Active Optical Module Physical Layer Management for Network Visibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional physical layer management systems are patch panel-centric and lack the ability to track connections made at active network devices, such as switches and routers, which are often configured with high-speed optical fiber connectivity, limiting their functionality in managing physical layer information across the network.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for a physical layer management configured active optical module that supports both native and non-native network elements, enabling the provision of physical layer management information in formats compliant with multi-source agreements (MSA) or standards, allowing for seamless integration and management of physical layer connections across various network elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional physical layer management systems are designed to track connections at patch panels only, then the system complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but the adaptability to manage connections at active network devices is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The active optical module is designed to serve multiple functions: it acts as both an optical transceiver and a physical layer management endpoint. The module includes an inventory interface that can communicate with both native network elements (using MSA/standard formats) and extended network elements (using PLM-specific formats), enabling a single device to manage diverse connection types without requiring separate specialized systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The active optical module serves as an intermediary between the physical layer media and the network management system. It includes a processor that translates and adapts communication protocols, allowing PLM systems to obtain physical layer information from active network devices through standardized interfaces while maintaining compatibility with existing MSA frameworks.
2Adaptability or versatility
If pluggable active optical modules use standardized MSA formats for communication, then compatibility with native network elements is improved, but the ability to provide detailed PLM information to extended network elements is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The active optical module implements different communication interfaces with different types of network elements. When communicating with native network elements, it uses standardized MSA formats for broad compatibility. When communicating with extended network elements that support PLM, it provides detailed physical layer management information through dedicated PLM interfaces, optimizing information exchange for each specific context.
Solution Approach 2:
The module dynamically adapts its communication protocol based on the type of network element it is interacting with. The processor detects whether the connected device is a native or extended network element and adjusts the data format and interface accordingly, allowing the same hardware to serve both standardized and specialized management requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems for a PLM configured active optical module (AOM) with native and non-native-network element support are provided. A system includes a non-native network element having a first port with a first inventory interface; a first pluggable AOM installed in the first port and coupled to the first inventory interface, where in response to a request to read a table entry the first pluggable AOM provides PLM information to the non-native network element; an extended network element having a second port with a second inventory interface; and a second pluggable AOM installed in the second port and coupled to the second inventory interface, where in response to a request to read a table entry, processing devices provide PLM information to the extended network element.