Bidirectional Optical Filtering for Directional Service Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Optical fiber infrastructure owners lack the ability to enforce and control which optical services are running at each section of their network in an automated fashion, limiting their control over service delivery and utilization policies.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of an In-Line optical fiber service bidirectional Physical Control Device (ILPCD) that filters and controls optical signals based on wavelength and mode, allowing network owners to manage services independently in each direction and enforce policies across different segments of the network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If optical fiber infrastructure is shared among multiple service providers, then network capacity utilization is improved, but the ability to enforce and control specific optical services at each network section deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the optical fiber network into multiple controllable sections using bidirectional optical control devices placed at strategic points. Each section can independently enforce service policies, allowing the infrastructure owner to maintain control over specific network segments while sharing the overall infrastructure with multiple service providers. This segmentation enables granular service control without compromising capacity utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The bidirectional optical control device acts as an intermediary component between the shared optical fiber infrastructure and the service providers. It filters and controls optical signals based on wavelength and mode, enforcing service policies at the physical layer. This intermediary device enables the infrastructure owner to control which services can traverse specific network sections while allowing multiple providers to utilize the shared infrastructure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If bidirectional optical signals are allowed to pass freely, then service delivery flexibility is improved, but the ability to enforce directional service policies deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements asymmetric control by applying different filtering criteria to optical signals traveling in opposite directions. The bidirectional optical control device can allow different sets of wavelengths and modes in the upstream versus downstream directions, enabling the enforcement of directional service policies. This asymmetric approach maintains service delivery flexibility while providing granular control over each propagation direction.
3Extent of automation
If wavelength filtering is applied to control services, then service policy enforcement is improved, but signal transmission complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The bidirectional optical control device performs multiple functions within a single integrated unit: it filters wavelengths, separates propagation directions, enforces service policies, and controls optical modes. By consolidating these functions into one universal device, the patent reduces overall system complexity compared to using separate components for each function, while maintaining automated service policy enforcement.
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
Enables network owners to control and enforce service policies, support new business models, and implement hard-physical-network slicing by managing which services can traverse different network regions, enhancing infrastructure utilization and revenue generation.
Implementation Method 1
The optical circuit is adapted to filter selected wavelengths of light on an optical signal received at the first interface and transmit the filtered wavelengths onto the second interface
Implementation Method 2
The optical circuit is also adapted to filter selected wavelengths of light on an optical signal received at the second interface and transmit the filtered wavelengths onto the first interface
Data Source
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AI summary
A bi-directional optical controller includes an upstream optical interface, a downstream optical interface, and an optical circuit coupling the interfaces such that optical signals received at either interface is routed to the other interface. The optical circuit is adapted to allow, for example, enable or disable, a first set of prespecified optical services to be provided in at least one of the upstream or downstream direction on an optical signal received at the respective downstream or upstream interface.