Bidirectional Optical Circuit for Wavelength-Based 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, hindering the implementation of third-party utilization policies and limiting business models based on geographical reach and spectral width.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of an In-Line Optical Fiber Service Bidirectional Physical Control Device (ILPCD) that filters and controls optical signals by wavelength and mode, enabling independent management of service propagation directions and allowing network owners to enforce policies and implement network slicing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If optical fiber infrastructure is leased to multiple communication service providers, then network capacity utilization is improved, but the ability to control and enforce service policies is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The optical fiber network is segmented into multiple service channels using wavelength division multiplexing, where each wavelength or wavelength band is assigned to a specific service provider or service type. This segmentation allows multiple CSPs to operate independently on the same physical infrastructure while maintaining distinct service boundaries and control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediary control mechanism is introduced that acts as a mediator between the infrastructure owner and multiple CSPs. This intermediary enforces service policies, manages wavelength allocation, and controls service propagation without requiring direct intervention from the infrastructure owner, thus maintaining ease of operation while enabling multi-provider utilization.
2Quantity of substance
If multiple optical services operate on the same fiber infrastructure, then spectral utilization is improved, but service interference is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
Different segments of the optical spectrum are assigned different service qualities and characteristics. Each wavelength band is optimized for specific service requirements (e.g., high bandwidth for data, low latency for voice), and services are confined to their designated spectral regions. This local quality assignment maximizes spectral utilization while preventing cross-service interference through spectral isolation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If bidirectional optical services are allowed, then network flexibility is improved, but multipath interference is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The bidirectional optical network employs asymmetric wavelength allocation where upstream and downstream directions use different wavelength sets. This asymmetry allows full-duplex communication while preventing multipath interference, as signals traveling in opposite directions operate on non-overlapping spectral channels. The asymmetric design maintains network flexibility for bidirectional services while eliminating the harmful interference effect.
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 manage and control optical services dynamically, allowing for geographical and spectral-based charging models, and ensures secure network demarcation points, reducing interference and enhancing network flexibility.
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
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.