Adaptive Wavelength Allocation for WDM Spectrum Fragmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In WDM optical communication systems, existing wavelength channel allocation techniques lead to significant spectrum fragmentation, reducing the availability of the optical spectrum for further allocations and failing to effectively manage multiple channel widths, thereby limiting spectral continuity and contiguity.
Innovation Solution
An adaptive wavelength allocation algorithm that groups channels with the same width together and separates those with different widths, dynamically defining spectral sub-bands based on the density of allocations to minimize fragmentation and optimize spectrum usage, ensuring that allocated channels are contiguous and adjacent in the frequency and spatial domains.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If wavelength channels are allocated using fixed spectral sub-bands or endpoint allocation techniques, then spectrum fragmentation is reduced for two-channel-width scenarios, but spectral fragmentation increases when more than two different channel widths are present
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic wavelength allocation algorithm that adapts to the current spectral state. The controller continuously monitors channel allocations and adjusts the assignment strategy based on the number and distribution of different channel widths present in the system, transitioning from static sub-band allocation to adaptive grouping that optimizes for the specific scenario at hand.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the allocation parameters dynamically based on system state. When only two channel widths are present, it uses fixed sub-band allocation; when more than two widths exist, it switches to a dynamic grouping strategy that separates channels by width and allocates them in a sequence that minimizes fragmentation, effectively changing the allocation parameters according to the number of different channel widths detected.
2Ease of operation
If spectral sub-bands are defined to cover the optical spectrum, then channel allocation is simplified, but spectral continuity and contiguity are compromised when multiple channel widths are involved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the wavelength allocation process into distinct phases: first grouping channels by their width characteristics, then allocating contiguous spectral resources to each group. This segmentation allows the system to maintain spectral continuity within each channel width group while simplifying the overall allocation process through structured, multi-stage decision-making.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention performs preliminary grouping of wavelength channels by their width characteristics before executing the actual spectral allocation. By pre-organizing channels into width-based groups and determining their allocation sequence in advance, the system ensures spectral continuity is maintained during the final allocation phase while keeping the operational complexity manageable.
3Speed
If wavelength channels of different widths are allocated without adaptive strategies, then allocation speed is maintained, but spectral fragmentation increases and reduces available spectrum for future allocations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the controller monitors the current spectral allocation state, identifies the number of different channel widths present, and uses this information to adjust the allocation strategy in real-time. This feedback loop enables the system to maintain high allocation speed by using pre-defined rules while adapting to changing spectral conditions to prevent fragmentation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary analysis of the spectral state before executing allocations, determining the optimal allocation sequence based on the current mix of channel widths. By pre-planning the allocation sequence and identifying suitable spectral regions in advance, the system maintains fast allocation speeds while ensuring that future spectrum availability is preserved through strategic placement of channels.
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes, for each optical fiber path in an optical network, allocating an optical wavelength channel in an optical spectrum such that the allocated optical wavelength channel is assigned to support optical communications over the optical fiber path. The method also includes updating an allocation table in response to performing the allocating for one or more of the optical fiber paths; the allocating including determining the optical wavelength channel to be allocated based on a state of the allocation table. The allocation table indicates optical wavelength channels allocated over optical fiber spans of the optical network. The method also includes defining a set of optical sub-bands to cover a part of the optical spectrum in response to a state of the allocation table satisfying a fullness property. The optical sub-bands are such that each of the allocated wavelength channels is in one of the optical sub-bands.