Multi-Mode DWDM Switching Router Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current DWDM networks face challenges in scaling with the number of channels due to high costs associated with electronic switching and limitations in optical switching technologies, which fail to effectively support diverse heterogeneous applications with varying traffic characteristics.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a multi-mode switching system that dynamically configures and reconfigures between electronic packet switching (EPS), optical circuit switching (OCS), and optical burst switching (OBS) modes, allowing each wavelength in a DWDM link to be individually set to the most suitable mode for different applications, thereby reducing the need for costly electronic switching ports and enhancing scalability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If electronic switching technology is used to terminate DWDM links, then data processing capability is improved, but system cost increases significantly due to required O/E/O conversion pairs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the switching function into electronic packet switching for control plane operations and optical circuit switching for data plane transmission. This allows different parts of the system to use appropriate technologies - electronic for intelligent processing and optical for high-speed transport - thereby reducing the need for expensive O/E/O conversion pairs while maintaining data processing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different switching modes to different traffic types and network scenarios. Electronic packet switching is used where intelligent processing is needed, while optical circuit switching is used where high-speed transparent transmission is required. This localized application of technology optimizes both performance and cost by avoiding unnecessary conversions.
2Ease of manufacture
If optical switching technology is used to reduce system cost, then scalability to high DWDM channel counts is improved, but ability to support diverse heterogeneous applications with varying traffic characteristics deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a multi-mode switching system that can operate in multiple switching modes (electronic packet switching, optical circuit switching, and optical burst switching) within the same network infrastructure. This universal system can adapt to support diverse applications by selecting the appropriate switching mode based on traffic characteristics, thereby maintaining both cost-effectiveness and application versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic switching mode selection that can change based on traffic demands and application requirements. The system can dynamically transition between electronic and optical switching modes, allowing it to adapt to varying traffic patterns and support heterogeneous applications while maintaining cost efficiency through predominant optical switching.
3Device complexity
If a single switching technology is used throughout the network, then device complexity is reduced, but ability to meet diverse needs of different applications deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic multi-mode switching system where the switching mode can be changed based on application requirements and traffic characteristics. This allows the network to adapt between electronic and optical switching modes without requiring completely different infrastructure, thereby managing complexity while maintaining versatility for diverse applications.
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-mode configuration module for managing switching for an EPS, OCS, and OCS mode is provided. The multi-mode configuration module may include a multi-mode configuration processor, wherein said multi-mode configuration processor receives configuration information for an EPS, OCS, or OBS mode. The module may also provide an optical configuration processor coupled to said multi-mode configuration processor, wherein said optical configuration processor manages wavelength routing of an optical switching fabric; and an electronic configuration processor coupled to said multi-mode configuration processor, wherein said electronic configuration processor manages routing of an electronic switching fabric.