DWDM Channel Power Offsets for OADM Reach Optimization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current optical communication systems lack algorithms to automatically set channel power according to channel type and fiber type, leading to suboptimal performance and reduced reach due to varying sensitivities to optical signal-to-noise ratio and fiber non-linear impairments.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of algorithms to divide optical networks into sections, determine channel and fiber types, and calculate optimal power levels for each section, using predetermined values based on system performance measurements and modeling, to adjust channel powers individually and dynamically across different fiber types.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If all channels are changed by the same amount in dB to account for fiber type differences, then the system maintains simplicity in power management, but the performance and reach of individual channels are reduced because their specific power optimization needs are not met

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower management simplicityVSAvoidchannel performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the optical network into multiple sections based on fiber type boundaries. Each section has its own power adjustment characteristics stored in a database, allowing different power management strategies for different fiber types (e.g., NSDF, LEAF, Truewave) while maintaining overall system coordination through the NMS.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by assigning specific power adjustment characteristics to each section based on its fiber type. Each channel type (10G, 40G, 100G with different modulation formats) receives customized power offsets tailored to the local fiber characteristics, optimizing performance for each section rather than applying uniform power management across the entire network.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If channel power is increased to improve OSNR and receiver performance, then the signal quality at the receiver improves, but fiber non-linear impairments increase which reduces performance and reach

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereceiver performanceVSAvoidfiber non-linear impairments
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the power parameter dynamically based on channel type and fiber type combinations. The system stores pre-determined power adjustment characteristics for different channel-fiber pairs and applies the appropriate power offset to balance OSNR improvement against non-linear impairment suppression, optimizing the trade-off for each specific scenario.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback through performance measurements and channel modeling to determine optimal power settings. The NMS collects data on channel performance and fiber characteristics, then uses this feedback to calculate and apply appropriate power adjustments that prevent non-linear impairments while maintaining adequate OSNR.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Object-affected harmful factors

If channel power is decreased to reduce fiber non-linear impairments, then non-linear penalties are reduced, but the OSNR at the receiver is reduced which limits reach and performance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenon-linear penaltiesVSAvoidchannel reach
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the power parameter based on the specific channel type and fiber type combination. By storing pre-determined power adjustment characteristics for different scenarios (e.g., 40G DPSK over LEAF fiber, 10G OOK over NSDF fiber), the system applies precise power offsets that reduce non-linear penalties while maintaining adequate OSNR for the required reach.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

Each section of the network receives localized power optimization tailored to its specific fiber type and the channels passing through it. This local quality approach ensures that power levels are optimized for each section's characteristics rather than applying a blanket power reduction that would limit reach across the entire network.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

4Reliability

If the system uses different power adjustments for different channel types and fiber types, then optimal performance is achieved for each channel, but the device complexity and computational requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvechannel performance optimizationVSAvoidpower management system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by pre-determining and storing power adjustment characteristics for various channel-fiber type combinations in a database during system setup or through offline modeling. This eliminates the need for complex real-time calculations when channels are added or modified, as the NMS can directly retrieve pre-calculated power settings based on the channel type and fiber type identification.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a universal power management system that handles multiple channel types (10G, 40G, 100G with various modulation formats) and multiple fiber types (NSDF, LEAF, Truewave, Lambda Shifted) through a single integrated framework. The same NMS infrastructure and power adjustment mechanism serve all channel-fiber combinations, providing multi-functionality without requiring separate specialized systems for each channel type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS8433193B2Systems and methods for channel power offsets for multi data rate DWDM transmission over optical add drop multiplexers
Publication Date: 2013.04.30 CIENA CORP
  • US8433193B2 patent drawing
  • US8433193B2 patent drawing
  • US8433193B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present disclosure provides systems and methods for channel power offsets for multi-rate dense wave division multiplexed (DWDM) transmission over optical add-drop multiplexers (OADMs). The present invention includes algorithms to set power levels of each type of channel in different sections of a fiber system to optimize the performance of that type of channel at the receiver. For example, the present invention can optimize power levels based on different channel modulation formats, bit rates, channel spacings, and the like. Advantageously, the present invention improves the total capacity (bit rate) and reach that channels of a given bit rate can achieve, and maximizes the reach of channels without sacrificing capacity.