Asymmetric Fiber Interconnection Bandwidth Allocation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional routers and switches do not support bidirectional use of fibers due to cost considerations, leading to asymmetric bandwidth usage limitations, where N fibers are typically used for one-directional bandwidth in each direction, failing to accommodate varying asymmetric demands effectively.
Innovation Solution
A method and control system that configure individual fibers to operate in either transmit or receive modes, allowing for flexible selection of transmission and reception bandwidth ratios by using packet processing devices and splitters to manage traffic direction and bandwidth allocation dynamically among multiple fibers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If bidirectional use of fibers is implemented, then bandwidth utilization is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic fiber direction assignment where fibers can be configured to change direction based on traffic demands. The system allows flexible reconfiguration of fiber roles (TX/RX) without requiring complex bi-directional hardware, achieving adaptive bandwidth utilization while maintaining simpler device architecture.
2Adaptability or versatility
If asymmetric bandwidth allocation is implemented, then adaptability to varying demands is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the fiber interconnection into individually configurable fibers, where each fiber can be independently assigned to TX or RX direction. This segmentation allows asymmetric bandwidth allocation to be achieved through simple per-fiber configuration rather than complex device-wide reconfiguration, reducing overall device complexity while improving adaptability.
3Ease of operation
If N fibers are used for one-directional bandwidth in each direction, then ease of operation is maintained, but bandwidth capacity is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes each fiber universal by allowing it to function as either TX or RX based on configuration needs. Instead of dedicating specific fibers to specific directions, the system can dynamically assign any fiber to any direction, effectively doubling the usable bandwidth capacity while maintaining simple operational interfaces through automated configuration.
Data Source
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AI summary
In a configuration wherein N individual fibers interconnect two devices, each fiber can be configured, through configuration of the packet processing devices at each end of the fiber, to carry traffic in a single direction. From the perspective of the first device, an arbitrary subset T of the N fibers can be used for transmitting signals to the second device. The packet processing devices terminating a subset R of the remaining N-T fibers can be configured so that the first device may receive signals from the second device.