected with the router 404. Further, the router 404 corresponds to aggregation router. Furthermore, the router 404 offers stability to networks. The VLAN stands for virtual LAN. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the VLAN specific programmable segmentation works through creating collection of isolated networks within the network. In general, the VLAN is a group of devices on one or more LANs that are configured to communicate as if they are attached to same wire, when in fact they are located on a number of different LAN segments. Further, the L3 aggregation module performs queue based programmable segmentation of data-plane and control-plane traffic.

[0073] The block diagram includes the OLT. The OLT stands for optical line terminal. In general, OLT is a device that serves as a service provider endpoint of a passive optical network. The block diagram 400 includes the edge orchestrator. The edge orchestrator provides a programmable container-based control plane environment for each of the one or more segments of ONU. The one or more segments of ONU include segment A, segment B and segment C.

[0074] FIG. 5 illustrates a flowchart 500 of a method for providing dynamic scaling of the control plane capabilities in a Fibre to the x (FTTx) infrastructure (as illustrated in FIG. 1), in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure. It may be noted that in order to explain the method steps of the flowchart 500, references will be made to the elements explained in FIG. 3. The flow chart 500 starts at step 502. At step 504, the system 300 identifies the at least one network segments 122 and the at least one control plane requirement for each of the at least one network segments 122 in the FTTx infrastructure. At step 506, the system 300 encapsulates the at least one metadata for each of the at least one network segments 122. At step 508, the system 300 establishes the plurality of continuous chained implementation of the at least one network segments 122 of the FTTx infrastructure based on the at least one control plane requirement. At step 510, the system 300 performs the dynamic scaling of the control plane capabilities with the plurality of continuous chained implementation of the at least one network segments 122 of the FTTx infrastructure in the orchestrated way.

[0075] The flow chart 500 terminates at step 512. It may be noted that the flowchart 500 is explained to have above stated process steps; however, those skilled in the art would appreciate that the flowchart 500 may have more/less number of process steps which may enable all the above stated embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0076] FIG. 6 illustrates the block diagram of a computing device 600, in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure. The computing device 600 includes a bus 602 that directly or indirectly couples the following devices: memory 604, one or more processors 606, one or more presentation components 608, one or more input/output (I/O) ports 610, one or more input/output components 612, and an illustrative power supply 614. The bus 602 represents what may be one or more busses (such as an address bus, data bus, or combination thereof). Although the various blocks of FIG. 6 are shown with lines for the sake of clarity, in reality, delineating various components is not so clear, and metaphorically, the lines would more accurately be grey and fuzzy. For example, one may consider a presentation component such as a display device to be an I/O component. Also, processors have memory. The inventors recognize that such is the nature of the art, and reiterate that the diagram of FIG. 6 is merely illustrative of an exemplary computing device 600 that can be used in connection with one or more embodiments of the present invention. Distinction is not made between such categories as “workstation,” “server,” “laptop,” “hand-held device,” etc., as all are contemplated within the scope of FIG. 6 and reference to “computing device.”

[0077] The computing device 600 typically includes a variety of computer-readable media. The computer-readable media can be any available media that can be accessed by the computing device 600 and includes both volatile and nonvolatile media, removable and non-removable media. By way of example, and not limitation, the computer-readable media may comprise computer storage media and communication media. The computer storage media includes volatile and nonvolatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storage of information such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules or other data.

[0078] The computer storage media includes, but is not limited to, RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disks (DVD) or other optical disk storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium which can be used to store the desired information and which can be accessed by the computing device 600. The communication media typically embodies computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules or other data in a modulated data signal such as a carrier wave or other transport mechanism and includes any information delivery media. The term “modulated data signal” means a signal that has one or more of its characteristics set or changed in such a manner as to encode information in the signal. By way of example, and not limitation, communication media includes wired media such as a wired network or direct-wired connection, and wireless media such as acoustic, RF, infrared and other wireless media. Combinations of any of the above should also be included within the scope of computer-readable media.

[0079] Memory 604 includes computer-storage media in the form of volatile and/or nonvolatile memory. The memory 604 may be removable, non-removable, or a combination thereof. Exemplary hardware devices include solid-state memory, hard drives, optical-disc drives, etc. The computing device 600 includes one or more processors that read data from various entities such as memory 604 or I/O components 612. The one or more presentation components 608 present data indications to a user or other device. Exemplary presentation components include a display device, speaker, printing component, vibrating component, etc. The one or more I/O ports 610 allow the computing device 600 to be logically coupled to other devices including the one or more I/O components 612, some of which may be built in. Illustrative components include a microphone, joystick, game pad, satellite dish, scanner, printer, wireless device, etc.

[0080] The present disclosure has numerous advantages over the prior art. The system provides a methodical approach to handle bursty control plane workloads for the FTTx infrastructure. The system enables dynamic demand driven scale up and scale down capability for FTTx control plane functionality. In addition, the system establishes an optimized cost of deployment that reduces resource reservation requirements in anticipation of bursty scenarios. Further, the system offers subscriber provisioning capability in the FTTx infrastructure. Furthermore, the system reduces probability of failed control plane handling and ensures that customer experience is maintained in best possible way.

[0081] Moreover, the FTTx infrastructure allows expansion of network and coverage over the existing FTTx infrastructure. The FTTx infrastructure provides lower service prices over the existing FTTx infrastructure. The FTTx infrastructure provides reduced visual and environmental impact over the existing FTTx infrastructure. The FTTx infrastructure allows increase in take up and connectivity over the existing FTTx infrastructure. The FTTx infrastructure provides numerous economic and social benefits over the existing FTTx infrastructure.

[0082] The foregoing descriptions of specified embodiments of the present technology have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present technology to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the present technology and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the present technology and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions and substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstance may suggest or render expedient, but such are intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present technology.

[0083] While several possible embodiments of the disclosure have been described above and illustrated in some cases, it should be interpreted and understood as to have been presented only by way of illustration and example, but not by limitation. Thus, the breadth and scope of a preferred embodiment should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments.

Claims:We claim:

1. A method for providing dynamic scaling of control plane capabilities in a Fibre to the x (FTTx) infrastructure, the method comprising:

identifying at least one network segments (122) and at least one control plane requirement for each of the at least one network segments (122) in the FTTx infrastructure;

encapsulating at least one metadata for each of the at least one network segments (122);

establishing a plurality of continuous chained implementation of the at least one network segments (122) of the FTTx infrastructure based on the at least one control plane requirement; and

performing dynamic scaling of the control plane capabilities with the plurality of continuous chained implementation of the at least one network segments (122) of the FTTx infrastructure in an orchestrated way.

2. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of continuous chained implementation of the at least one network segments (122) corresponds to a common control plane requirement.

3. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the dynamic scaling of the control plane capabilities comprising at least one of increasing workload of control plane functionalities and decreasing workload of control plane functionalities.

4. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the dynamic scaling of the control plane capabilities is performed based on dynamic demand parameters, wherein the dynamic demand parameters comprising at least one of power outage, sudden surge of connectivity setup from specific locations, sudden failure of passive infrastructure components, and control plane message flooding.

5. The method as recited in claim 1, further comprising end to end scaling of the control plane capabilities in the FTTx infrastructure.

6. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the at least one network segments (122) corresponds to one or more disparate technologies, wherein the one or more disparate technologies comprising an Ethernet, a passive optical network (PON), an internet protocol (IP), active optical networks (AON), an optical distribution network (ODN), and a metro network and multiprotocol label switching (MPLS).

7. A system (300) for providing dynamic scaling of control plane capabilities in a Fibre to the x (FTTx) infrastructure, the system (300) comprising:

a segmentation capability discovery engine unit (302) configured for identifying at least one network segments (122) in the FTTx infrastructure and at least one control plane requirement for each of the at least one network segments (122);

a segmentation meta-data unit (304), wherein the segmentation meta- data unit (304) is connected to the segmentation capability discovery engine unit (302), wherein the segmentation meta-data unit (304) encapsulates at least one metadata for each of the at least one network segments (122); and

a control chaining function unit (306), wherein the control chaining function unit (306) is configured for establishing a plurality of continuous chained implementation of the at least one network segments (122) based on the at least one control plane requirement, wherein the control chaining function unit (306) is configured for performing the dynamic scaling of the control plane capabilities with the plurality of continuous chained implementation of the at least one network segments (122) in the FTTx infrastructure.

8. The system as recited in claim 7, wherein each of the plurality of continuous chained implementation of the at least one network segments (122) corresponds to a common control plane requirement.

9. The system (300) as recited in claim 7, wherein the control chaining function unit (306) is configured for performing the dynamic scaling of the control plane capabilities, wherein the dynamic scaling of the control plane capabilities comprising at least one of increasing workload of control plane functionalities and decreasing workload of control plane functionalities, wherein the control chaining function unit (306) performs the dynamic scaling of the control plane capabilities based on dynamic demand parameters, wherein the dynamic demand parameters comprising at least one of: power outage, sudden surge of connectivity setup from specific locations, sudden failure of passive infrastructure components, and control plane message flooding.

10. The system (300) as recited in claim 7, wherein the at least one network segments (122) corresponds to one or more disparate technologies, wherein the one or more disparate technologies comprising an Ethernet, a passive optical network (PON), an internet protocol (IP), active optical networks (AON), an optical distribution network (ODN), and a metro network and multiprotocol label switching (MPLS).

11. The system (300) as recited in claim 7, wherein the segmentation capability discovery engine unit (302) comprising a technology abstraction module, a capability discovery engine, and a handler module.

12. The system (300) as recited in claim 7, wherein the segmentation meta-data unit (304) encapsulates the at least one metadata, wherein the at least one metadata comprising protocol buffer data, remote procedure call (RPC) data, inter-micro services data, technology implementation profiles, key-value data, micro-services registry data, state data, SBI data, and NBI data.

13. The system (300) as recited in claim 7, wherein the control chaining function unit (306) comprising:

a device agent module, wherein the device agent module allow abstraction over a plurality of devices used in the Fibre to the x (FTTx) infrastructure, wherein the plurality of devices comprising optical line terminal (OLT), optical network unit (ONU), customer- premises equipment (CPE) gateways, switch fabric, and aggregation switch;

an adapter agent module, wherein the adapter agent module allows inter-working of each of the plurality of devices;

a logical device agent, wherein the logical device agent sets logical partitioning of the device agent module based on the at least one network segments (122) and the plurality of continuous chained implementation;

a technology handler module, wherein the technology handler module leverages technology requirements of the at least one network segments (122) to enforce corresponding encapsulation mechanism;

a chaining handler module, wherein the chaining handler module establishes the plurality of continuous chained implementation; and

a segment chaining controller, wherein the segment chaining controller enables interconnection of each of the one or more disparate technologies for seamless handling of control plane workload for the plurality of continuous chained implementation of the at least one network segments (122) in the FTTx infrastructure.