Dual Optical-Electrical Paths for Network-Compatible Communication
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical communication systems face challenges in redundancy and power consumption due to the conversion of optical signals into electric signals, limiting the transition to an all-photonics network.
Innovation Solution
A communication apparatus and system that incorporates both optical and electric signal processing paths, allowing for the transmission of optical signals directly to a destination or conversion to electric signals based on wavelength, with protocol adaptation and multiplexing/demultiplexing units to manage diverse communication protocols.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If optical signals are converted into electric signals for processing, then communication protocol adaptation and network compatibility are improved, but power consumption increases and latency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments communication paths into optical paths (for power-efficient, low-latency transmission) and electrical paths (for protocol adaptation). The optical signal processing unit and electrical signal processing unit operate as separate segments, allowing signals to traverse only the necessary portion of the system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (the path switching unit and protocol adaptation unit) that enables selective conversion between optical and electrical domains. This intermediary allows protocol adaptation to occur only when necessary, rather than converting all optical signals to electrical signals.
2Adaptability or versatility
If optical signals are converted into electric signals for processing, then communication protocol adaptation and network compatibility are improved, but communication latency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The communication system is segmented into optical processing paths and electrical processing paths. By segmenting the signal flow, the system avoids unnecessary electrical conversion for signals that can be routed directly through optical paths to destination nodes.
Solution Approach 2:
The path switching unit performs preliminary routing decisions to direct signals along optimal paths before transmission. Signals requiring protocol adaptation are pre-identified and routed through electrical processing units, while others are directed through pure optical paths, avoiding unnecessary delays.
3Ease of manufacture
If a single optical fiber is shared by multiple ONUs in a PON system, then installation and management costs are reduced, but network redundancy is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The optical node is designed with multi-functionality, capable of operating in both PON configurations (single fiber sharing) and optical ring configurations (redundant paths). This universal design allows the same hardware infrastructure to provide both cost-efficient operation and enhanced redundancy when configured as a ring.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adapts its topology based on operational requirements. The optical node can switch between being part of a PON structure (for cost efficiency) and an optical ring structure (for redundancy), allowing the network to optimize between installation costs and reliability depending on the specific deployment scenario.
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 the utilization of both current and next-generation communication methods, reducing latency and power consumption while maintaining compatibility with existing networks.
Implementation Method 1
a path switching unit that switches between a first path for transmitting the received optical signal to the destination node as it is as an optical signal, and a second path for transmitting the received optical signal to an electric signal processing unit
Implementation Method 2
the electric signal processing unit includes a photoelectric conversion unit that converts an optical signal to an electric signal
Data Source
AI summary
An access optical node includes an optical signal processing unit that transmits a received optical signal to a destination node. The optical signal processing unit includes a path switching unit that switches between a first path for transmitting the received optical signal to the destination node as it is as an optical signal, and a second path for transmitting the received optical signal to an electric signal processing unit and transmitting the optical signal processed by the electric signal processing unit to the destination node.