DIA Node Shared EO Interfaces Optical Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical communication systems with photonic mesh architectures face challenges in maintaining low switching times for reconfiguration while minimizing transponder interfaces, especially in long haul networks prone to span and equipment failures, which increases costs and reduces network resilience.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a directionally independent access (DIA) node with shared electro-optic interfaces that selectively routes optical channels between EO interfaces and optical fiber links, allowing for minimal redundant EO interfaces and rapid electronic switching in case of failures, followed by optical reconfiguration to restore network connectivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If optical switching is used to eliminate transponder interfaces and reduce power consumption, then cost and energy efficiency are improved, but switching speed deteriorates significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary control mechanism where electronic controllers manage the optical switching fabric. The electronic controllers handle high-speed decision-making and routing logic, while the optical layer performs the actual signal switching. This mediator architecture allows the system to achieve fast switching responses through electronic control while maintaining the power efficiency of optical transmission for the bulk of the signal path.
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments the switching function into multiple layers: electronic routing control at the management plane, optical cross-connect fabric for signal switching, and photonic memory buffers for packet handling. This segmentation allows each component to operate in its optimal domain - electronics for fast control decisions, optics for efficient signal transmission - thereby resolving the speed-power tradeoff.
2Reliability
If multiple transponder interfaces are deployed to ensure network resiliency and low switching time for failure events, then system availability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universal optical interfaces that can serve multiple functions: working channels, protection channels, and dynamic reconfiguration paths. A single optical interface can be dynamically assigned to different roles based on network conditions and failure scenarios. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of dedicated transponder interfaces needed while maintaining comprehensive network resiliency coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes operational parameters of optical interfaces based on network state. When failures occur, the interfaces can be reconfigured to operate in protection mode rather than working mode. This parameter change approach allows the same physical infrastructure to provide both normal service and failure protection, eliminating the need for separate dedicated protection interfaces.
3Speed
If electronic switching is used for rapid reconfiguration, then switching speed is improved, but power consumption and cost increase due to multiple transponder interfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical/electronic transponder interfaces with a purely optical switching fabric controlled by electronic management. The actual signal switching occurs in the optical domain using non-blocking optical cross-connects, eliminating the need for electro-optical conversion at each switching point. Only the control plane uses electronics, while the data plane remains optical, thus achieving fast reconfiguration with minimal power consumption.
Data Source
AI summary
A network element of an optical communications network. The network element comprises an electronic router for forwarding traffic between a set of client access ports and a plurality of I/O ports. A respective EO interface is coupled to each one of the plurality of I/O ports. Each EO interface terminates a respective optical channel. A directionally independent access (DIA) node is configured to selectively route each optical channel between its respective EO interface and a selected one of at least two optical fiber links of the optical communications network.