AMCC Device for Dynamic Wavelength Adjustment in 5G Optical Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

In 5G wireless networks, the existing methods for wavelength adjustment in optical access systems face challenges due to the need for flexible deployment and cost reduction, particularly because optical modules on the RRU side must use fixed wavelengths, limiting their adjustability and compatibility across different DU and RRU devices, leading to resource waste and management difficulties.

Innovation Solution

An independent AMCC device is introduced, which includes an AMCC module that adjusts transmission wavelengths between the DU and RRU by sending predetermined information, allowing for dynamic switching and correction without requiring the DU or RRU to have built-in AMCC functions, thus enabling flexible deployment and reducing adjustment costs while ensuring compatibility with existing systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If optical modules on the RRU side use fixed wavelength, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability and versatility deteriorate due to inability to adjust to different channels

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoptical module complexityVSAvoidwavelength channel adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an independent AMCC device as an intermediary component that mediates between the optical modules and the AWG. This device receives wavelength adjustment requests, determines the appropriate wavelength based on the connected AWG port, and sends control signals to adjust the optical module's wavelength. This intermediary approach allows optical modules to maintain simple fixed-wavelength designs while achieving adaptive wavelength switching through the AMCC device's intelligence.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If DU is equipped with AMCC function, then wavelength adjustment capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase due to additional hardware and software resources

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewavelength adjustment capabilityVSAvoidDU structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the AMCC function from the DU and RRU devices, creating a standalone independent AMCC device. This segmentation allows the wavelength adjustment capability to be extracted as a separate functional module that can serve multiple optical modules without increasing the complexity of individual DU or RRU devices. The AMCC device becomes a dedicated wavelength management component with its own control logic and communication interfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If independent AMCC device is introduced, then adaptability and versatility are improved, but device complexity increases due to additional independent device

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewavelength adjustabilityVSAvoidsystem device quantity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The independent AMCC device is designed with universal functionality to manage wavelength adjustments for multiple optical modules and support different AWG configurations. It provides a standardized interface and control mechanism that can serve various RRU-DU connections, making the added complexity worthwhile by enabling flexible wavelength allocation across the entire optical access network rather than requiring individual AMCC functions in each device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Productivity

If wavelength adjustment is enabled, then resource utilization is improved, but loss of time occurs during wavelength switching and adjustment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource utilization efficiencyVSAvoidwavelength adjustment time
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The AMCC device performs preliminary actions by pre-calculating and storing the optimal wavelength assignments for different AWG port configurations. When an optical module needs wavelength adjustment, the AMCC device can quickly retrieve pre-determined wavelength information and initiate the adjustment process, reducing the time required for wavelength switching. The device also proactively monitors connection status and anticipates wavelength change needs based on network conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The independent AMCC device allows for flexible wavelength adjustment and correction between the DU and RRU, enhancing compatibility and reducing costs, thereby addressing the limitations of fixed wavelength systems and improving network management efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

The AMCC can be achieved through top modulation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTop modulation: Phase Modulation

Data Source

PatentEP3783815B1AMCC device and transmission wavelength adjustment and control method
Publication Date: 2024.04.03 ZTE CORP
  • EP3783815B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3783815B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6
  • EP3783815B1 patent drawingFigure 7~8

AI summary

Provided are an auxiliary management and control channel (AMCC) device and a transmission wavelength adjustment and control method. The AMCC device includes an AMCC module, which is configured to adjust a transmission wavelength between a distribution unit (DU) and a radio remote unit (RRU) by sending predetermined information.