Fiber-Optic Cross-Connect Bypass for Multi-Node Failure Resilience
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Solution Overview
Problem
The risk of a fiber optic network failure due to simultaneous failure of cross connection points (CCPs) poses a significant threat to critical infrastructure and telecommunications networks, which can be exacerbated by targeted attacks or technical malfunctions.
Innovation Solution
A fiber optic network design incorporating two types of optical cross-splitters, with a remotely switchable bypass for the first type, allowing centralized activation of bypasses to reroute signals around failed cross-splitters, ensuring connectivity via a maximum of n hops to a functioning second-type cross-distributor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a fiber optic network uses cross distributors of a single type for all cross connection points, then the network structure is simplified and easier to manage, but the network becomes vulnerable to simultaneous failure of all cross distributors of that type
Solution Approach 1:
The network is segmented into two distinct types of cross distributors (Type 1 and Type 2), where Type 1 cross distributors are used in specific locations and Type 2 cross distributors are deployed as backup units in different physical locations. This segmentation prevents simultaneous failure of all cross distributors and enables geographic diversity for enhanced network resilience.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the parameter of cross distributor type from homogeneous (single type) to heterogeneous (multiple types). By introducing Type 2 cross distributors with different technical specifications or manufacturer origins than Type 1 cross distributors, the network achieves diversity that prevents widespread failure from single-point vulnerabilities.
2Reliability
If bypasses are provided for all first-type cross-splitters to enable remote switching, then the network resilience against first-type cross-splitter failure is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Bypass paths are pre-configured and physically installed during network construction, but remain inactive until needed. The bypass infrastructure is prepared in advance with optical fibers and switching mechanisms in place, allowing rapid activation via remote switching when a Type 1 cross distributor fails, without requiring complex real-time decision-making or ad-hoc configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The bypass acts as an intermediary path that connects network segments around the failed Type 1 cross distributor. By introducing this intermediate routing option, traffic can be redirected through alternative cross distributors (Type 2) without directly interacting with the failed component, simplifying the failure recovery process.
Data Source
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AI summary
A fiber-optic network having a plurality of N nodes implemented in each case by means of optical cross-connects, wherein the fiber-optic network extends over an area F and comprises: a plurality of k nodes implemented in each case by means of an optical cross-connect of the first type; a plurality of m nodes implemented in each case by means of an optical cross-connect of the second type, wherein, for safeguarding against the simultaneous failure of multiple or all optical cross-connects of the first type, the fiber-optic network comprises: a remotely switchable bypass for all cross-connects of the first type, said bypass connecting a fiber-optic cable arriving at the cross-connect of the first type to a fiber-optic cable departing from the cross-connect of the first type; a switching device in order to remotely activate the bypasses provided for the cross-connects of the first type and thus to bypass the cross-connects of the first type; wherein the network is furthermore set up such that, proceeding from an arbitrary cross-connect of the first type of the fiber-optic network, at least one cross-connect of the second type of the fiber-optic network is reachable via at least one network path as maximally n-th hop from the arbitrary cross-connect of the first type, wherein n is small relative to the total number N of cross-connects in the network.