Reconfigurable Interconnected Nodes Using AWG and Tunable Transmitters
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for reconfiguring connections in data centers with bandwidth-intensive devices interconnected by optical cables are slow, costly, and prone to errors, making it difficult to keep up with increasing traffic demands.
Innovation Solution
A system of reconfigurable interconnected nodes using arrayed waveguide gratings (AWGs) and tunable transmitters, which dynamically reestablish connections without physical changes, allowing for multiple dimensions of interconnectivity and configuration via software commands, enabling efficient routing of signals based on wavelength.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If physical connections between devices are changed to meet increasing traffic demands, then bandwidth management capability is improved, but reconfiguration time increases and error rate increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of physically plugging and unplugging optical cables with an optical switching system using arrayed waveguide gratings (AWGs). The AWGs enable dynamic routing of optical signals through wavelength selection and optical switching, eliminating the need for manual cable reconnection while maintaining adaptability to changing traffic demands.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of connection reconfiguration from physical cable manipulation to optical wavelength switching. By tuning the wavelength of optical signals and using AWGs to route different wavelengths to different output ports, the system achieves rapid reconfiguration without physical changes to the optical cable infrastructure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If physical connections between devices are changed to meet increasing traffic demands, then bandwidth management capability is improved, but operational complexity and error rate increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical cable management with automated optical switching controlled by software. The AWGs provide deterministic routing based on wavelength, eliminating human error associated with manual cable plugging and unplugging while simplifying operations through centralized control.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical switching system provides self-service through automated wavelength routing and signal redirection. The AWGs automatically route optical signals to the correct output ports based on wavelength without requiring manual intervention, reducing operational complexity and eliminating human error.
3Reliability
If multiple paths and wavelength channels are implemented for dynamic reconfiguration, then system resilience and security are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the optical signal into multiple wavelength channels that can be independently routed through different paths using AWGs. Each wavelength channel can be configured for specific routing purposes, enabling multiple simultaneous paths for redundancy and load balancing while maintaining manageable device complexity through modular wavelength division.
Solution Approach 2:
The AWG device provides multi-functionality by handling multiple wavelength channels simultaneously and routing them to different output ports. A single AWG device can support multiple routing configurations and backup paths, reducing the need for additional dedicated hardware while improving system resilience.
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
This solution allows for dynamic and efficient reconfiguration of data center connections, enhancing bandwidth management, reducing costs, and improving resilience and security by providing multiple paths and dedicated wavelength channels for secure data transmission.
Implementation Method 1
Light at different wavelengths entering each of the input ports may be demultiplexed into different output ports. The AWG operates based upon constructive and destructive interference. Light entering one of the input ports is coupled into a first cavity, and then the light from the first cavity is coupled to one end of an array of waveguides. The length of each waveguide in the array increases across the array, such that the optical path length difference between neighboring waveguides introduces wavelength-dependent phase delays.
Implementation Method 2
Tunable transmitters are used in the transceiver nodes to change the emitted wavelength of a signal, and the connected AWG automatically routes the signal to a particular output port of the AWG based on the wavelength of the signal.
Data Source
AI summary
In the examples provided herein, a system has a plurality of arrayed waveguide gratings (AWG) having a plurality of input ports and a plurality of output ports. A signal within a given wavelength channel transmitted to one of the input ports of a given AWG is routed to one of the output ports of the given AWG based on a signal wavelength. The system also has a plurality of nodes, with each node comprising a set of components for each AWG that the node is coupled to. Each set of components comprises a plurality of optical transmitters, where each optical transmitter is tunable over multiple wavelength channels within a different wavelength band; a band multiplexer to multiplex the multiple wavelength channels within each different wavelength band; and a first output fiber to couple an output of the band multiplexer to one of the input ports of a first AWG.