Dynamic Spectral Resource Assignment for Optical Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Optical communication networks face inefficiencies due to overprovisioning of spectral resources, which is exacerbated by uncertainty in traffic conditions and component aging, leading to suboptimal resource utilization and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A method for adaptively assigning spectral resources, where excess resources are kept unoccupied and grouped contiguously, allowing for dynamic reassignment based on real-time monitoring and changing network conditions, reducing the need for overprovisioning and optimizing resource allocation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If spectral resources are overprovisioned to ensure network reliability under worst-case conditions, then network reliability is improved, but spectral efficiency and resource utilization deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic spectral resource assignment where excess resources are assigned contiguously to communication channels. This allows the network to adapt spectral allocation based on actual traffic conditions and component aging, rather than statically overprovisioning for worst-case scenarios. The system monitors network state and adjusts spectral assignments in real-time, enabling reliability to be maintained while improving spectral efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of spectral resource allocation from fixed overprovisioning to dynamic adjustment. By assigning excess spectral resources contiguously and allowing real-time reconfiguration based on monitored network conditions, the system transforms the rigid worst-case provisioning approach into a flexible parameter-adjustment strategy that maintains reliability while optimizing spectral utilization.
2Adaptability or versatility
If excess spectral resources are distributed non-contiguously to individual channels, then resource allocation flexibility is improved, but spectral efficiency and contiguous block utilization deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges excess spectral resources from multiple communication channels into contiguous spectral blocks. Instead of distributing excess resources scattered across individual channels, the system consolidates them into continuous spectral assignments. This merging approach maintains the flexibility to reallocate resources while dramatically improving spectral efficiency by eliminating fragmentation and enabling contiguous block utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions the spectral resource allocation from a distributed, fragmented pattern across individual channels to a consolidated, contiguous pattern in the spectral domain. This dimensional reorganization of resource allocation improves spectral efficiency by creating continuous spectral blocks that can be more effectively utilized while preserving allocation flexibility through the systematic assignment approach.
3Ease of manufacture
If spectral resources are statically assigned based on worst-case assumptions, then network planning simplicity is improved, but network capacity and operational efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-assigning excess spectral resources contiguously to communication channels during the planning phase. This preliminary assignment of excess resources, combined with continuous monitoring, allows the system to maintain simplicity in resource assignment while enabling dynamic adaptation. The pre-configured contiguous excess resources can be quickly reallocated when needed, avoiding complex real-time planning while maximizing network capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces feedback mechanisms that monitor network conditions, component aging, and traffic patterns in real-time. This feedback information is used to dynamically adjust spectral resource assignments, allowing the system to move beyond static worst-case assumptions. The feedback-driven approach maintains planning simplicity through systematic assignment rules while dramatically improving network capacity by adapting to actual operating conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for assigning spectral resources comprises assigning spectral resources for a plurality of communication channels. The spectral resources for the plurality of communication channels comprise excess resources that are at least tentatively kept unoccupied. The excess resources of a plurality of communication channels are assigned to be spectrally contiguous.