Embedded Optical Channel in WDM Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical WDM transmission systems require an optical WDM signal to establish embedded communication channels, which is not guaranteed in all circumstances, making it challenging to implement control information transmission efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A method using a central network device to create a broadband optical signal that modulates a low-frequency component, allowing for the establishment of embedded communication channels without requiring an optical WDM signal, using a broadband optical source and optical demultiplexer to separate and filter the signals, enabling easy and cost-efficient ECC implementation between network devices and channel transceivers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an optical WDM signal is used to establish embedded communication channels, then control information transmission is enabled, but the system cannot operate when optical WDM signal is unavailable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a broadband optical signal as an intermediary carrier for ECC transmission. Instead of relying on the upstream optical WDM signal directly, the invention uses a separate broadband optical signal that can be independently controlled and injected into the transmission path, serving as a mediator that enables ECC establishment even when the primary WDM signal is unavailable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent separates the ECC transmission function from the data transmission function by using distinct optical signals. The broadband optical signal is specifically dedicated to carrying ECC information, while the upstream optical WDM signal carries data traffic. This segmentation allows independent control and ensures ECC availability regardless of data signal status.
2Reliability
If separate control channels using separate transmission paths are used, then control information transmission is reliable, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the ECC transmission path with the existing optical transmission infrastructure by injecting the broadband optical signal into the available transmission path. Instead of creating entirely separate physical transmission paths, the invention combines the ECC-carrying broadband signal with the existing optical infrastructure, reducing additional hardware requirements while maintaining transmission reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The broadband optical signal serves multiple functions: it carries ECC information and can be transmitted through existing optical transmission paths designed for data communication. This multi-functionality allows the same physical infrastructure to support both data transmission and control information transmission, reducing the need for dedicated separate paths.
3Adaptability or versatility
If amplitude modulation of optical channel signal is used for ECC, then in-band communication is achieved, but spectral overlap and noise interference occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from time-domain or frequency-domain modulation of the data signal to a separate optical dimension by introducing a broadband optical signal with a distinct spectral profile. The ECC information is encoded in the amplitude variations of this broadband signal, which operates in a different spectral region from the modulated data channels, thereby avoiding spectral overlap while maintaining in-band transmission capability.
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
Enables the establishment of embedded communication channels in optical WDM systems without the need for an optical WDM signal, ensuring reliable and efficient control information transmission with low noise interference and no additional opto-electrical converters or splitters required.
Implementation Method 1
a broadband optical source (41), in particular a light emitting diode (LED), which is configured to create a broadband optical signal (SBR)
Implementation Method 2
The optical power of the broadband optical signal is modulated according to a low-frequency modulation signal
Implementation Method 3
an optical demultiplexer device, which is connected to the first end of the optical WDM transmission path and which optically filters and spatially separates the upstream optical channel signals
Data Source
AI summary
A method for establishing an embedded optical communication channel in an optical WDM transmission system including: creating, at the central network device, a broad-band optical signal, supplying the broadband optical signal, transmitting the broadband optical signal and the plurality of second optical channel signals to an optical demultiplexer device, transmitting an optical signal consisting of a dedicated second optical channel signal and a filtered broadband optical signal; receiving the optical signal and creating a corresponding electrical receive signal and extracting the electrical signal corresponding to the filtered broadband optical signal from the electrical receive signal and detecting whether the electrical signal contains information intended for the respective first channel transceiver.