Dynamic Connection Rearrangement in Optical Access Networks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Optical access networks face inefficiencies in capacity utilization and equipment deployment, leading to underutilization and increased costs due to static optimization of transmission modules during installation, which cannot adapt to evolving user needs.

Innovation Solution

A dynamic management method that rearranges connections between user modules and transmission modules based on optimization criteria, allowing for post-installation adjustments to maximize capacity utilization, reduce equipment deployment, and enhance flexibility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If static optimization of transmission modules is performed during installation, then equipment deployment is simplified, but capacity utilization becomes inefficient and cannot adapt to evolving user needs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveequipment deploymentVSAvoidcapacity utilization
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic connection rearrangement that allows the optical access network to adapt its topology after installation. The system continuously monitors capacity utilization and automatically reconfigures connections between user modules and transmission modules to optimize resource allocation, transforming the static network into a dynamic one that responds to changing user demands.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs feedback mechanisms by monitoring capacity utilization metrics and using this information to trigger connection rearrangement operations. The management platform receives status information from the network, evaluates whether optimization is needed, and executes reconfiguration accordingly, creating a closed-loop control system that continuously improves capacity utilization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Adaptability or versatility

If more transmission modules are deployed to meet evolving user needs, then service capacity increases, but equipment costs and network complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice capacityVSAvoidnetwork complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes existing transmission modules multi-functional by enabling them to serve different user modules at different times through dynamic reconfiguration. A single transmission module can be dynamically assigned to different user groups based on demand, allowing the same hardware to fulfill multiple service roles without requiring additional dedicated equipment for each scenario.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the operational parameters of the network by dynamically adjusting connection topologies rather than changing physical hardware configurations. By modifying logical connection parameters and resource allocation settings, the network achieves adaptability and handles varying service capacities without adding physical equipment or increasing structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If transmission module capacities are statically allocated during installation, then network configuration is simplified, but flexibility in network usage is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork configurationVSAvoidflexibility in network usage
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms static capacity allocation into dynamic capacity allocation where transmission module resources are continuously adjusted based on actual network conditions. The system maintains simple initial configuration but adds dynamic reconfiguration capabilities that automatically optimize resource distribution, achieving both ease of operation and flexibility through automated adaptation rather than complex manual configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2070382B1Method for managing connections in an optical access network, and related platform, exchange, network and computer program product
Publication Date: 2016.02.24 ORANGE SA
  • EP2070382B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2070382B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2070382B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for managing connections in an optical access network as well as to a corresponding platform, exchange, network and computer software product. The invention relates to a method for managing the connections of a plurality of user modules (214, 224) to a plurality of transmission modules (2011, 2021) of an exchange (200) in an optical access network (200). According to the invention, the management method comprises a dynamic re-arrangement step of the connection of at least one of said user modules to at least one of said transmission modules according to at least one predetermined optimisation criterion.