Colorless Optical Switching via Demultiplexing and MEMS Arrays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical switching devices in mesh networks face high costs and high insertion loss due to reliance on tunable filters, which are not efficient for 4-5 dimensional nodes and require 100% Add/Drop capability with colorlessness.
Innovation Solution
A device and method for colorless optical switching using a demultiplexer, a first optical cross unit, an optical switch array, and a combiner to demultiplex, switch, and combine multi-wavelength light with low insertion loss and reduced costs, featuring a non-blocking 3D MEMS optical switch and expandable optical switch array.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a tunable filter array is used to achieve colorless optical switching, then the device can exchange light with various wavelengths, but the insertion loss is high and the cost is high
Solution Approach 1:
The optical switching device is segmented into multiple independent wavelength channels, each handled by a dedicated optical switch. Instead of using a single tunable filter array to handle all wavelengths, the system divides the multi-wavelength signal into separate channels, switches each channel independently, and then recombines them. This segmentation eliminates the need for high-loss tunable filters while maintaining colorless switching capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical switch matrix is designed to be universal, handling multiple wavelengths simultaneously through a single non-blocking switching fabric. The same switching infrastructure serves all wavelength channels, making the system multi-functional without requiring wavelength-specific components like tunable filters. This universal approach reduces both cost and insertion loss.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a tunable filter array is used to achieve colorless optical switching, then the device can exchange light with various wavelengths, but the cost is high
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces expensive tunable filter arrays with more cost-effective optical switch matrices. The optical switches used in the matrix are standard, mass-producible components with lower cost compared to tunable filters. By using these cheaper components in a multi-channel configuration, the system achieves the same colorless switching function at reduced cost.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple wavelength channels are merged into a single optical switch matrix for simultaneous switching. Instead of using separate expensive tunable filters for each wavelength, the system combines all wavelength handling into one unified switching fabric, reducing the total component count and overall system cost while maintaining full wavelength versatility.
3Adaptability or versatility
If 100% Add/Drop capability is required for colorless optical switching, then the device can handle any wavelength, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical switch matrix employs dynamic, reconfigurable switching paths that can be programmed in real-time to achieve any Add/Drop pattern. Instead of requiring fixed, dedicated paths for each wavelength, the system uses dynamic control to flexibly route any wavelength to any destination. This dynamic approach achieves 100% Add/Drop capability without the complexity of fixed cross-connect structures.
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 efficient, cost-effective colorless optical switching with low insertion loss by allowing light with any wavelength to be output through any port, supporting future network dimensions with easy extension and reconstruction.
Implementation Method 1
a demultiplexer, configured to demultiplex the input multi-wavelength light into multiple beams of light with single wavelength
Implementation Method 2
a first optical cross unit, configured to receive the multiple beams of light with single wavelength, obtained by the demultiplexer in the way of demultiplexing, and output the multiple beams of light with single wavelength through target ports
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention discloses a device and a method for colorless optical switching, where the device includes: a demultiplexer, configured to demultiplex the input multi-wavelength light into multiple beams of light with single wavelength; a first optical cross unit, configured to receive the multiple beams of light with single wavelength, obtained by the demultiplexer in the way of demultiplexing, and output the multiple beams of light with single wavelength through target ports; an optical switch array, configured to receive the multiple beams of light with single wavelength output by the first optical cross unit, drop the light that needs to be dropped from multiple beams of light with single wavelength output by the first optical cross unit, receive the light added by the local node, and output the light that needs to pass in the multiple beams of light with single wavelength output by the first optical cross unit and the light added by the local node; and a combiner, configured to combine the light output by the optical switch array. The optical switch device and method provided in the embodiments of the present invention feature colorlessness, low insertion loss, and low costs.