Bufferless Optical Distributor Time Alignment via Marker Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
In conventional networks, data exchange through bufferless optical distributors is challenging due to the absence of input buffers, requiring a method to align time cycles between access nodes and distributors without explicit clock synchronization.
Innovation Solution
A method is implemented where each access node is allocated an observation time slot to examine a signal portion, and a controller at the distributor maintains a control array of observation time slots to determine temporal displacement based on marker positions and segment indices, adjusting transmission times if discrepancies exceed a tolerance value.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If conventional clock-distribution techniques are used to maintain equal time cycles at distributors and access nodes, then time cycle periods are synchronized, but the relative reference-time indications remain unknown and time alignment cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-allocating observation time slots to each access node before signal transmission. The controller prepares the control array with designated observation slots, and access nodes are instructed to transmit signal portions during these predetermined slots. This advance preparation enables the distributor to systematically examine signals and determine temporal displacements without requiring complex real-time synchronization mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism through the use of control segments containing markers (front marker and back marker) that mediate between the access nodes and distributor. These markers serve as reference points that carry timing information through the signal portions, allowing the distributor to measure temporal displacements without direct clock synchronization. The control segments act as intermediaries that encode timing relationships.
2Device complexity
If bufferless optical distributors are used to enable data exchange, then device complexity is reduced, but time alignment becomes difficult due to absence of input buffers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the signal transmission into distinct control segments and content segments. Each control segment is further divided into observable portions with markers that can be independently examined by the distributor. This segmentation allows the bufferless distributor to process and align signals from multiple access nodes without requiring input buffers, as each segment can be handled in discrete time slots.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action through cyclic time slots allocated to different access nodes. The distributor periodically examines signal portions from each access node in a cyclic manner, with each access node having dedicated observation time slots. This periodic structure enables systematic time alignment measurement and correction without requiring buffers to hold signals indefinitely.
3Measurement precision
If observation time slots are allocated to examine signal portions and temporal displacement is determined, then time alignment precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to control array and marker detection mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by designing a system where access nodes autonomously transmit signal portions containing control segments with markers during their allocated observation time slots. The distributor's controller automatically detects marker positions, calculates temporal displacements, and determines time alignment status without requiring complex external synchronization equipment. The system serves itself through the embedded markers that carry all necessary timing information.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback through the marker detection mechanism that provides timing information back to the system. The controller detects front marker and back marker positions in received signal portions, uses these detections to calculate temporal displacements, and feeds this information back to determine whether time alignment is achieved. This feedback loop enables automatic time alignment verification without complex external measurement equipment.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of time aligning signals transmitted from a plurality of access nodes to a distributor is disclosed. The signals are formed according to a cyclic structure of a predetermined number of segments, including content segments and control segments, each segment having two markers. A controller of the distributor allocates observation time slots for each access node corresponding to control segments. The controller detects, from a portion of a signal received from an access node during a respective observation time slot, a position of a particular marker and a segment index then determines a temporal displacement of the signal accordingly. If the temporal displacement exceeds a predefined value, a distributing mechanism of the distributor halts signal transfer from the access node to all other access nodes and instructs the access node to adjust transmission time according to the temporal displacement.