Alpha-Quasi-Nonblocking Network Configuration Enumeration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for configuring mechanical patch panel networks in optical fiber wiring are inefficient, as they either require excessive equipment (strictly nonblocking) or lead to operational errors and increased costs (rearrangeably nonblocking).
Innovation Solution
The proposed technique uses an algorithm to enumerate α-quasi-nonblocking configurations, which fall between strictly and rearrangeably nonblocking configurations, by introducing a parameter α that ranges from 0 to 1. This approach minimizes the number of mechanical patch panels used while ensuring a low probability of blocking states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If strictly nonblocking configuration is used, then any connection pattern can be achieved, but the number of mechanical patch panels increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a parameter α (0 ≤ α ≤ 1) to define α-quasi-nonblocking configurations, where α=0 corresponds to rearrangeably nonblocking and α=1 corresponds to strictly nonblocking. By adjusting α, the system can find optimal configurations that balance connection flexibility with reduced equipment quantity, avoiding the need for fully strictly nonblocking configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of implementing full strictly nonblocking capability, the patent applies partial nonblocking action through α-quasi-nonblocking configurations. This allows the system to achieve sufficient connection flexibility for expected patterns without the excessive equipment required for complete nonblocking, thereby reducing the number of mechanical patch panels while maintaining adequate adaptability.
2Quantity of substance
If rearrangeably nonblocking configuration is used, then the number of mechanical patch panels is reduced, but manual wiring operations and operational errors increase
Solution Approach 1:
By introducing the parameter α and enumerating α-quasi-nonblocking configurations, the system can select configurations that minimize blocking probability for expected connection patterns. This reduces the need for manual rearrangement operations while maintaining a reasonable number of mechanical patch panels, thereby improving ease of operation compared to purely rearrangeably nonblocking configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary enumeration and selection of optimal α-quasi-nonblocking configurations before actual network operation. This pre-planning ensures that the network is configured to handle expected connection patterns efficiently, minimizing the need for subsequent manual wiring operations and reducing operational errors.
3Quantity of substance
If the number of mechanical patch panels is minimized, then equipment costs are reduced, but the probability of blocking states increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the parameter α to control the trade-off between the number of mechanical patch panels and blocking probability. By optimizing α, the system achieves configurations that minimize blocking probability for expected connection patterns while using fewer mechanical patch panels than strictly nonblocking configurations, thereby maintaining reliability with reduced equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-optimization by automatically enumerating and selecting optimal α-quasi-nonblocking configurations based on expected connection patterns. This eliminates the need for manual trial-and-error configuration, ensuring that the network achieves minimal blocking probability with minimal equipment through automated optimization.
Data Source
AI summary
An object of the present disclosure is to propose a technique to enumerate intermediate configurations at high speeds. A configuration enumeration device 10 according to the present disclosure enumerates a network configuration in an input layer 21, an intermediate layer 22, and an output layer 23 that minimizes the number of mechanical patch panels provided in mechanical patch panels, by using α-quasi-nonblocking configurations, where α being 0 indicates a rearrangeably nonblocking configuration and α being 1 indicates a strictly nonblocking configuration, for 0≤α≤1, when a minimum value C of wiring capacity of mechanical patch panels having the input layer 21, the intermediate layer 22, and the output layer 23 is obtained.