Dynamic Optical Switching for Network Interconnection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional telecommunication networks require manual cross-connects and co-location of equipment in third-party facilities, leading to increased costs and geographic constraints for interconnecting client and cloud provider networks.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a configurable optical switching element that dynamically connects sites via optical fiber connections, allowing for remote activation and management of cross-connections without the need for physical co-location or manual installation, using an orchestrator to authenticate and authorize connection requests and configure the switching element.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual cross-connects are used in co-location centers, then connections can be established between client and cloud provider networks, but costs and geographic constraints increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical cross-connect operations with an automated optical switching system. The optical switch dynamically establishes connections between client networks and cloud provider networks through electronic control signals, eliminating the need for physical manual connectivity operations at co-location centers. This substitution of mechanical manual operations with automated optical switching resolves the contradiction by improving ease of operation while reducing the complexity of manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical switching system enables self-service connectivity establishment through automated control. The system can autonomously configure cross-connections based on service requirements without requiring manual intervention from technicians at co-location centers. This self-service capability improves operational ease while reducing the complexity associated with manual cross-connect management.
2Adaptability or versatility
If equipment is co-located in third-party facilities, then network interconnection is enabled, but cost overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the core optical switching function from third-party co-location facilities and places it within the carrier network infrastructure. By taking out the switching capability from external facilities and integrating it into the carrier's own network, the system maintains network interconnection capability while eliminating the cost overhead associated with third-party facility usage and equipment co-location.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical switching element provides universal connectivity services to multiple client networks and cloud providers through a single infrastructure. This multi-functional capability allows the carrier network to serve multiple customers and services using one centralized optical switch, thereby reducing the need for separate co-location facilities and equipment for each customer, thus lowering overall cost overhead while maintaining adaptability.
3Reliability
If manual cross-connect installation is performed, then connections are established, but time and productivity are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The optical switching system performs preliminary configuration and validation of connection parameters before establishing the actual cross-connect. The system pre-configures the optical paths, validates service requirements, and prepares the switching state in advance, enabling rapid connection establishment while maintaining reliability through pre-validation of connection parameters and paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical switching system provides dynamic connection establishment capability, allowing connections to be configured, modified, or terminated in real-time through electronic control signals. This dynamic operation enables rapid provisioning of new connections without the time-consuming manual installation processes, while maintaining connection reliability through controlled and monitored switching operations.
4Ease of operation
If co-location centers are used for interconnection, then network connectivity is achieved, but geographic constraints are imposed
Solution Approach 1:
The optical switching system transitions the network interconnection from a geographic dimension (physical co-location at specific facilities) to a logical dimension (virtual connectivity through optical switching). By enabling connections through logical optical path configuration rather than physical proximity requirements, the system achieves network connectivity without being constrained by geographic distance, allowing clients to connect from any location within the optical network's reach.
Data Source
AI summary
Implementations described and claimed herein provide systems and methods for a configurable optical peering fabric to dynamically create a connection between participant sites without any physical site limitations or necessity of specialized client and network provider equipment being located within such a facility. Client sites to a network may connect to a configurable switching element to be interconnected to other client sites in response to a request to connect the first client site with a second site, also connected to network, via the switching element. A request may trigger verification of the requested and, upon validation, transmission of an instruction to the switching element to enable the cross connect within the switching element. The first site and the second site may thus be interconnected via the switching element in response to the request, without the need to co-locate equipment or to manually install a jumper between client equipment.