WO2015067827A1 - Method and apparatus for the configuration of the control plane for network elements in a telecommunications network and computer program product - Google Patents

Method and apparatus for the configuration of the control plane for network elements in a telecommunications network and computer program product Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2015067827A1
WO2015067827A1 PCT/ES2013/070766 ES2013070766W WO2015067827A1 WO 2015067827 A1 WO2015067827 A1 WO 2015067827A1 ES 2013070766 W ES2013070766 W ES 2013070766W WO 2015067827 A1 WO2015067827 A1 WO 2015067827A1
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Prior art keywords
configuration
control plane
network
interface
dcpcm
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PCT/ES2013/070766
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Spanish (es)
French (fr)
Inventor
Victor Lopez Alvarez
Luis Miguel Contreras Murillo
Fernando Muñoz Del Nuevo
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Telefonica, S.A.
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Priority to PCT/ES2013/070766 priority Critical patent/WO2015067827A1/en
Publication of WO2015067827A1 publication Critical patent/WO2015067827A1/en

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    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L41/00—Arrangements for maintenance, administration or management of data switching networks, e.g. of packet switching networks
    • H04L41/08—Configuration management of networks or network elements
    • H04L41/0803—Configuration setting
    • H04L41/0813—Configuration setting characterised by the conditions triggering a change of settings
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L41/00—Arrangements for maintenance, administration or management of data switching networks, e.g. of packet switching networks
    • H04L41/08—Configuration management of networks or network elements
    • H04L41/0895—Configuration of virtualised networks or elements, e.g. virtualised network function or OpenFlow elements

Definitions

  • the present invention relates generally to the configuration parameters of computer networks and, more particularly, to a method, an apparatus and a computer program product for the configuration of the control plane of the network elements in a telecommunications network .
  • the Central Transportation Networks comprise a control, a management and a data plane.
  • the data plane is the network used for the transmission of information, while the management plane handles global operations, including accounting, security assessment, monitoring reports, etc.
  • the control plane is in charge of the management of decentralized management problems such as the exchange of routing information, monitoring the state of the link and establishing and breaking down connections. Additionally, the control plane manages the Agreements at the Service Level (SLA) and supervises the QoS offered to the connections.
  • Fig. 1 illustrates a reference of network that summarizes the main functionalities of each plane for an optical network.
  • the optical nodes are connected through Physical Interfaces (Pl). These interfaces are those that are part of the data plane.
  • the Optical Connection Controllers (OCC) are capable of managing the optical node through the Connection Control Interface (CCI). This CCI is normally internal to the optical node, because the OCC and the optical node are in the same rack. If OCCs wish to exchange information with each other, they must use the Network-Network Interface (NNI).
  • NNI Network-Network Interface
  • the NNI interfaces are part of the control plane and, consequently, the NNI exchanges information only from the control plane. This mechanism is called "out-of-band" signaling, because the information is sent using a different network than the data plane.
  • the interconnection between the entities of the control and management plane is done through the Network Management Interface for the ASON Control Plane (NMI-A), while the connection with the data plane uses the Network Management Interface Network for the Transportation Network (NMI-T).
  • NMI-A Network Management Interface for the ASON Control Plane
  • NMI-T Network Management Interface Network for the Transportation Network
  • UNI User Network Interface
  • client computer In the case of central networks, these client nodes are IP / MPLS routers. Any optical node uses this control-data architecture, regardless of OTN technology, Wavelength Switched Optical Networks (WSON) or Elastic Optical Networks (EON).
  • WSON Wavelength Switched Optical Networks
  • EON Elastic Optical Networks
  • the GMPLS is not a protocol but a control plane framework that includes the following protocols:
  • RSVP-TE Resource Reserve Protocol-Traffic Engineering
  • CR-LDP Label Distribution Protocols based on Restrictions
  • a discovery and monitoring protocol such as the Link Management Protocol (LMP). This protocol is able to discover the interconnection of the interfaces and it is checked if the interfaces are still working.
  • LMP Link Management Protocol
  • PCEP Path Calculation Element Protocol
  • a path computation element PCE
  • PCE path computation element
  • the PCE is useful for interconnection of multi-domain and multi-layer scenarios.
  • IP / MPLS routers have a configuration to execute routing and reservation protocols.
  • the main difference compared to optical nodes is that IP / MPLS routers use "in-band" signaling. The same interface is used to send user packets and to send the status information of routing or reservation protocols.
  • the control plane may exist in the routers. Later in this document, we will refer to the network elements like any device in the core network: optical device or router. It is also assumed that there is an interface in the control plane on IP / MPLS routers.
  • the main parameters of the control are configured once the device has an IP address. This setting depends on the settings defined by the operator.
  • An example of this configuration is PCE activation, routing selection (OSPF or ISIS) and resource reservation protocols (RSVP or LDP).
  • Network Elements (NE) interface identifiers These are unique identifiers for the ports in the data plane. These unique identifiers can be numbered or unnumbered interfaces that use IPv4 or IPv6. When using numbered interfaces each NE interface has a unique IP address. When there are unnumbered interfaces, each controller in the control plane has a unique IP and each port has an internal number as an identifier.
  • CP TE links represent the connections between the NE neighbors. To configure these parameters, it is required to have a Local_Link_ID and a Remote_Link_ID, which represent the interfaces in each NE, and an ID for this connection. These Local_Link_ID and Remote_Link_ID correspond to the interface of the CP defined in 1.
  • a technical problem to be solved is to deploy an integrated and coherent control plane configuration (through the nodes involved in the network) that can lead to an optimal network configuration.
  • the network cannot function because there is no action to signal any network process.
  • the main problem of the current approach is that an incorrect configuration of the control plane cannot be corrected in real time, instead of the current independent approach, in which each node is configured individually and manually.
  • US-B1-8054855 'Dynamic interface configuration for supporting multiple versions of a communication protocol' provides a configuration mechanism capable of configuring different protocol versions over a certain interface depending on the traffic received from a user terminal.
  • the essence of this control manager is the automatic decision node by node, without coordination with the rest of the network elements.
  • the present invention proposes to consider a centralized system capable of coordinating the sharing of the network elements under its control. Additionally it is a separate element, which then simplifies the behavior and process needs of each single node.
  • the solution proposed in US-B1-8054855 works on the configuration of data plane interfaces based on user behavior, while the present invention is within the scope of control plane technologies and the configuration required for a network operator on demand.
  • the present invention proposes a mechanism that minimizes the configuration procedures of the elements of the central network to avoid a bad configuration by delegating the tasks of planning the addressing and configuration of the control plane.
  • a method for the configuration of the control plane of the network elements in a telecommunications network which comprises, as common in the field, the configuration or periodic activation of a configuration of the control plane of at least one network element (NE) that has been previously inserted into at least one layer of a telecommunications network such as an IP / MPLS network or an optical network.
  • NE network element
  • said NE uses an apparatus called as Configuration Manager in the Dynamic Control Plane (DCPCM) physically connected to it to dynamically and automatically execute said configuration or periodic activation, performing said NE the following stages:
  • DCPCM Dynamic Control Plane
  • a pair of said NEs can also be inserted into two different network layers of said telecommunications network.
  • step c) further activates said information of control plane configuration requested by at least the use of an internal self-configuration process.
  • the configuration information of the requested control plane can be carried out by means of an NE Configuration Module of said DCPCM.
  • said TE link configuration can be performed through two different alternatives.
  • the topology server can send the configuration of the TE link to the NE and the latter can activate the configuration of the TE link using an internal self-configuration process.
  • the topology server can remotely configure the TE link. In this case, the configuration can be done using standard NetConf or CLI protocols.
  • an apparatus for the configuration of the control plane of the network elements in a telecommunications network, said apparatus as the Configuration Manager in the Dynamic Control Plane (DCPCM), being physically connected at least to a network element (NE) of a telecommunications network such as an IP / MPLS network or an optical network, said NE being inserted into at least one layer of said telecommunications network, including the apparatus:
  • DHCP server configured to at least receive an address request
  • I P for a control plane port (CP interface) of said NE and to respond to the latter with said IP address;
  • an NE configuration module configured to configure the control plane of said NE
  • DHCP interface that connects said DHCP server with said NE and a provisioning interface that connects said NE configuration module with said NE.
  • a topology server configured to assign identifiers for a data plane port (NE interface) of said NE, for said control plane port (CP interface) and for a TE link;
  • DCPCP controller configured to at least exchange information with the rest of said modules or elements of said DCPCM
  • -a CP configuration module configured to store the plane of configured control of said NE
  • connection interfaces that includes at least:
  • DCPCP interface
  • I C TS interface
  • the proposed device or DCPCM is able to automatically set the control plane configuration based on the profile defined by a network operator. Moreover, the DCPCM can also inform the network operator if a new configuration of said control plane parameters is to be made. In this way, human intervention is avoided and a form of automatic, simultaneous and centralized configuration and activation of several and dispersed NEs is provided.
  • the NEs Once the NEs are properly connected, they can communicate with the DCPCM to obtain the control plane information and automatically load the appropriate control plane configuration based on the input from the DCPCM. If self-configuration is not possible on the NE (or is disabled), the DCPCM can connect to the NE and update its configuration.
  • the DCPDM allows an instantaneous and simultaneous configuration of a variety of NE avoiding multiple and incremental stages of configuration common in the current networks.
  • the DCPDM can check the integrity of the configuration to be deployed even before sending said configuration to the nodes (NE).
  • This one-step configuration through the network accelerates the establishment of the network and prevents configuration errors or bad configurations, reducing the number of direct manual interventions on the NE.
  • a computer program product which has instructions executable by the computer stored therein for the dynamic and automatic configuration of the control plane of at least one network element (NE) inserted in at least one layer of a telecommunications network, producing the instructions executable by computer, when executed by a processor of said NE, steps a) to e) of claim 1 to be performed.
  • NE network element
  • Fig. 1 is an example of the architecture and functionalities of a central transport network.
  • Fig. 2 is an example of the control and data plane blocks in the network elements.
  • Fig. 3 is an example that illustrates how the Dynamic Control Plane Configuration Manager (DCPDM) can be connected to a plurality of network elements (NE).
  • DCPDM Dynamic Control Plane Configuration Manager
  • Fig. 4 is an illustration of the detailed description of the proposed DCPDM according to a second aspect of the present invention.
  • Fig. 5 is a flow chart illustrating the workflow followed by the DCPDM to configure the control plane for an NE when said NE has been inserted into a telecommunications network.
  • Fig. 6 is a flow chart illustrating the workflow for defining the configuration or addressing of the control plane so that a network operator is able to establish the configuration or addressing rules that the DCPDM will use.
  • Fig. 7 is an example of a possible network architecture when the present invention can be deployed in accordance with one embodiment.
  • Fig. 8 illustrates the interaction between the DCPDM modules and the NEs involved in an IP router configuration.
  • Fig. 9 is a flow chart illustrating the steps for an IP router configuration.
  • the DCPCP controller is not shown to simplify the figure, but It is in architecture.
  • Fig. 10 is an example of a multilayer network in which the present invention can be deployed in accordance with one embodiment. Detailed description of the invention and description of various embodiments
  • the present invention proposes a method and an apparatus capable of configuring the control plane parameters of the network elements (NE). These control plane parameters can be configured in a holistic way, allowing an additional network expansion (in terms of new nodes entering the network, or new functionalities that are deployed on them) and to be gently configured in a way Automated and consistent.
  • Fig. 3 illustrates how the proposed DCPDM 100 can be connected to a plurality of network elements (NE) to configure the control plane of said NE.
  • NE network elements
  • Fig. 4 the different modules or elements that may be part of the proposed DCPDM 100 are illustrated. There are some components of the state of the art that are outside the scope of the patent (dashed lines in the figure), but that are related to the architecture:
  • NE Network Element
  • the NE can be (but not limited to) routers, switches, OSC, ROAD, etc.
  • This module is capable of configuring the NE.
  • solutions in the state of the art such as SDN controllers or ML managers that can configure the NE.
  • This module is in charge of the execution of the dynamic configuration protocol of the control plane and the exchange of information with the rest of the modules in the DCPDM 100 and external elements.
  • This module conveys the intelligence of the DCPDM 100 and consequently, the workflows of the procedures are defined therein by coordinating the operation of the complete DCPDM 100 to achieve the addressing of the network control plane in an automated manner.
  • This module assigns the network identifiers for the CP interface, for the NE interface and for the TE links of the CP. This module stores information about the identifiers used in the current network for the control plane.
  • the DCPCP controller 104 is able to define an addressing set to configure the network entities on the topology server 102, as a result of a network operation task.
  • This module stores the control plane configuration for the domain. This configuration defines the protocols to be used in the control plane as well as the parameters (for example, type of numbered or unnumbered interfaces).
  • the DCPDM 100 may also consist of the following interfaces: - DHCP. This interface is based on the standard DHCP protocol and connects a
  • This interface transmits information to configure the control plane configuration in the NE.
  • This interface connects the Control Plane Controller of each NE and the DCPCP Controller 104. This interface is not based on any protocol and is part of the proposal of the present invention.
  • This interface connects the DCPCP Controller 104 and the DHCP Server 101.
  • IDCPC- This interface connects the DCPCP controller 104 and the configuration module 103 of the CP.
  • This interface connects the DCPCP controller 104 and the configuration module 105 of the NE.
  • the workflow can be executed when a new physical configuration of the NE is performed or the status of the device is checked periodically Control Plane
  • the NE obtains an IP address for its control plane interface through DHCP 101.
  • the NE sends a request to the DHCP server 101, which connects to Topology Server 102 to obtain an IP address for this new NE inserted through the DCPCP 104 controller.
  • the NE Control Plane Controller can therefore activate the Control Plane configuration using said physical internal self-configuration process. Alternatively, if this is not possible, the Configuration Module 105 of the NE will perform the configuration at this stage.
  • the NE Control Plane Controller requests identifiers for its NE interface from the Topology Server 102 through the DCPCP 104 controller.
  • the NE Control Plane Controller checks whether there are new neighbors running a discovery and monitoring protocol, that is, a link management protocol (LMP), to correlate the NE interface.
  • LMP link management protocol
  • the Control Plane Controller of the NE checks if new interfaces are discovered in the previous stage 7. If there are any, go to the next stage 9, otherwise it goes through A meaning the end of the process.
  • Fig. 6 the workflow for defining the configuration or addressing of the control plane is described so that a network operator is able to establish the configuration or addressing rules that the DCPCM 100 will use.
  • the network operator defines the new network dimensioning to be used in the telecommunications network in the DCPCM 100.
  • the DCPCP 104 will be in charge of coordinating the configuration of the new address since it is the central element.
  • DCPCP 104 asks Topology Server 102 about the new address to see if there is an inconsistency with the equipment already configured and installed.
  • DCPCP 104 will ask the network operator for permission to proceed.
  • DCPCP 104 will start the configuration procedure.
  • the DCPCM 100 is supposed to solve the sizing and configuration in the control plane in a telecommunications network.
  • Fig. 7 illustrates a possible architecture in which the DCPCM 100 can operate.
  • a network domain is defined with a dimensioning of the control plane configured from an addressing set.
  • the DCPCM 100 is installed and ready to communicate with the NEs and has learned the control plane addresses already used. He has also decided on the addressing set from which he will choose the addresses to be given to the new NE.
  • the Control Plane process starts when a generic NE is inserted into the network.
  • the NE obtains an IP address for its Control Plane interface through the DHCP 101 server. To do this, the NE sends a request to the DHCP server 101, which connects to the Topology Server 102 to obtain an IP address for this new NE through the DCPCP 104 controller.
  • the Control Plane controller requests the general configuration of the Control Plane from the Control Module. Configuration 103 of the CP.
  • the NE Control Plane controller activates the Control Plane configuration. This can be done through two different alternatives.
  • Control Plane configuration module can send the Control Plane configuration to the Control Plane controller and subsequently the Control Plane controller activates the Control Plane configuration using the internal self-configuration process.
  • the configuration module 105 of the NE remotely performs the configuration. This configuration can be done using the NetConf or CLI standard, for example.
  • the NE Control Plane controller requests identifiers for its NE interface from the Topology Server 102 through the DCPCP controller 104.
  • the NE Control Plane controller then 7) checks for new neighbors running by example the Link Management Protocol (LMP) to correlate the NE interface.
  • the NE Control Plane controller 8) tests whether new interfaces were discovered in the previous stage 7. If there is one, go to step 9, otherwise it goes through A. An exchange of information is made, 9) between the controller of the NE Control Plane and the Topology Server 102 to obtain the configuration information for The new TE Link.
  • the TE Link configuration is done. Two different alternatives can be used. For example, Topology Server 102 may send the TE Link configuration to the NE Control Plane controller.
  • Control Plane controller activates the TE Link configuration using the internal self-configuration process. Or, alternatively, if auto-configuration is not supported on the computer, Topology Server 102 would remotely perform the configuration. This configuration can be done using NetConf or CLI standard.
  • Fig. 8 illustrates the interaction between the different modules of the DCPCM 100 and the elements of the NE involved in said NE IP or router configuration.
  • Fig. 9 illustrates the steps for said configuration of the IP router.
  • the DCPCP controller 104 in this case has not been illustrated to simplify the figure, but it is in the architecture.
  • the DCPCM 100 can also be applied in a multilayer network for an IP / MPLS or a transport node to address and configure the control plane.
  • the same procedure described in Fig. 7 would be applied in this case.
  • each node it is from a different network layer so that the DCPDM 100 is able to configure the control plane addresses from two separate addressing sets.
  • the routing sets to use are 172.16.1.x for nodes of the transport layer and 192.168.1.x for IP / MPLS nodes.
  • the stages for the configuration are similar for each layer, but with different configurations.
  • the present invention in comparison with the current control plane configuration procedures (including sizing, port identification, etc.) where an addressing plan has to be defined by a human and must also be manually included in the network nodes for to make them capable of operating in the telecommunications network, it improves the current solutions by: avoiding a bad configuration due to human failure when defining the address of the control plane and other parameters for the network nodes; avoid bad configuration due to human failure when addressing and other configuration parameters are entered in the network nodes; decrease of the period of time required for an NE to be operational in a network since the proposed solution can allow it automatically at a time of node installation; in the case of multiple control plane addressing changes, you can solve this problem in an automated way and in multiple NEs at the same time by preventing the network from being activated node by node when this procedure has to be performed by human intervention; better network reliability since any node can be recovered from a total stop immediately from the configuration manager.

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Abstract

The invention relates to a method, apparatus and computer program product for the configuration of the control plane for network elements in a telecommunications network. The method comprises the configuration or periodic activation of the configuration of the control plane for at least one network element (NE) previously inserted into at least one layer of a telecommunications network, wherein said NE uses a DCPCM physically connected thereto for the dynamic and automatic implementation of said configuration or periodic activation, the apparatus being designed to dynamically and automatically establish the configuration of the control plane preferably on the basis of a profile defined by an operator.

Description

Método y aparato para la configuración del plano de control elementos de la red en una red de telecomunicaciones y producto programa de ordenador  Method and apparatus for configuring the control plane network elements in a telecommunications network and product computer program
Campo de la técnica Technical field
La presente invención se refiere en general a los parámetros de configuración de redes de ordenadores y, más particularmente, a un método, un aparato y un producto programa de ordenador para la configuración del plano de control de los elementos de red en una red de telecomunicaciones. Antecedentes de la invención  The present invention relates generally to the configuration parameters of computer networks and, more particularly, to a method, an apparatus and a computer program product for the configuration of the control plane of the network elements in a telecommunications network . Background of the invention
Hoy en día, los nodos en las redes centrales (IP/MPLS y ópticas) requieren el despliegue de grandes cantidades de intervenciones y procedimientos de configuración manuales. Este enorme proceso de intervención humana incrementa el período de tiempo necesario para que un nuevo nodo comience a trabajar apropiadamente en una red. Desde el punto de vista puramente técnico, la intervención humana en procedimientos de configuración conduce a malas configuraciones, a un proceso lento y a una infrautilización de los recursos de la red. Esto puede crear un escenario de elevados fallos cuando un elemento mal configurado se convierte en parte de una red (el enrutado de las redes centrales puede quedar realmente afectado si el direccionamiento no está bien configurado). Adicionalmente, la configuración manual hace compleja la adaptación de la red a nuevas circunstancias. Éste podría ser el caso de la introducción de nuevos elementos de red en la topología (que requieren cambios de red cuando cambia la topología) o la necesidad de introducir nuevas funcionalidades (como podría ser el caso en la instalación de nuevas versiones del sistema operativo o la activación de una cierta característica a todo lo largo de la red, que afecte a varios nodos).  Nowadays, the nodes in the central networks (IP / MPLS and optical) require the deployment of large amounts of interventions and manual configuration procedures. This huge process of human intervention increases the period of time necessary for a new node to begin working properly in a network. From a purely technical point of view, human intervention in configuration procedures leads to poor configurations, a slow process and an underutilization of network resources. This can create a scenario of high failures when a badly configured element becomes part of a network (the routing of central networks can be really affected if the addressing is not well configured). Additionally, the manual configuration makes the network adaptation to new circumstances complex. This could be the case of the introduction of new network elements in the topology (which require network changes when the topology changes) or the need to introduce new functionalities (as could be the case in the installation of new versions of the operating system or the activation of a certain characteristic throughout the network, which affects several nodes).
Generalmente, las Redes de Transporte Centrales comprenden un plano de control, uno de gestión y uno de datos. El plano de datos es la red usada para la transmisión de la información, mientras que el plano de gestión maneja las operaciones globales, incluyendo la contabilidad, evaluación de seguridad, informes de supervisión, etc. El plano de control está a cargo de la gestión de problemas de gestión descentralizados tal como el intercambio de información de enrutado, supervisión del estado del enlace y el establecimiento y abatimiento de conexiones. Adicionalmente, el plano de control gestiona los Acuerdos en el Nivel de Servicio (SLA) y supervisa la QoS ofrecida a las conexiones. La Fig. 1 ilustra una referencia de red que resume las funcionalidades principales de cada plano para una red óptica.Generally, the Central Transportation Networks comprise a control, a management and a data plane. The data plane is the network used for the transmission of information, while the management plane handles global operations, including accounting, security assessment, monitoring reports, etc. The control plane is in charge of the management of decentralized management problems such as the exchange of routing information, monitoring the state of the link and establishing and breaking down connections. Additionally, the control plane manages the Agreements at the Service Level (SLA) and supervises the QoS offered to the connections. Fig. 1 illustrates a reference of network that summarizes the main functionalities of each plane for an optical network.
Los nodos ópticos se conectan a través de Interfaces Físicas (Pl). Estas interfaces son las que forman parte del plano de datos. Los Controladores de Conexión Óptica (OCC) son capaces de gestionar el nodo óptico a través de la Interfaz de Control de la Conexión (CCI). Esta CCI es normalmente interna para el nodo óptico, debido a que la OCC y el nodo óptico están en el mismo bastidor. Si los OCC desean intercambiar información entre ellos, han de usar la Interfaz Red-Red (NNI). Las interfaces NNI son parte del plano de control y, en consecuencia, la NNI intercambia información sólo del plano de control. Este mecanismo es denominado señalización "fuera de banda", debido a que la información se envía usando otra red diferente a la del plano de datos. La interconexión entre las entidades del plano de control y de gestión se realiza a través de la Interfaz de Gestión de Red para el Plano de Control ASON (NMI-A), mientras que la conexión con el plano de datos usa la Interfaz de Gestión de red para la Red de Transporte (NMI-T). Finalmente, la Interfaz de Red de Usuario (UNI) es la interfaz entre el equipo cliente y la red óptica. En el caso de redes centrales, estos nodos cliente son enrutadores IP/MPLS. Cualquier nodo óptico usa esta arquitectura en plano control - datos, independientemente de la tecnología OTN, Redes Ópticas Conmutadas en Longitud de Onda (WSON) o Redes Ópticas Elásticas (EON). El GMPLS no es un protocolo sino un marco del plano de control que incluye los siguientes protocolos: The optical nodes are connected through Physical Interfaces (Pl). These interfaces are those that are part of the data plane. The Optical Connection Controllers (OCC) are capable of managing the optical node through the Connection Control Interface (CCI). This CCI is normally internal to the optical node, because the OCC and the optical node are in the same rack. If OCCs wish to exchange information with each other, they must use the Network-Network Interface (NNI). The NNI interfaces are part of the control plane and, consequently, the NNI exchanges information only from the control plane. This mechanism is called "out-of-band" signaling, because the information is sent using a different network than the data plane. The interconnection between the entities of the control and management plane is done through the Network Management Interface for the ASON Control Plane (NMI-A), while the connection with the data plane uses the Network Management Interface Network for the Transportation Network (NMI-T). Finally, the User Network Interface (UNI) is the interface between the client computer and the optical network. In the case of central networks, these client nodes are IP / MPLS routers. Any optical node uses this control-data architecture, regardless of OTN technology, Wavelength Switched Optical Networks (WSON) or Elastic Optical Networks (EON). The GMPLS is not a protocol but a control plane framework that includes the following protocols:
• Dos protocolos de señalización. Protocolo de Reserva de Recursos-Ingeniería de Tráfico (RSVP-TE) y Protocolos de Distribución de Etiquetas en base a Restricciones (CR-LDP). Estos protocolos permiten la reserva de recursos para un servicio de aprovisionamiento.  • Two signaling protocols. Resource Reserve Protocol-Traffic Engineering (RSVP-TE) and Label Distribution Protocols based on Restrictions (CR-LDP). These protocols allow the reservation of resources for a provisioning service.
· Dos protocolos de enrutado interno. Primer Trayecto más Corto Abierto-Ingeniería de Tráfico (OSPF-TE) Sistema Intermedio a Sistema Intermedio (IS-IS). Estos protocolos diseminan la información de estado de los nodos, permitiendo de este modo el cálculo de trayectos en la red.  · Two internal routing protocols. First Shortest Open Path-Traffic Engineering (OSPF-TE) Intermediate System to Intermediate System (IS-IS). These protocols disseminate the status information of the nodes, thus allowing the calculation of paths in the network.
• Un protocolo de descubrimiento y supervisión, tal como el Protocolo de Gestión de Enlace (LMP). Este protocolo es capaz de descubrir la interconexión de las interfaces y se comprueba si las interfaces están aún funcionando.  • A discovery and monitoring protocol, such as the Link Management Protocol (LMP). This protocol is able to discover the interconnection of the interfaces and it is checked if the interfaces are still working.
Más aún, hay otro protocolo que se transmite usando el plano de control: Protocolo del Elemento de Cálculo de Trayecto (PCEP) tal como se describe por A. Farrel, et ál, en "A path computation element (PCE)- based architecture". El Elemento de Cálculo de Trayecto (PCE) es una entidad que puede calcular trayectos en la red usando algoritmos ad hoc. El PCE es útil para interconexión de escenarios multi- dominio y multi-capa. Moreover, there is another protocol that is transmitted using the control plane: Path Calculation Element Protocol (PCEP) as described by A. Farrel, et al, in "A path computation element (PCE) - based architecture" . The element Path Calculation (PCE) is an entity that can calculate paths in the network using ad hoc algorithms. The PCE is useful for interconnection of multi-domain and multi-layer scenarios.
De modo similar los enrutadores IP/MPLS tienen una configuración para ejecutar los protocolos de enrutado y reserva. La diferencia principal comparados con los nodos ópticos es que los enrutadores IP/MPLS usan señalización "en banda". Se usa la misma interfaz para enviar los paquetes de los usuarios y para enviar la información de estado de los protocolos de enrutado o reserva. Sin embargo, dado que hay intercambio de información entre enrutadores y nodos ópticos, el plano de control puede existir en los enrutadores. Posteriormente en el presente documento, nos referiremos a los elementos de red como cualquier dispositivo en la red central: dispositivo óptico o enrutador. Se supone también que hay una interfaz en el plano de control en los enrutadores IP/MPLS.  Similarly, IP / MPLS routers have a configuration to execute routing and reservation protocols. The main difference compared to optical nodes is that IP / MPLS routers use "in-band" signaling. The same interface is used to send user packets and to send the status information of routing or reservation protocols. However, since there is exchange of information between routers and optical nodes, the control plane may exist in the routers. Later in this document, we will refer to the network elements like any device in the core network: optical device or router. It is also assumed that there is an interface in the control plane on IP / MPLS routers.
Hoy en día, no hay un mecanismo para configurar el plano de control dinámicamente, E. Mannie (Ed.), "Generalized Multi-Protocol Label Switching (GMPLS) Architecture", la configuración actual se realiza manualmente. Para configurar el plano de control de una red como la ilustrada en la Fig. 2, se deben configurar al menos los siguientes parámetros:  Today, there is no mechanism to dynamically configure the control plane, E. Mannie (Ed.), "Generalized Multi-Protocol Label Switching (GMPLS) Architecture", the current configuration is done manually. To configure the control plane of a network as illustrated in Fig. 2, at least the following parameters must be configured:
1. Dirección IP para la interfaz (i/f) del Plano de Control (CP). Este es el puerto del plano de control para el equipo. Esta IP se define en un intervalo definido por el operador. Normalmente, esta interfaz es la misma para el plano de gestión. En caso de que fuese otra interfaz, se requiere la misma configuración para la interfaz de gestión.  1. IP address for the interface (i / f) of the Control Plane (CP). This is the control plane port for the equipment. This IP is defined in an interval defined by the operator. Normally, this interface is the same for the management plane. If it was another interface, the same configuration is required for the management interface.
2. Configuración básica del plano de control. Los parámetros principales del control se configuran una vez que el equipo tiene una dirección IP. Esta configuración depende de los ajustes que haya definido el operador. Un ejemplo de esta configuración es la activación del PCE, selección del enrutado (OSPF o ISIS) y protocolos de reserva de recursos (RSVP o LDP).  2. Basic configuration of the control plane. The main parameters of the control are configured once the device has an IP address. This setting depends on the settings defined by the operator. An example of this configuration is PCE activation, routing selection (OSPF or ISIS) and resource reservation protocols (RSVP or LDP).
3. Identificadores de interfaz de Elementos de Red (NE). Estos son identificadores únicos para los puertos en el plano de datos. Estos identificadores únicos pueden ser interfaces numeradas o sin numerar que usan IPv4 o IPv6. Cuando se usan interfaces numeradas cada interfaz de NE tiene una dirección IP única. Cuando hay interfaces sin numerar, cada controlador del plano de control tiene una IP única y cada puerto tiene un número interno como identificador.  3. Network Elements (NE) interface identifiers. These are unique identifiers for the ports in the data plane. These unique identifiers can be numbered or unnumbered interfaces that use IPv4 or IPv6. When using numbered interfaces each NE interface has a unique IP address. When there are unnumbered interfaces, each controller in the control plane has a unique IP and each port has an internal number as an identifier.
4. Enlaces CP TE. Estos enlaces representan las conexiones entre los vecinos NE. Para configurar estos parámetros, se requiere tener un Local_Link_ID y un Remote_Link_ID, que representan las interfaces en cada NE, y un ID para esta conexión. Estos Local_Link_ID y Remote_Link_ID corresponden con la interfaz del CP definida en 1. 4. CP TE links. These links represent the connections between the NE neighbors. To configure these parameters, it is required to have a Local_Link_ID and a Remote_Link_ID, which represent the interfaces in each NE, and an ID for this connection. These Local_Link_ID and Remote_Link_ID correspond to the interface of the CP defined in 1.
El proceso previo se realiza en cada NE, cuando todos ellos están instalados en la red una vez que los nodos se conectan físicamente. Éste no es un sistema automatizado para configurar automáticamente el nodo. Se requiere configurar manualmente para cada nodo los parámetros requeridos para la ejecución de los protocolos de control que posteriormente permitirán el funcionamiento de la red. De ese modo, un problema técnico a resolver es desplegar una configuración del plano de control integrada y coherente (a través de los nodos involucrados en la red) que pueda conducir a una configuración de red óptima. En caso de cualquier fallo en el plano de control, la red no puede funcionar debido a que no hay ninguna acción para señalizar cualquier proceso de la red. El problema principal del enfoque actual es que una configuración errónea del plano de control no puede corregirse en tiempo real, en lugar del enfoque actual independiente, en el que cada nodo se configura individual y manualmente. The previous process is done in each NE, when all of them are installed in the network once the nodes are physically connected. This is not an automated system to automatically configure the node. It is required to manually configure for each node the parameters required for the execution of the control protocols that will subsequently allow the operation of the network. Thus, a technical problem to be solved is to deploy an integrated and coherent control plane configuration (through the nodes involved in the network) that can lead to an optimal network configuration. In the event of any failure in the control plane, the network cannot function because there is no action to signal any network process. The main problem of the current approach is that an incorrect configuration of the control plane cannot be corrected in real time, instead of the current independent approach, in which each node is configured individually and manually.
La patente US-B1-8054855 'Dynamic interface configuration for supporting múltiple versions of a communication protocol' proporciona un mecanismo de configuración capaz de configurar versiones de protocolo distintas sobre cierta interfaz dependiendo del tráfico recibido desde un terminal de usuario. La esencia de este gestor del control es la decisión automática nodo por nodo, sin coordinación con el resto de los elementos de red. Por el contrario, la invención presente propone considerar un sistema centralizado capaz de coordinar el compartimiento de los elementos de red bajo su control. Adicionalmente es un elemento separado, que simplifica entonces el comportamiento y las necesidades de proceso de cada nodo simple. Más aún, la solución propuesta en la patente US-B1-8054855 funciona sobre la configuración de las interfaces del plano de datos en base al comportamiento de los usuarios, mientras que la presente invención está en el alcance de las tecnologías del plano de control y la configuración requerida para un operador de red bajo demanda.  US-B1-8054855 'Dynamic interface configuration for supporting multiple versions of a communication protocol' provides a configuration mechanism capable of configuring different protocol versions over a certain interface depending on the traffic received from a user terminal. The essence of this control manager is the automatic decision node by node, without coordination with the rest of the network elements. On the contrary, the present invention proposes to consider a centralized system capable of coordinating the sharing of the network elements under its control. Additionally it is a separate element, which then simplifies the behavior and process needs of each single node. Moreover, the solution proposed in US-B1-8054855 works on the configuration of data plane interfaces based on user behavior, while the present invention is within the scope of control plane technologies and the configuration required for a network operator on demand.
La patente US-B2-6886107 "Method and system for selecting a master controller in a redundant control plañe having plural controllers" se enfoca en un dispositivo de red con procesadores múltiples. La solución propuesta se basa en una arquitectura maestro/esclavo de modo que es un procesador que actúa como el controlador del dispositivo de red. US-B2-6886107 "Method and system for selecting a master controller in a redundant control plan having plural controllers" focuses on a network device with multiple processors. The proposed solution is based on a master / slave architecture so that it is a processor that acts as the Network device driver.
Sumario de la invención Summary of the invention
La presente invención propone un mecanismo que minimiza los procedimientos de configuración de los elementos de la red central para evitar una mala configuración delegando las tareas de planificación del direccionamiento y configuración del plano del control.  The present invention proposes a mechanism that minimizes the configuration procedures of the elements of the central network to avoid a bad configuration by delegating the tasks of planning the addressing and configuration of the control plane.
De acuerdo con un primer aspecto se proporciona un método para la configuración del plano de control de los elementos de red en una red de telecomunicaciones, que comprende, como común en el campo, la configuración o activación periódica de una configuración del plano de control de al menos un elemento de red (NE) que se ha insertado previamente en al menos una capa de una red de telecomunicaciones tal como una red IP/MPLS o una red óptica.  According to a first aspect, a method is provided for the configuration of the control plane of the network elements in a telecommunications network, which comprises, as common in the field, the configuration or periodic activation of a configuration of the control plane of at least one network element (NE) that has been previously inserted into at least one layer of a telecommunications network such as an IP / MPLS network or an optical network.
Al contrario de las propuestas conocidas y en una forma característica dicho NE usa un aparato denominado como Gestor de la Configuración en el Plano de Control Dinámico (DCPCM) conectado físicamente al mismo para ejecutar dinámica y automáticamente dicha configuración o activación periódica, realizando dicho NE las siguientes etapas:  Contrary to known proposals and in a characteristic way, said NE uses an apparatus called as Configuration Manager in the Dynamic Control Plane (DCPCM) physically connected to it to dynamically and automatically execute said configuration or periodic activation, performing said NE the following stages:
a) solicitud de una dirección IP para su puerto del plano de control (interfaz del CP) a un servidor DHCP de dicho DCPCM, conectando dicho servidor a) requesting an IP address for its control plane port (CP interface) to a DHCP server of said DCPCM, connecting said server
DHCP con un servidor de topología de dicho DCPCM; DHCP with a topology server of said DCPCM;
b) tras recibir dicha dirección IP, solicitud de la información de configuración del plano de control a un Módulo de Configuración del CP de dicho DCPCM;  b) after receiving said IP address, requesting the configuration information of the control plane from a CP Configuration Module of said DCPCM;
c) solicitud de identificadores para el puerto del plano de datos (interfaz del c) request for identifiers for the data plane port (user interface
NE) de dicho NE a dicho servidor de topología; NE) from said NE to said topology server;
d) comprobar la existencia de al menos un NE contiguo ejecutando unos protocolos de descubrimiento y supervisión tales como el Protocolo de Gestión de Enlaces o cualquier otro protocolo adecuado; y  d) verify the existence of at least one contiguous NE by executing discovery and monitoring protocols such as the Link Management Protocol or any other suitable protocol; Y
e) intercambio de información con dicho servidor de topología para configurar un enlace TE en caso de que exista dicho NE contiguo.  e) exchange of information with said topology server to configure a TE link in case there is said contiguous NE.
En una configuración, un par de dichos NE pueden insertarse también en dos capas de red diferentes de dicha red de telecomunicaciones.  In one configuration, a pair of said NEs can also be inserted into two different network layers of said telecommunications network.
En una realización, la etapa c) activa adicionalmente dicha información de configuración del plano de control solicitada mediante al menos el uso de un proceso de auto configuración interno. Alternativamente, la información de configuración del plano de control solicitada puede realizarse por medio de un Módulo de Configuración de NE de dicho DCPCM. In one embodiment, step c) further activates said information of control plane configuration requested by at least the use of an internal self-configuration process. Alternatively, the configuration information of the requested control plane can be carried out by means of an NE Configuration Module of said DCPCM.
En el caso de que se descubra un NE , dicha configuración del enlace TE se puede realizar a través de dos alternativas diferentes. En una primera opción, el servidor de topología puede enviar la configuración del enlace TE al NE y este último pueda activar la configuración del enlace TE usando un proceso de auto configuración interno. Alternativamente, en una segunda opción, si no está soportada la auto configuración, el servidor de topología puede realizar la configuración del enlace TE remotamente. En este caso, la configuración se puede realizar usando protocolos estándar NetConf o CLI.  In the event that an NE is discovered, said TE link configuration can be performed through two different alternatives. In a first option, the topology server can send the configuration of the TE link to the NE and the latter can activate the configuration of the TE link using an internal self-configuration process. Alternatively, in a second option, if auto configuration is not supported, the topology server can remotely configure the TE link. In this case, the configuration can be done using standard NetConf or CLI protocols.
De acuerdo con un segundo aspecto se proporciona un aparato para la configuración del plano de control de los elementos de red en una red de telecomunicaciones, denominado dicho aparato como Gestor de Configuración en el Plano de Control Dinámico (DCPCM), estando físicamente conectado al menos a un elemento de red (NE) de una red de telecomunicaciones tal como una red IP/MPLS o una red óptica, estando insertado dicho NE en al menos una capa de dicha red de telecomunicaciones, incluyendo el aparato:  According to a second aspect, an apparatus is provided for the configuration of the control plane of the network elements in a telecommunications network, said apparatus as the Configuration Manager in the Dynamic Control Plane (DCPCM), being physically connected at least to a network element (NE) of a telecommunications network such as an IP / MPLS network or an optical network, said NE being inserted into at least one layer of said telecommunications network, including the apparatus:
- un servidor DHCP configurado para al menos recibir una solicitud de dirección - a DHCP server configured to at least receive an address request
I P para un puerto del plano de control (interfaz del CP) de dicho NE y para responder a este último con dicha dirección IP; I P for a control plane port (CP interface) of said NE and to respond to the latter with said IP address;
- un módulo de configuración NE configurado para configurar el plano de control de dicho NE; y  - an NE configuration module configured to configure the control plane of said NE; Y
- una interfaz DHCP que conecta dicho servidor DHCP con dicho NE y una interfaz de aprovisionamiento que conecta dicho módulo de configuración del NE con dicho NE.  - a DHCP interface that connects said DHCP server with said NE and a provisioning interface that connects said NE configuration module with said NE.
En una forma característica y a diferencia de propuestas conocidas el aparato incluye:  In a characteristic way and unlike known proposals the apparatus includes:
- un servidor de topología configurado para asignar identificadores para un puerto del plano de datos (interfaz del NE) de dicho NE, para dicho puerto del plano de control (interfaz del CP) y para un enlace TE;  - a topology server configured to assign identifiers for a data plane port (NE interface) of said NE, for said control plane port (CP interface) and for a TE link;
- un controlador DCPCP configurado para al menos intercambiar información con el resto de dichos módulos o elementos de dicho DCPCM;  - a DCPCP controller configured to at least exchange information with the rest of said modules or elements of said DCPCM;
-un módulo de configuración del CP configurado para almacenar el plano de control configurado de dicho NE; y -a CP configuration module configured to store the plane of configured control of said NE; Y
-una pluralidad de interfaces de conexión que incluye al menos:  -a plurality of connection interfaces that includes at least:
o una interfaz (DCPCP) que conecta dicho NE y dicho controlador DCPCP;  or an interface (DCPCP) that connects said NE and said DCPCP controller;
o una interfaz (lDD) que conecta dicho controlador DCPCP y dichoor an interface (l DD ) that connects said DCPCP controller and said
Servidor DHCP; DHCP server;
o una interfaz (ICTS) que conecta dicho controlador DCPCP y dicho servidor de Topología; or an interface (I C TS) that connects said DCPCP controller and said Topology server;
o una interfaz (lDNE) que conecta el controlador DCPCP y dicho módulo de configuración del NE; y or an interface (l DNE ) that connects the DCPCP controller and said NE configuration module; Y
o una interfaz (lDCpc) que conecta el controlador DCPCP y dicho módulo de configuración del CP. or an interface (l DC pc) that connects the DCPCP controller and said CP configuration module.
El aparato propuesto o DCPCM es capaz de establecer automáticamente la configuración del plano de control en base al perfil definido por un operador de red. Más aún, el DCPCM puede informar también al operador de red si se ha de realizar una nueva configuración de dichos parámetros del plano de control. En esta forma, se evita la intervención humana y se proporciona una forma de configuración y activación automática, simultánea y centralizada de varias y dispersas NE.  The proposed device or DCPCM is able to automatically set the control plane configuration based on the profile defined by a network operator. Moreover, the DCPCM can also inform the network operator if a new configuration of said control plane parameters is to be made. In this way, human intervention is avoided and a form of automatic, simultaneous and centralized configuration and activation of several and dispersed NEs is provided.
Una vez que las NE están apropiadamente conectadas, pueden comunicar con el DCPCM para obtener la información del plano de control y cargar automáticamente la configuración del plano de control apropiada en base a la entrada desde el DCPCM. Si no es posible la auto-configuración en el NE (o está deshabilitada), el DCPCM puede conectarse al NE y actualizar su configuración.  Once the NEs are properly connected, they can communicate with the DCPCM to obtain the control plane information and automatically load the appropriate control plane configuration based on the input from the DCPCM. If self-configuration is not possible on the NE (or is disabled), the DCPCM can connect to the NE and update its configuration.
El DCPDM permite una configuración instantánea y simultánea de una variedad de NE evitando múltiples e increméntales etapas de configuración comunes en las redes actuales. El DCPDM puede comprobar la integridad de la configuración a desplegar incluso antes del envío de dicha configuración a los nodos (NE). Esta configuración en un paso a través de la red acelera el establecimiento de la red e impide errores de configuración o malas configuraciones, reduciendo el número de intervenciones manuales directas sobre los NE.  The DCPDM allows an instantaneous and simultaneous configuration of a variety of NE avoiding multiple and incremental stages of configuration common in the current networks. The DCPDM can check the integrity of the configuration to be deployed even before sending said configuration to the nodes (NE). This one-step configuration through the network accelerates the establishment of the network and prevents configuration errors or bad configurations, reducing the number of direct manual interventions on the NE.
Esta invención permite también el rápido despliegue de nuevos servicios actuando sobre los nodos que componen un servicio al mismo tiempo y configurando el servicio requerido desde el punto de vista del plano de control. También permite una reconstrucción completa de la red en caso de un desastre natural o un evento catastrófico, configurando los diferentes nodos partiendo de cero simultáneamente. De acuerdo con otro aspecto se proporciona un producto de programa de ordenador que tiene instrucciones ejecutables por el ordenador almacenadas en él para la configuración dinámica y automáticamente del plano de control de al menos un elemento de red (NE) insertado en al menos una capa de una red de telecomunicaciones, produciendo las instrucciones ejecutables por ordenador, cuando se ejecutan por un procesador de dicho NE, las etapas a) a e) de la reivindicación 1 a ser realizadas. This invention also allows the rapid deployment of new services by acting on the nodes that make up a service at the same time and configuring the required service from the point of view of the control plane. It also allows a complete reconstruction of the network in case of a natural disaster or catastrophic event, configuring the different nodes starting from scratch simultaneously. According to another aspect, a computer program product is provided which has instructions executable by the computer stored therein for the dynamic and automatic configuration of the control plane of at least one network element (NE) inserted in at least one layer of a telecommunications network, producing the instructions executable by computer, when executed by a processor of said NE, steps a) to e) of claim 1 to be performed.
Breve descripción de los dibujos Brief description of the drawings
Las previas y otras ventajas y características se comprenderán más completamente a partir de la siguiente descripción detallada de las realizaciones, con referencia a los adjuntos, que deben considerarse en una forma ilustrativa y no limitativa, en los que:  The previous and other advantages and characteristics will be more fully understood from the following detailed description of the embodiments, with reference to the attachments, which should be considered in an illustrative and non-limiting manner, in which:
La Fig. 1 es un ejemplo de la arquitectura y funcionalidades de una red de transporte central.  Fig. 1 is an example of the architecture and functionalities of a central transport network.
La Fig. 2 es un ejemplo de los bloques del plano de control y de datos en los elementos de red.  Fig. 2 is an example of the control and data plane blocks in the network elements.
La Fig. 3 es un ejemplo que ilustra cómo el Gestor de Configuración Dinámica del Plano de Control (DCPDM) se puede conectar a una pluralidad de elementos de red (NE).  Fig. 3 is an example that illustrates how the Dynamic Control Plane Configuration Manager (DCPDM) can be connected to a plurality of network elements (NE).
La Fig. 4 es una ilustración de la descripción detallada del DCPDM propuesto de acuerdo con un segundo aspecto de la presente invención.  Fig. 4 is an illustration of the detailed description of the proposed DCPDM according to a second aspect of the present invention.
La Fig. 5 es un diagrama de flujo que ilustra el flujo de trabajo seguido por el DCPDM para configurar el plano de control para un NE cuando dicho NE se ha insertado en una red de telecomunicaciones.  Fig. 5 is a flow chart illustrating the workflow followed by the DCPDM to configure the control plane for an NE when said NE has been inserted into a telecommunications network.
La Fig. 6 es un diagrama de flujo que ilustra el flujo de trabajo para la definición de la configuración o direccionamiento del plano de control para que un operador de red sea capaz de establecer las reglas de configuración o direccionamiento que usará el DCPDM.  Fig. 6 is a flow chart illustrating the workflow for defining the configuration or addressing of the control plane so that a network operator is able to establish the configuration or addressing rules that the DCPDM will use.
La Fig. 7 es un ejemplo de una arquitectura de red posible cuando la presente invención se puede desplegar de acuerdo con una realización.  Fig. 7 is an example of a possible network architecture when the present invention can be deployed in accordance with one embodiment.
La Fig. 8 ilustra la interacción entre los módulos del DCPDM y los NE involucrados en una configuración de enrutador IP.  Fig. 8 illustrates the interaction between the DCPDM modules and the NEs involved in an IP router configuration.
La Fig. 9 es un diagrama de flujo que ilustra las etapas para una configuración del enrutador IP. El controlador DCPCP no se muestra para simplificar la figura, pero está en la arquitectura. Fig. 9 is a flow chart illustrating the steps for an IP router configuration. The DCPCP controller is not shown to simplify the figure, but It is in architecture.
La Fig. 10 es un ejemplo de una red de capa múltiple en la que se puede desplegar la presente invención de acuerdo con una realización. Descripción detallada de la invención y descripción de varias realizaciones  Fig. 10 is an example of a multilayer network in which the present invention can be deployed in accordance with one embodiment. Detailed description of the invention and description of various embodiments
La presente invención propone un método y un aparato capaces de configurar los parámetros del plano de control de los elementos de red (NE). Dichos parámetros del plano de control se pueden configurar de una forma holística, permitiendo una expansión de la red adicional (en términos de nuevos nodos que entran en la red, o nuevas funcionalidades que se despliegan sobre ellos) y para ser configurada suavemente en una forma automatizada y consistente.  The present invention proposes a method and an apparatus capable of configuring the control plane parameters of the network elements (NE). These control plane parameters can be configured in a holistic way, allowing an additional network expansion (in terms of new nodes entering the network, or new functionalities that are deployed on them) and to be gently configured in a way Automated and consistent.
La Fig. 3 ilustra como el DCPDM 100 propuesto se puede conectar a una pluralidad de elementos de red (NE) para configurar el plano de control de dichos NE.  Fig. 3 illustrates how the proposed DCPDM 100 can be connected to a plurality of network elements (NE) to configure the control plane of said NE.
En referencia a la Fig. 4 se ilustran los diferentes módulos o elementos que pueden formar parte del DCPDM 100 propuesto. Hay algunos componentes del estado de la técnica que están fuera del alcance de la patente (líneas discontinuas en la figura), pero que están relacionados con la arquitectura:  Referring to Fig. 4, the different modules or elements that may be part of the proposed DCPDM 100 are illustrated. There are some components of the state of the art that are outside the scope of the patent (dashed lines in the figure), but that are related to the architecture:
- Elemento de Red (NE): es una entidad que permite la transmisión de datos y usa el plano de control. El NE puede ser (pero sin limitarse a) enrutadores, conmutadores, OSC, ROAD, etc.  - Network Element (NE): it is an entity that allows data transmission and uses the control plane. The NE can be (but not limited to) routers, switches, OSC, ROAD, etc.
- Servidor DHCP 101. Éste es un servidor DHCP del estado de la técnica, que responde con la información IP dada por el módulo controlador DCPCP 104.  - DHCP Server 101. This is a state-of-the-art DHCP server, which responds with the IP information given by the DCPCP 104 controller module.
- Módulo de configuración 105 del NE. Este módulo es capaz de configurar el NE. Hay soluciones en el estado de la técnica como los controladores SDN o gestores ML que pueden configurar el NE.  - Configuration module 105 of the NE. This module is capable of configuring the NE. There are solutions in the state of the art such as SDN controllers or ML managers that can configure the NE.
- Controlador DCPCP 104. Este módulo está a cargo de la ejecución del protocolo de configuración dinámico del plano de control y del intercambio de información con el resto de los módulos en el DCPDM 100 y elementos externos. Este módulo transporta la inteligencia del DCPDM 100 y en consecuencia, los flujos de trabajo de los procedimientos se definen en él coordinando el funcionamiento del DCPDM 100 completo para conseguir el direccionamiento del plano de control de la red de una forma automatizada.  - DCPCP 104 controller. This module is in charge of the execution of the dynamic configuration protocol of the control plane and the exchange of information with the rest of the modules in the DCPDM 100 and external elements. This module conveys the intelligence of the DCPDM 100 and consequently, the workflows of the procedures are defined therein by coordinating the operation of the complete DCPDM 100 to achieve the addressing of the network control plane in an automated manner.
- Servidor de topología 102. Este módulo asigna los identificadores de red para la interfaz del CP, para la interfaz del NE y para los enlaces TE del CP. Este módulo almacena la información acerca de los identificadores usados en la red actual para el plano de control. El controlador DCPCP 104 es capaz de definir un conjunto de direccionamiento para configurar las entidades de red sobre el servidor de topología 102, como resultado de una tarea de operación de red. - Topology server 102. This module assigns the network identifiers for the CP interface, for the NE interface and for the TE links of the CP. This module stores information about the identifiers used in the current network for the control plane The DCPCP controller 104 is able to define an addressing set to configure the network entities on the topology server 102, as a result of a network operation task.
- Configuración 103 del CP. Este módulo almacena la configuración del plano de control para el dominio. Esta configuración define los protocolos a usar en el plano de control así como los parámetros (por ejemplo tipo de las interfaces numeradas o sin numerar).  - Configuration 103 of the CP. This module stores the control plane configuration for the domain. This configuration defines the protocols to be used in the control plane as well as the parameters (for example, type of numbered or unnumbered interfaces).
El DCPDM 100 puede estar compuesto también por las siguientes interfaces: - DHCP. Esta interfaz está basada en el protocolo DHCP estándar y conecta unThe DCPDM 100 may also consist of the following interfaces: - DHCP. This interface is based on the standard DHCP protocol and connects a
Controlador del Plano de Control del NE y el servidor DHCP 101 . Controller of the NE Control Plane and the DHCP 101 server.
- Interfaz de aprovisionamiento. Esta interfaz transmite información para configurar la configuración del plano de control en el NE. Hay varias interfaces, que se pueden usar para configurar el NE. Dependiendo del fabricante y de la configuración del plano de control, se pueden usar diferentes protocolos. NetConf/YANG puede realizar la configuración del plano de control en algunos equipos, tal como se describe por R. Enns, et ál. "Network Configuration Protocol" o M. Bjorklund, et ál. "A Data Modeling Language for the Network Configuration Protocol".  - Provisioning interface. This interface transmits information to configure the control plane configuration in the NE. There are several interfaces, which can be used to configure the NE. Depending on the manufacturer and the control plane configuration, different protocols can be used. NetConf / YANG can perform the configuration of the control plane on some equipment, as described by R. Enns, et al. "Network Configuration Protocol" or M. Bjorklund, et al. "A Data Modeling Language for the Network Configuration Protocol".
- DCPCP. Esta interfaz conecta el Controlador del Plano de Control de cada NE y el Controlador DCPCP 104. Esta interfaz no se basa en cualquier protocolo y es parte de la propuesta de la presente invención.  - DCPCP. This interface connects the Control Plane Controller of each NE and the DCPCP Controller 104. This interface is not based on any protocol and is part of the proposal of the present invention.
- IDD. Esta interfaz conecta el Controlador DCPCP 104 y el Servidor DHCP 101 .- I DD . This interface connects the DCPCP Controller 104 and the DHCP Server 101.
- ICTS- Esta interfaz intercambia los mensajes entre el Controlador DCPCP 104 y el Servidor de Topología 102. - ICTS- This interface exchanges messages between DCPCP Controller 104 and Topology Server 102.
- IDCPC- Esta interfaz conecta el controlador DCPCP 104 y el módulo de configuración 103 del CP.  - IDCPC- This interface connects the DCPCP controller 104 and the configuration module 103 of the CP.
- IDNE. Esta interfaz conecta el controlador DCPCP 104 y el módulo de configuración 105 del NE. - I DNE . This interface connects the DCPCP controller 104 and the configuration module 105 of the NE.
Con referencia a la Fig. 5, se describe el flujo de trabajo funcional que configurará un plan de direccionamiento específico en una red de telecomunicaciones en una forma automatizada. Este procedimiento se realiza cuando se inserta un NE genérico en la red. El flujo de trabajo seguido por el DCPDM 100 para configurar el plano de control para dicho NE insertado es el siguiente:  With reference to Fig. 5, the functional workflow that will configure a specific addressing plan in a telecommunications network in an automated manner is described. This procedure is performed when a generic NE is inserted into the network. The workflow followed by DCPDM 100 to configure the control plane for said inserted NE is as follows:
1 . El flujo de trabajo se puede ejecutar cuando se realiza una nueva configuración física del NE o se comprueba periódicamente el estado del Plano de Control. one . The workflow can be executed when a new physical configuration of the NE is performed or the status of the device is checked periodically Control Plane
Comienza el proceso de auto configuración del plano de control. The process of self-configuration of the control plane begins.
El NE obtiene una dirección IP para su interfaz del plano de control a través del DHCP 101. El NE envía una solicitud al servidor DHCP 101 , que conecta con el Servidor de Topología 102 para obtener una dirección IP para este nuevo NE insertado a través del controlador DCPCP 104.The NE obtains an IP address for its control plane interface through DHCP 101. The NE sends a request to the DHCP server 101, which connects to Topology Server 102 to obtain an IP address for this new NE inserted through the DCPCP 104 controller.
Una vez que el NE, mediante su controlador del Plano de Control, tiene unaOnce the NE, through its Control Plane controller, has a
IP, solicita la configuración del Plano de Control general al Módulo deIP, requests the configuration of the General Control Plane to the Module
Configuración del 103 CP. Configuration of 103 CP.
El Controlador del Plano de Control del NE puede activar por lo tanto la configuración del Plano de Control usando dicho proceso de auto configuración interno físico. Alternativamente, si no es posible, el Módulo de Configuración 105 del NE realizará la configuración en esta etapa. El Controlador del Plano de Control del NE solicita identificadores para su interfaz del NE al Servidor de Topología 102 a través del controlador DCPCP 104.  The NE Control Plane Controller can therefore activate the Control Plane configuration using said physical internal self-configuration process. Alternatively, if this is not possible, the Configuration Module 105 of the NE will perform the configuration at this stage. The NE Control Plane Controller requests identifiers for its NE interface from the Topology Server 102 through the DCPCP 104 controller.
El Controlador del Plano de Control del NE comprueba si hay nuevos vecinos ejecutando un protocolo de descubrimiento y supervisión, es decir un protocolo de gestión de enlaces (LMP), para correlacionar la interfaz del NE.  The NE Control Plane Controller checks whether there are new neighbors running a discovery and monitoring protocol, that is, a link management protocol (LMP), to correlate the NE interface.
El Controlador del Plano de Control del NE comprueba si se descubren nuevas interfaces en la etapa previa 7. Si hay alguna, va a la siguiente etapa 9, en caso contrario sale a través de A significando el final del proceso.  The Control Plane Controller of the NE checks if new interfaces are discovered in the previous stage 7. If there are any, go to the next stage 9, otherwise it goes through A meaning the end of the process.
Intercambio de información entre el Controlador del Plano de Control del NE y el Servidor de Topología 102 para obtener la información de configuración para el nuevo enlace TE.  Information exchange between the NE Control Plane Controller and Topology Server 102 to obtain the configuration information for the new TE link.
Con referencia a la Fig. 6 se describe el flujo de trabajo para la definición de la configuración o direccionamiento del plano de control para que un operador de red sea capaz de establecer las reglas de configuración o direccionamiento que usará el DCPCM 100. Referring to Fig. 6, the workflow for defining the configuration or addressing of the control plane is described so that a network operator is able to establish the configuration or addressing rules that the DCPCM 100 will use.
1. El operador de red define el nuevo dimensionamiento de red a ser usado en la red de telecomunicaciones en el DCPCM 100. El DCPCP 104 estará a cargo de la coordinación de la configuración del nuevo direccionamiento dado que es el elemento central. 1. The network operator defines the new network dimensioning to be used in the telecommunications network in the DCPCM 100. The DCPCP 104 will be in charge of coordinating the configuration of the new address since it is the central element.
2. el DCPCP 104 pregunta al Servidor de Topología 102 acerca del nuevo direccionamiento para conocer si hay una inconsistencia con el equipo ya configurado e instalado.  2. DCPCP 104 asks Topology Server 102 about the new address to see if there is an inconsistency with the equipment already configured and installed.
3. Dependiendo de la respuesta del Servidor de Topología 102 las acciones a tomar pueden ser las siguientes  3. Depending on the response of the Topology Server 102 the actions to be taken may be the following
a. hay un conflicto entre las nuevas direcciones solicitadas y las previamente usadas. El DCPCP 104 le pedirá permiso al operador de red para proseguir.  to. there is a conflict between the new addresses requested and those previously used. DCPCP 104 will ask the network operator for permission to proceed.
b. No hay interferencia con las direcciones ya definidas y las solicitadas. En este caso el DCPCP 104 iniciará el procedimiento de configuración.  b. There is no interference with the addresses already defined and those requested. In this case, DCPCP 104 will start the configuration procedure.
4. En caso que haya un conflicto de direccionamiento, el operador ha de decidir permitir al DCPCP 104 continuar con el procedimiento de cambio de direccionamiento.  4. In the event of an address conflict, the operator must decide to allow DCPCP 104 to continue with the address change procedure.
a. Si se da permiso, el proceso continúa informando acerca del equipo afectado por el plan de direccionamiento.  to. If permission is given, the process continues to inform about the equipment affected by the addressing plan.
b. Si no se da permiso, no se hace nada. El DCPCM 100 se supone que resuelve el dimensionamiento y configuración en el plano de control en una red de telecomunicaciones. La Fig. 7 ilustra una arquitectura posible en la que puede funcionar el DCPCM 100. En esta realización particular, se define un dominio de red con un dimensionamiento del plano de control configurado desde un conjunto de direccionamiento. El DCPCM 100 se instala y está listo para comunicar con los NE y ha aprendido las direcciones del plano de control ya usadas. Ha decidido también el conjunto de direccionamiento desde el que elegirá las direcciones a dar a los nuevos NE.  b. If permission is not given, nothing is done. The DCPCM 100 is supposed to solve the sizing and configuration in the control plane in a telecommunications network. Fig. 7 illustrates a possible architecture in which the DCPCM 100 can operate. In this particular embodiment, a network domain is defined with a dimensioning of the control plane configured from an addressing set. The DCPCM 100 is installed and ready to communicate with the NEs and has learned the control plane addresses already used. He has also decided on the addressing set from which he will choose the addresses to be given to the new NE.
Como se ha descrito en la Fig. 5, en 1 ) se realiza la configuración física del NE. A continuación, 2) se inicia el proceso del Plano de Control cuando se inserta un NE genérico en la red. 3) el NE obtiene una dirección IP para su interfaz del Plano de Control a través del servidor DHCP 101. Para hacer esto, el NE envía una solicitud al servidor DHCP 101 , que conecta con el Servidor de Topología 102 para obtener una dirección IP para este nuevo NE a través del controlador DCPCP 104. 4) Una vez que el controlador del Plano de Control del NE tiene una IP, el controlador del Plano de Control solicita la configuración general del Plano de Control al Módulo de Configuración 103 del CP. A continuación, 5) el controlador del Plano de Control del NE activa la configuración del Plano de Control. Esto se puede realizar mediante dos alternativas diferentes. Éstas son, el módulo de configuración del Plano de Control puede enviar la configuración del Plano de Control al controlador del Plano de Control y posteriormente el controlador del Plano de Control activa la configuración del Plano de Control usando el proceso de auto configuración interna. Alternativamente, si no está soportada la auto-configuración en el equipo, el módulo de configuración 105 del NE realiza remotamente la configuración. Esta configuración se puede realizar usando el estándar NetConf o CLI, por ejemplo. As described in Fig. 5, in 1) the physical configuration of the NE is performed. Next, 2) the Control Plane process starts when a generic NE is inserted into the network. 3) The NE obtains an IP address for its Control Plane interface through the DHCP 101 server. To do this, the NE sends a request to the DHCP server 101, which connects to the Topology Server 102 to obtain an IP address for this new NE through the DCPCP 104 controller. 4) Once the NE Control Plane controller has an IP, the Control Plane controller requests the general configuration of the Control Plane from the Control Module. Configuration 103 of the CP. Next, 5) the NE Control Plane controller activates the Control Plane configuration. This can be done through two different alternatives. These are, the Control Plane configuration module can send the Control Plane configuration to the Control Plane controller and subsequently the Control Plane controller activates the Control Plane configuration using the internal self-configuration process. Alternatively, if the self-configuration is not supported on the equipment, the configuration module 105 of the NE remotely performs the configuration. This configuration can be done using the NetConf or CLI standard, for example.
A continuación, 6) el controlador del Plano de Control del NE pide identificadores para su interfaz del NE al Servidor de Topología 102 a través del controlador DCPCP 104. El controlador del Plano de Control del NE entonces 7) comprueba si hay nuevos vecinos ejecutando por ejemplo el Protocolo de Gestión de Enlace (LMP) para correlacionar la interfaz del NE. El controlador del Plano de Control del NE 8) prueba si se descubrieron nuevas interfaces en la etapa 7 previa. Si hay alguna, va a la etapa 9, en caso contrario sale a través de A. Se realiza un intercambio de información, 9) entre el controlador del Plano de Control del NE y el Servidor de Topología 102 para obtener la información de configuración para el nuevo Enlace TE. Finalmente, se realiza la configuración del Enlace TE. Se pueden usar dos alternativas diferentes. Por ejemplo, el Servidor de Topología 102 puede enviar la configuración del Enlace TE al controlador del Plano de Control del NE. Posteriormente, el controlador del Plano de Control activa la configuración del Enlace TE usando el proceso de auto configuración interna. O, alternativamente, si no está soportada la auto-configuración en el equipo, el Servidor de Topología 102 realizaría remotamente la configuración. Esta configuración se puede realizar usando estándar NetConf o CLI.  Next, 6) the NE Control Plane controller requests identifiers for its NE interface from the Topology Server 102 through the DCPCP controller 104. The NE Control Plane controller then 7) checks for new neighbors running by example the Link Management Protocol (LMP) to correlate the NE interface. The NE Control Plane controller 8) tests whether new interfaces were discovered in the previous stage 7. If there is one, go to step 9, otherwise it goes through A. An exchange of information is made, 9) between the controller of the NE Control Plane and the Topology Server 102 to obtain the configuration information for The new TE Link. Finally, the TE Link configuration is done. Two different alternatives can be used. For example, Topology Server 102 may send the TE Link configuration to the NE Control Plane controller. Subsequently, the Control Plane controller activates the TE Link configuration using the internal self-configuration process. Or, alternatively, if auto-configuration is not supported on the computer, Topology Server 102 would remotely perform the configuration. This configuration can be done using NetConf or CLI standard.
La Fig. 8 ilustra la interacción entre los diferentes módulos del DCPCM 100 y los elementos del NE involucrados en dicha IP del NE o configuración del enrutador. La Fig. 9 por otro lado ilustra las etapas para dicha configuración del enrutador IP. El controlador DCPCP 104 en este caso no se ha ilustrado para simplificar la figura, pero está en la arquitectura.  Fig. 8 illustrates the interaction between the different modules of the DCPCM 100 and the elements of the NE involved in said NE IP or router configuration. Fig. 9 on the other hand illustrates the steps for said configuration of the IP router. The DCPCP controller 104 in this case has not been illustrated to simplify the figure, but it is in the architecture.
En una realización, como se ilustra en la Fig. 10, el DCPCM 100 puede aplicarse también en una red multicapa para un IP/MPLS o un nodo de transporte para realizar el direccionamiento y configuración del plano de control. Se aplicaría en este caso el mismo procedimiento descrito en la Fig. 7.  In one embodiment, as illustrated in Fig. 10, the DCPCM 100 can also be applied in a multilayer network for an IP / MPLS or a transport node to address and configure the control plane. The same procedure described in Fig. 7 would be applied in this case.
Con referencia a la fig. 10, hay un par de NE en cada localización. Cada nodo es desde una capa de red diferente de modo que el DCPDM 100 es capaz de configurar las direcciones del plano de control desde dos conjuntos de direccionamiento separados. Los conjuntos de direccionamiento a usar son los 172.16.1.x para nodos de la capa de transporte y 192.168.1.x para los nodos IP/MPLS. Las etapas para la configuración son similares para cada capa, pero con diferentes configuraciones. With reference to fig. 10, there is a pair of NE at each location. Each node it is from a different network layer so that the DCPDM 100 is able to configure the control plane addresses from two separate addressing sets. The routing sets to use are 172.16.1.x for nodes of the transport layer and 192.168.1.x for IP / MPLS nodes. The stages for the configuration are similar for each layer, but with different configurations.
La presente invención, en comparación con los procedimientos de configuración del plano de control actuales (incluyendo dimensionamiento, identificación del puerto, etc.) donde ha de definirse un plan de direccionamiento por un humano y también ha de incluirse en los nodos de red manualmente para hacerlos capaces de operar en la red de telecomunicaciones, mejora las soluciones actuales mediante: evitar una mala configuración debida a fallo humano cuando se definen el direccionamiento del plano de control y otros parámetros para los nodos de red; evitar una mala configuración debida a fallo humano cuando se introduce el direccionamiento y otros parámetros de configuración en los nodos de red; disminución del período de tiempo requerido para que sea operativo un NE en una red dado que la solución propuesta puede permitirlo automáticamente en un momento de la instalación del nodo; en caso de cambios de direccionamiento del plano de control múltiples, puede resolver este problema de una forma automatizada y en múltiples NE al mismo tiempo evitando que la red sea activada nodo por nodo cuando este procedimiento ha de ser realizado mediante intervención humana; una mejor fiabilidad de la red dado que cualquier nodo se puede recuperar desde una parada total inmediatamente desde el gestor de configuración.  The present invention, in comparison with the current control plane configuration procedures (including sizing, port identification, etc.) where an addressing plan has to be defined by a human and must also be manually included in the network nodes for to make them capable of operating in the telecommunications network, it improves the current solutions by: avoiding a bad configuration due to human failure when defining the address of the control plane and other parameters for the network nodes; avoid bad configuration due to human failure when addressing and other configuration parameters are entered in the network nodes; decrease of the period of time required for an NE to be operational in a network since the proposed solution can allow it automatically at a time of node installation; in the case of multiple control plane addressing changes, you can solve this problem in an automated way and in multiple NEs at the same time by preventing the network from being activated node by node when this procedure has to be performed by human intervention; better network reliability since any node can be recovered from a total stop immediately from the configuration manager.
El alcance de la presente invención se define a continuación en el conjunto de reivindicaciones.  The scope of the present invention is defined below in the set of claims.

Claims

Reivindicaciones Claims
1. Un método para la configuración del plano de control de elementos de red en una red de telecomunicaciones, que comprende la configuración o activación periódica de una configuración del plano de control de al menos un elemento de red (NE) previamente insertado en al menos una capa de una red de telecomunicaciones, caracterizado porque el método comprende el uso por dicho NE de un aparato denominado como Gestor de la Configuración en el Plano de Control Dinámico (DCPCM) (100) conectado físicamente al mismo para ejecutar dinámica y automáticamente dicha configuración o activación periódica, realizando dicho NE las siguientes etapas:  1. A method for configuring the control plane of network elements in a telecommunications network, comprising the configuration or periodic activation of a control plane configuration of at least one network element (NE) previously inserted into at least a layer of a telecommunications network, characterized in that the method comprises the use by said NE of an apparatus called as Configuration Manager in the Dynamic Control Plane (DCPCM) (100) physically connected to it to dynamically and automatically execute said configuration or periodic activation, said NE performing the following steps:
a) solicitud de una dirección IP para su puerto del plano de control (interfaz del CP) a un servidor DHCP (101) de dicho DCPCM (100), conectando dicho servidor DHCP (101 ) con un servidor de topología (102) de dicho DCPCM (100);  a) requesting an IP address for its control plane port (CP interface) to a DHCP server (101) of said DCPCM (100), connecting said DHCP server (101) with a topology server (102) of said DCPCM (100);
b) tras recibir dicha dirección IP, solicitud de la información de configuración del plano de control a un Módulo de Configuración (103) del CP de dicho DCPCM (100); c) solicitud de identificadores para el puerto del plano de datos (interfaz del NE) de dicho NE a dicho servidor de topología (102);  b) after receiving said IP address, requesting the configuration information of the control plane from a Configuration Module (103) of the CP of said DCPCM (100); c) request of identifiers for the data plane port (NE interface) of said NE to said topology server (102);
d) comprobar la existencia de al menos un NE contiguo ejecutando un protocolo de descubrimiento y supervisión; y  d) verify the existence of at least one contiguous NE by executing a discovery and monitoring protocol; Y
e) intercambio de información con dicho servidor de topología (102) para configurar un Enlace TE en caso de que exista dicho NE contiguo.  e) exchange of information with said topology server (102) to configure a TE Link in case there is said contiguous NE.
2. Un método de acuerdo con la reivindicación 1 , que comprende un par de dichos NE insertados en dos capas diferentes de red de dicha red de telecomunicaciones.  2. A method according to claim 1, comprising a pair of said NEs inserted in two different network layers of said telecommunications network.
3. Un método de acuerdo con las reivindicaciones previas, en el que dicha etapa b) comprende adicionalmente la activación de dicha información de configuración del plano de control solicitada mediante al menos el uso de un proceso de auto configuración interno.  3. A method according to the previous claims, wherein said step b) further comprises activating said configuration information of the requested control plane by at least using an internal self-configuration process.
4. Un método de acuerdo con cualquiera de las reivindicaciones previas 1 o 2, que comprende la activación de dicha información de configuración del plano de control solicitada a través de un módulo de configuración (105) del NE de dicho DCPCM (100) por medio de al menos el uso del estándar NetConf o CLI.  4. A method according to any one of the previous claims 1 or 2, comprising the activation of said control plane configuration information requested through a configuration module (105) of the NE of said DCPCM (100) by means of at least the use of the NetConf or CLI standard.
5. Un método de acuerdo con cualquiera de las reivindicaciones 1 o 2, en el que en dicha etapa e) dicho servidor de topología (102) envía dicha configuración del enlace TE a dicho NE, activando este último la configuración del enlace TE mediante el uso de un proceso de auto configuración interno. 5. A method according to any of claims 1 or 2, wherein in said step e) said topology server (102) sends said TE link configuration to said NE, the latter activating the TE link configuration by means of the use of an internal self configuration process.
6. Un método de acuerdo con cualquiera de las reivindicaciones 1 o 2, en el que en dicha etapa e) dichas configuraciones del enlace TE se realizan remotamente por dicho Servidor de Topología (102) por medio de al menos el uso de dichos estantares NetConf o CLI. 6. A method according to any of claims 1 or 2, wherein in said step e) said TE link configurations are performed remotely by said Topology Server (102) by means of at least the use of said NetConf shelves or CLI.
7. Un método de acuerdo con reivindicaciones previas, en el que dicho DCPCM (100) informa al operador de red sobre si se ha de realizar una nueva configuración de dichos parámetros del plano de control. 7. A method according to previous claims, wherein said DCPCM (100) informs the network operator about whether a new configuration of said control plane parameters is to be made.
8. Un método de acuerdo con reivindicaciones previas, en el que dicha red de telecomunicaciones es una red IP/MPLS o una red óptica.  8. A method according to previous claims, wherein said telecommunications network is an IP / MPLS network or an optical network.
9. Un método de acuerdo con reivindicaciones previas, en el que dicho NE comprende un elemento de IP/MPLS y/o un elemento de la red de transporte. 9. A method according to previous claims, wherein said NE comprises an IP / MPLS element and / or an element of the transport network.
10. Un método de acuerdo con la reivindicación 1 , en el que dicho protocolo de descubrimiento y supervisión comprende un protocolo de gestión del enlace (LMP). 10. A method according to claim 1, wherein said discovery and monitoring protocol comprises a link management protocol (LMP).
1 1. Un aparato para la configuración del plano de control de elementos de red en una red de telecomunicaciones, denominado dicho aparato, como Gestor de Configuración en el Plano de Control Dinámico (DCPCM) (100), estando físicamente conectado al menos a un elemento de red (NE) de una red de telecomunicaciones, estando insertado dicho NE en al menos una capa de dicha red de telecomunicaciones, comprendiendo el aparato: 1 1. An apparatus for configuring the control plane of network elements in a telecommunications network, called said apparatus, as Configuration Manager in the Dynamic Control Plane (DCPCM) (100), being physically connected to at least one network element (NE) of a telecommunications network, said NE being inserted into at least one layer of said telecommunications network, the apparatus comprising:
- un servidor DHCP (101) configurado para al menos recibir una solicitud de dirección IP para un puerto del plano de control (interfaz del CP) de dicho NE y para responder a este último con dicha dirección IP;  - a DHCP server (101) configured to at least receive an IP address request for a control plane port (CP interface) of said NE and to respond to the latter with said IP address;
- un Módulo de Configuración (105) del NE configurado para configurar el plano de control de dicho NE; y  - a Configuration Module (105) of the NE configured to configure the control plane of said NE; Y
- una interfaz DHCP que conecta dicho servidor DHCP con dicho NE y una interfaz de aprovisionamiento que conecta dicho Módulo de Configuración (105) del NE con dicho NE.  - a DHCP interface that connects said DHCP server with said NE and a provisioning interface that connects said Configuration Module (105) of the NE with said NE.
caracterizado por que comprende adicionalmente: characterized in that it further comprises:
- un servidor de Topología (102) configurado para asignar identificadores para un puerto del plano de datos (interfaz del NE) de dicho NE, para dicho puerto del plano de control (interfaz del CP) y para un Enlace TE;  - a Topology server (102) configured to assign identifiers for a data plane port (NE interface) of said NE, for said control plane port (CP interface) and for a TE Link;
- un controlador (104) DCPCP configurado para al menos intercambiar información con el resto de dichos módulos o elementos de dicho DCPCM (100);  - a DCPCP controller (104) configured to at least exchange information with the rest of said modules or elements of said DCPCM (100);
-un Módulo de Configuración (103) del CP configurado para almacenar el plano de control configurado de dicho NE; y -una pluralidad de interfaces de conexión que incluye al menos: -a Configuration Module (103) of the CP configured to store the configured control plane of said NE; Y -a plurality of connection interfaces that includes at least:
o una interfaz (DCPCP) que conecta dicho NE y dicho controlador (104) DCPCP;  or an interface (DCPCP) that connects said NE and said controller (104) DCPCP;
o una interfaz (lDD) que conecta dicho controlador ( 104) DCPCP y dicho Servidor ( 101 ) DHCP; or an interface (l DD ) that connects said DCPCP controller (104) and said DHCP Server (101);
o una interfaz (ICTS) que conecta dicho controlador (104) DCPCP y dicho servidor de Topología (102); or an interface (I C TS) that connects said DCPCP controller (104) and said Topology server (102);
o una interfaz (lDNE) que conecta el controlador (104) DCPCP y dicho módulo de configuración (105) del NE; y or an interface (l DNE ) that connects the DCPCP controller (104) and said configuration module (105) of the NE; Y
o una interfaz (lDCpc) que conecta el controlador ( 104) DCPCP y dicho módulo de configuración (103) del CP. or an interface (l DC pc) that connects the DCPCP controller (104) and said configuration module (103) of the CP.
12. Un aparato de acuerdo con la reivindicación 1 1 , en el que dicho plano de control configurado se basa en un perfil definido por un operador de red de dicha red de telecomunicaciones. 12. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said configured control plane is based on a profile defined by a network operator of said telecommunications network.
13. Un producto de programa de ordenador que tiene instrucciones ejecutables por el ordenador almacenadas en él para la configuración dinámica y automáticamente del plano de control de al menos un elemento de red (NE) insertado en al menos una capa de una red de telecomunicaciones, produciendo las instrucciones ejecutables por ordenador, cuando se ejecutan por un procesador de dicho NE, las etapas a) a e) de la reivindicación 1 a ser realizadas. 13. A computer program product that has instructions executable by the computer stored therein for the dynamic and automatic configuration of the control plane of at least one network element (NE) inserted into at least one layer of a telecommunications network, producing the instructions executable by computer, when executed by a processor of said NE, steps a) to e) of claim 1 to be performed.
PCT/ES2013/070766 2013-11-06 2013-11-06 Method and apparatus for the configuration of the control plane for network elements in a telecommunications network and computer program product WO2015067827A1 (en)

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