Autonomous Optical Channel Provisioning via Self-Characterization

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current optical networking systems, particularly submarine and foreign optical line systems, face challenges in commissioning and provisioning due to lack of visibility into intermediate system parameters, leading to manual and resource-intensive processes that take weeks, as they lack data communication and require pre-known settings for channel provisioning.

Innovation Solution

A near-end network element with a group of modems and a processing device that measures optical performance parameters, such as Effective Signal-to-Noise Ratio (ESNR), across an unknown optical link system to autonomously provision channels, enabling data communication between nodes without prior configuration, using a User Interface for setting characterization and optimization parameters.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual characterization process is used for foreign optical line systems, then system reliability is ensured through thorough parameter measurement, but commissioning time increases to multiple weeks

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem commissioning reliabilityVSAvoidcommissioning time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-characterization by automatically measuring optical performance parameters across multiple channels without requiring manual intervention. The network element initiates and executes the characterization process autonomously, eliminating the need for manual parameter measurement while ensuring comprehensive system assessment within minutes rather than weeks

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical measurement processes with automated electronic/optical measurement systems. The network element uses integrated sensors and processing circuits to automatically capture optical performance data, substituting the manual characterization process with an automated system that achieves both reliability and speed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If pre-provisioned channels with pre-known settings are used, then provisioning speed is improved, but adaptability to unknown optical line systems is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprovisioning speedVSAvoidadaptability to unknown optical line systems

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary characterization actions by automatically measuring optical performance parameters before final provisioning. This preliminary action enables the system to adapt to the specific conditions of unknown optical line systems while still maintaining rapid provisioning speeds through automated parameter collection and analysis

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic provisioning by adjusting channel settings based on real-time measurement results rather than using static pre-provisioned configurations. The system dynamically adapts its provisioning parameters to match the actual optical line system characteristics, achieving both speed and adaptability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If service channels are used for control plane messaging, then operational complexity is minimized, but system complexity increases when service channels are unavailable

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational complexity during turn-upVSAvoidsystem complexity in foreign line systems

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary characterization process that bridges the gap between network elements in foreign line systems without requiring service channels. This intermediary measurement and data collection mechanism enables control plane messaging and operational management in the absence of traditional service channel infrastructure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system extracts essential control information directly from optical performance parameter measurements rather than relying on service channel communications. By extracting critical data through automated parameter collection, the system eliminates the need for complex service channel infrastructure while maintaining operational simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentUS12047116B2Autonomous, zero touch provisioning of optical channels in optical line systems

Publication Date: 2024.07.23 CIENA CORP

AI summary

Systems and methods are provided for enhancing techniques for provisioning optical channels to allow optical networks to operate in an optimal fashion. A method, according to one implementation, includes receiving measured optical performance parameters of a plurality of optical channels transmitted over an optical spectrum between two network elements in an optical line system; determining a performance profile of the optical spectrum based on the measured optical performance parameters; translating the performance profile into configuration information for the two network elements; and causing provisioning of the two network elements based on the configuration information. The measured optical performance parameters are for one or more unassigned optical channels on the optical spectrum, with the measured optical performance parameters being made on one or more optical modems.