Adaptive Flexible Grid for Optical Network Channel Allocation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Optical communication networks face inefficiencies due to rigid wavelength-routed systems, leading to wasted bandwidth and increased noise accumulation, especially at high data rates, where the granularities between client and physical wavelength layers mismatch, resulting in stranded bandwidth and limited network utilization.
Innovation Solution
Implementing an adaptive flexible grid in optical networks using software-defined networking (SDN) that dynamically allocates channels based on modulation formats and forward error correction (FEC) mechanisms, allowing for optimal spectral bandwidth utilization by tuning modulation formats and FEC overhead bytes to minimize channel requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If rigid wavelength-routed systems are used, then network stability is maintained, but spectral bandwidth utilization efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic channel allocation where the number of channels assigned to each traffic flow is not fixed but can be adjusted based on real-time network conditions, traffic demands, and modulation format requirements. This allows the system to adapt spectrally bandwidth allocation dynamically, resolving the contradiction between maintaining stability and improving utilization efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes key parameters including modulation formats (QPSK, 16-QAM, 64-QAM, etc.), FEC overhead ratios, and channel allocation numbers based on traffic characteristics and network conditions. By varying these parameters, the system achieves efficient spectral utilization while maintaining stable operation through controlled adaptation.
2Productivity
If fixed channel allocation is used, then device complexity is reduced, but network resource waste increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the controller monitors network traffic patterns, channel quality, and resource utilization, then adjusts channel allocation and modulation formats accordingly. This feedback-driven approach enables efficient resource utilization while keeping control complexity manageable through automated decision-making based on observed network states.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables transponders and network elements to automatically adjust their own configuration parameters (modulation format, FEC overhead, channel count) based on received control signals and local conditions, reducing the need for complex centralized control while improving resource utilization efficiency.
3Speed
If higher order modulation formats are used, then data transmission rate is increased, but signal reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically adjusts modulation format parameters (from QPSK to 16-QAM to 64-QAM and beyond) based on channel quality metrics and signal-to-noise ratios. When channel conditions are favorable, higher order modulation formats are used to maximize data rate; when conditions deteriorate, the system transitions to more robust lower order formats, thus balancing speed and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs forward error correction (FEC) mechanisms with configurable overhead ratios as a protective measure before transmission. By adding appropriate FEC redundancy in advance, the system can tolerate higher order modulation formats and their inherent vulnerability to noise, thus cushioning against reliability deterioration while maintaining high data rates.
4Reliability
If more FEC overhead bytes are added, then error correction capability is improved, but spectral efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically adjusts FEC overhead ratios based on channel quality and traffic requirements. When channel conditions are poor or traffic is critical, higher FEC overhead is applied to improve reliability; when conditions are good or efficiency is prioritized, lower FEC overhead is used. This parameter adaptation resolves the contradiction between error correction capability and spectral efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
A disclosed method for optimizing channel selection in a flexible grid of an optical network may be used to select a minimum number of channels to allocate to traffic between pairs of optical transponders at a particular distance based on the modulation format and the FEC mechanism used. The method may include selecting an initial number of channels to allocate to the traffic, tuning the modulation format for the traffic while potentially reducing the number of channels, and tuning the FEC mechanism for the traffic while potentially further reducing the number of channels. The transponders may support multiple modulation formats of different orders and an adaptive FEC mechanism for which the maximum number of FEC overhead bytes is equal to the number of bytes in the transmitted data packets. The method may be implemented by an SDN controller and may be dependent on a feedback mechanism between the optical transponders.