Broadcast-and-Select Node for Optical Network Traffic Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional WDM networks face challenges in cost-effectiveness and operational complexity due to the need for multiple non-reconfigurable OADMs and high insertion loss from power splitters in B&S architectures, which hinder efficient traffic protection and scalability, especially in 5G networks.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a Broadcast-and-Select (B&S) node architecture that splits downstream and upstream optical signals into two versions, allowing for automatic routing and dropping of signals without specific wavelength selection, enabling traffic protection and reducing the need for duplicate nodes, while being compatible with optical amplification to mitigate power losses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional WDM networks use multiple non-reconfigurable OADMs for traffic protection, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses optical copying by broadcasting the downstream signal to multiple nodes simultaneously through the B&S architecture. Each node receives a copy of the signal and can independently process or drop wavelengths, eliminating the need for multiple physical OADMs while maintaining protection capabilities through the ring topology.
Solution Approach 2:
The B&S node performs multiple functions: it acts as a signal distributor to multiple nodes, enables wavelength selection at each node, and provides protection routing. This multi-functionality replaces the need for separate dedicated OADMs for each function, reducing overall device complexity.
2Ease of operation
If power splitters are used in B&S architecture for signal distribution, then ease of operation is improved, but loss of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains signal continuity through the ring topology where signals can traverse multiple paths. The downstream signal is continuously broadcast to all nodes, and upstream signals continuously aggregate from all nodes, ensuring uninterrupted communication while managing power distribution through the ring structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts operational parameters based on traffic conditions. When protection mode is activated, the system changes the routing parameters to redirect signals through alternative paths in the ring, optimizing power distribution and minimizing insertion loss under different operational states.
3Device complexity
If B&S architecture is used to simplify network architecture, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability of traffic protection may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The B&S architecture provides dynamic protection capability where nodes can switch between working and protection modes based on fault detection. The system dynamically reconfigures signal routing through the ring topology, allowing any node to receive protection signals from either direction depending on where a fault occurs, maintaining reliability despite architectural simplification.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where nodes monitor signal quality and fault conditions. When a fault is detected, feedback information triggers automatic reconfiguration of the protection path, ensuring reliable traffic protection is maintained while keeping the overall architecture simple through automated response.
4Adaptability or versatility
If reconfigurable OADMs are used to adapt to traffic demands, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Each node in the B&S architecture has the capability to independently select and drop wavelengths from the broadcast signal without requiring complex reconfigurable OADMs. The nodes self-adjust their wavelength selection based on local traffic demands, eliminating the need for centralized reconfiguration mechanisms and reducing device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A first Broadcast-and-Select (B&S) node includes a first downstream port coupled to a first downstream power splitter/combiner, a second downstream port coupled to a second downstream power splitter/combiner, and a third downstream port coupled to a third downstream power splitter/combiner. The first downstream power splitter/combiner is configured to split a total power of a first downstream optical signal received at the first downstream port to form a first version and a second version of the first downstream optical signal, the second power splitter/combiner is configured to: receive the first version of the first downstream optical signal, and transmit the first version of the first downstream optical signal to a first network node via the second downstream port, the third downstream power splitter/combiner is configured to: receive the second version of the first downstream optical signal.