Optical Communication Switching With Destination-Based Wavelength Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical access networks experience significant delays due to the conversion of optical signals to electrical signals for processing, which affects the quality of optical services, especially when handling multiple services.
Innovation Solution
An optical communication apparatus and method that utilizes an optical switch connected to multiple transmission lines, with a wavelength management control unit to assign wavelengths dynamically based on communication destinations, and an optical switch control unit to route optical signals without converting them to electrical signals, thereby reducing delays.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If optical signals are converted to electrical signals for processing in existing optical access networks, then routing and switching functions can be performed, but communication delay increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electrical signal conversion process with an all-optical switching mechanism. The optical switch directly routes optical signals based on wavelength without converting them to electrical signals, eliminating the O-E-O conversion delay while maintaining routing functionality. This substitution of the signal processing mechanism resolves the contradiction between achieving routing operation and minimizing communication delay.
2Reliability
If multiple services are accommodated in separate networks, then service quality can be maintained, but network operation efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal optical access network that can accommodate multiple services (FTTH, mobile backhaul, enterprise connections) through a single network infrastructure. The optical switch with wavelength-based routing enables different services to share the same physical network while maintaining service quality through wavelength division multiplexing and dedicated routing paths, thus achieving both multi-service support and operational efficiency.
3Reliability
If optical signals are stored in buffers for priority control, then service quality can be managed, but communication delay increases further
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic wavelength assignment and routing where wavelengths are allocated and switched in real-time based on service requirements and network conditions. This dynamic all-optical switching enables priority control and service quality management without storing signals in electrical buffers, as the optical switch can dynamically route different wavelengths to appropriate destinations directly, eliminating buffer storage delay while maintaining service quality management capabilities.
Data Source
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AI summary
An optical communication apparatus includes an optical switch, a wavelength management control unit, and an optical switch control unit. The optical switch is connected to a plurality of transmission lines and outputs an optical signal input from one of the transmission lines to another of the transmission lines. The wavelength management control unit assigns a wavelength to a subscriber terminal according to a communication destination. The optical switch control unit controls the optical switch such that it outputs an optical signal transmitted from the subscriber terminal, to which a wavelength has been assigned, to a transmission line corresponding to its forwarding destination on a path to the communication destination.