Power save mode for lightpaths

Abstract

A method for communicating optically between nodes of an optical network, including forming, between a first node and a second node of the network, a set of lightpaths, each of the set of lightpaths having a respective configuration, transferring communication traffic between the first and second nodes via the set of lightpaths, determining, for the set of lightpaths, that a communication traffic level associated therewith is less than a predetermined threshold, in response to the determining, removing at least one lightpath having a given configuration from the set of lightpaths to form a reduced set of lightpaths and transferring the communication traffic between the first and second nodes via the reduced set of lightpaths, while reducing the level of power consumption in the at least one lightpath and while maintaining the given configuration of the at least one lightpath.

Description

technical field [0001] The present disclosure relates generally to optical communication networks. Background technique [0002] Power dissipation in optical fibers of optical networks is inherently minimal, even for relatively large optical powers input into the fibers. Any power dissipation that occurs is spread over the length of the fiber, so the effect of such dissipation is generally not considered. [0003] On the other hand, other elements in the network, such as router line cards, optical amplifiers or regenerators, may dissipate relatively large amounts of power, and power dissipation may be small amounts. A hub installed in a cabinet in an optical network can easily dissipate 10 kilowatts (kW) or more of power in the form of heat. In addition to the actual power dissipation, some power dissipation may be inherent in the design of the components that dissipate power, thus requiring efficient dissipation of the generated heat to prevent overheating. Forced convec...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Redundancy can often be built into forced convection systems due to the nature of the equipment from which heat is evacuated, adding to the overall cost of the optical network

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