Coherent Optics Channel Discovery and Wavelength Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The deployment of digital coherent optics (DCO) networks is hindered by mismatches in optical configuration parameters, particularly wavelength mismatches, which increase deployment time and cost, and prevent the initiation of additional protocols and services.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a method that automatically discovers and adjusts mismatched optical channels by sweeping wavelengths and aligning them between network nodes, thereby establishing an initial communication channel and enabling further diagnostics and protocol initiation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If manual wavelength configuration is used between network nodes, then wavelength alignment can be achieved, but deployment time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-configuration by automatically sweeping through wavelengths and detecting peer nodes, eliminating the need for manual wavelength configuration. The transmitter and receiver autonomously discover matching wavelengths and establish communication without human intervention, thereby reducing deployment time while maintaining precise wavelength alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the wavelength parameter by sweeping through a range of wavelengths to find a match between transmitter and receiver. This automatic parameter adjustment replaces manual configuration, achieving precise wavelength alignment faster and more efficiently without requiring human operators to manually tune each wavelength.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional ROADM functionality is implemented, then reconfigurable optical switching is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential wavelength discovery and alignment function from the complex ROADM system, implementing a simplified peer discovery mechanism that operates at the channel level rather than requiring full ROADM functionality. This extraction maintains the adaptability needed for reconfiguration while dramatically reducing system complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses simple, inexpensive wavelength sweeping and detection mechanisms instead of costly, complex ROADM hardware. The peer discovery protocol employs basic optical detection and wavelength tuning capabilities that are much cheaper than traditional ROADM components, achieving the same adaptability at a fraction of the cost and complexity.
3Productivity
If wavelength sweeping and automatic alignment is implemented, then deployment time is reduced, but measurement and detection complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary wavelength sweeping and detection during the peer discovery phase before actual data communication begins. By completing the wavelength alignment process in advance through automatic sweeping, the system prepares the communication channel ahead of time, enabling fast deployment without increasing the complexity of ongoing measurements during data transmission.
Data Source
AI summary
In one example embodiment, a wavelength of a first network node is identified for communication over a network with a second network node by sweeping wavelengths of the second network node. A wavelength of the second network node is adjusted based on the wavelength of the first network node to align wavelengths of the first network node and the second network node for communication.