Core Selective Switch Optical Node Device Scalability
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical node devices require large initial capital investments and increased equipment costs due to the need for multiple matrix switches and failure relief mechanisms, limiting their scalability and flexibility in accommodating high-speed client interfaces.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a core selective switch in an optical node device, which includes a spatial demultiplexing unit, an optical switch, and an optical interconnect unit, allows for flexible connection management and high-speed data routing without the need for physical port changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple matrix switches and failure relief mechanisms are used to ensure reliability and flexibility, then the optical node device can accommodate high-speed client interfaces, but the initial capital investment and equipment costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the optical switching function by separating the control plane from the data plane. The control plane uses a simple 1xN optical switch with wavelength selective switches (WSS) for path selection, while the data plane handles high-speed optical signals. This segmentation eliminates the need for complex multi-port matrix switches, reducing device complexity and cost while maintaining reliability through the modular architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces wavelength selective switches (WSS) as intermediary components between the input optical signals and the output ports. These WSS actuators serve as mediators that perform wavelength-based path selection, enabling flexible routing without requiring complex matrix switch architectures. This intermediary approach simplifies the overall system while maintaining high reliability and adaptability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple matrix switches are deployed to provide connection freedom, then the optical node device can handle high-speed interfaces, but the equipment costs and initial capital investment increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal optical node architecture where a single 1xN optical switch combined with wavelength selective switches can perform multiple functions including path selection, wavelength routing, and failure relief. This multi-functional design replaces the need for multiple specialized matrix switches, providing the same adaptability and connection freedom at lower complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic wavelength selection capability through programmable WSS actuators that can be controlled via control signals to adapt routing paths in real-time. This dynamic control mechanism provides the necessary adaptability for high-speed interfaces without requiring static, complex matrix switch configurations, enabling flexible reconfiguration as network demands change.
3Ease of operation
If conventional optical node devices are used with multiple matrix switches, then connection flexibility is provided, but scalability is limited due to high equipment costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical matrix switch architectures with a control-plane-based system using wavelength selective switches and optical beam steering. This substitution eliminates the need for complex mechanical switching matrices, reducing device complexity and cost while maintaining ease of operation through software-controlled wavelength routing and flexible path management.
Data Source
Figure 1(a)~1(f)
Figure 2
Figure 3(a)~3(b)
AI summary
A core selective switch in an optical node device included in a spatial channel optical network includes a spatial demultiplexing unit, an optical switch, and an optical interconnect unit, wherein the spatial demultiplexing unit is an MCF collimator array in which a plurality of MCF collimators each comprising both an MCF having S cores and a collimator lens are two-dimensionally arranged in a plane, the optical switch is a variable reflection angle mirror array in which S variable reflection angle mirrors are two-dimensionally arranged in a plane in a manner similar to a core arrangement in the MCF, the optical interconnect unit is a steering lens, and a beam light output from each core of an input MCF is focused on a variable reflection angle mirror corresponding to the core to be reflected to couple to a corresponding core of a desired output MCF.