Dynamic OADM Node for Wavelength Reconfigurability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current WDM systems with non-reconfigurable OADM nodes lack flexibility, making it difficult to change wavelengths, resulting in poor network resilience and increased costs for design, deployment, and maintenance due to the need for specific transmitters and multiplexers for each node.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a dynamic OADM node with a colorless optical transmitter, arrayed waveguide gratings, waveband filters, and optical switches allows for dynamic control of add wavelengths, enabling flexible wavelength management and system reconstruction through control signals, simplifying deployment and maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If non-reconfigurable OADM nodes are deployed with fixed wavelength allocation, then the system has stable initial performance, but the system lacks flexibility and network resilience after deployment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic wavelength reconfigurability by replacing fixed wavelength components with tunable transmitters and optical switches. The OADM node can dynamically change wavelengths and routing paths after deployment, transforming a static system into a dynamic one that adapts to changing network requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs universal colorless transmitters and multiplexers that can operate across multiple wavelengths rather than being dedicated to a single wavelength. This multi-functionality allows the same hardware to serve different wavelength channels, improving adaptability without proportionally increasing device complexity.
2Ease of manufacture
If different OADM nodes use different transmitters and multiplexers for specific wavelengths, then each node is optimized for its function, but design and deployment becomes difficult and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adopts universal colorless transmitters and multiplexers that can operate across multiple wavelengths. Instead of requiring different hardware for each wavelength, the same universal components can be configured for different wavelengths through software control, greatly simplifying deployment while maintaining wavelength flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables wavelength changes through parameter adjustments in the control system rather than physical hardware changes. The colorless transmitters and multiplexers can be reconfigured by changing operational parameters, allowing the same device to serve multiple wavelength functions without redesign or redeployment.
3Reliability
If fixed wavelength channels are used in OADM nodes, then hardware installation is simplified, but network resilience and flexibility are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic wavelength selection and routing control that allows the system to adapt to failures and changing conditions. Optical switches and colorless transmitters can dynamically reroute signals around failures, improving network resilience despite the added control complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates control signals that monitor network status and automatically adjust wavelength allocation and routing paths. This feedback mechanism enables the system to respond to failures and optimize performance, enhancing resilience through intelligent control rather than static configuration.
4Ease of repair
If non-reconfigurable OADM nodes are deployed, then initial setup is straightforward, but maintenance and management become complex due to node-specific hardware
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses universal colorless transmitters and multiplexers across all OADM nodes, creating standardized hardware that can be maintained with common procedures and expertise. This universality simplifies maintenance and management while the software-defined control maintains dynamic adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables maintenance and reconfiguration through parameter adjustments rather than hardware changes. Since all nodes use the same universal hardware, maintenance personnel only need to learn one set of procedures, while dynamic control capabilities are maintained through software parameter management.
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
This solution enhances the flexibility of the WDM system, allowing for dynamic wavelength control and system reconstruction, thereby improving network resilience and reducing deployment and maintenance complexities.
Implementation Method 1
a first arrayed waveguide grating
Implementation Method 2
a first waveband filter configured to divide an input optical signal into M sub-signals of different wavebands
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5(c)
AI summary
An OADM node and method in a WDM system are provided, so that an add wavelength of the OADM node can be dynamically controlled according to a requirement and the WDM system has a dynamic reconstruction capability, thereby improving flexibility of the WDM system and simplifying deployment, installation, and maintenance of the WDM system. Embodiments of the present invention include an adding unit. The adding unit includes: a colorless optical transmitter, a first arrayed waveguide grating, a first waveband filter configured to divide an input optical signal into M sub-signals of different wavebands, a first optical switch, and a first optical coupler/a first optical combiner; a transmit end of the colorless optical transmitter is coupled to an input end of the first waveband filter by using the first arrayed waveguide grating; the M output ends of the first waveband filter are coupled to an input end of the first optical coupler/the first optical combiner by using the first optical switch; the first optical switch is configured to connect a target output end to the input end of the first optical coupler/the first optical combiner according to a control signal; and an output end of the first optical coupler/the first optical combiner is coupled to an optical transmission path.