Fiberoptic Network Simulation Using Weighted Highway Scores

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Solution Overview

Problem

Extending fiberoptic networks to connect new target nodes is a costly and labor-intensive process, often requiring manual planning and physical infrastructure changes, which can be inefficient and resource-intensive.

Innovation Solution

A network simulation platform that uses node data, infrastructure data, and configuration data to determine optimized fiberoptic network simulations, calculating weighted highway scores to minimize link costs and lengths, and automatically plan new links for connection, thereby reducing the need for manual planning and resource usage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If manual planning and physical infrastructure changes are used to extend fiberoptic networks, then new target nodes can be connected, but the process becomes costly and labor-intensive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork extension capabilityVSAvoiddeployment cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses simulation to create virtual copies of the fiberoptic network, allowing planners to test and optimize network extensions in a virtual environment before physical deployment. This reduces the need for repeated physical trial-and-error, lowering costs and labor requirements while maintaining network extension capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary simulation and optimization of network paths before actual physical deployment. By calculating optimal paths and evaluating costs in advance using virtual models, the system prepares deployment plans that minimize physical infrastructure changes and reduce on-site labor requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If more links are constructed to connect target nodes, then network coverage is improved, but the number and length of new links increases construction expense

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork coverageVSAvoidlink construction material
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the parameter evaluation by introducing weighted highway scores that consider multiple factors (distance, existing infrastructure, terrain) rather than simply minimizing link count. This optimization approach determines the most efficient set of links to construct, reducing total material requirements while achieving necessary network coverage

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces physical trial-and-error deployment with computational simulation and optimization. By using algorithms to evaluate numerous potential link configurations virtually, the system identifies the optimal subset of links to construct, minimizing material usage while ensuring adequate coverage

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If traditional network planning methods are used, then manual control is maintained, but the planning process becomes inefficient and resource-intensive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveplanning controlVSAvoidplanning efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables the system to perform self-evaluation through automated simulation and optimization algorithms. The platform independently evaluates multiple network configurations, calculates costs, and identifies optimal paths without requiring extensive manual intervention, thereby improving planning efficiency while maintaining control through configurable parameters

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback loops where simulation results inform subsequent optimization iterations. The system evaluates proposed network extensions, receives feedback on performance and cost metrics, and automatically refines the planning approach, significantly improving efficiency compared to traditional manual methods

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3820086B1Determining a fiberoptic network simulation based on weighted highway scores
Publication Date: 2024.10.02 ACCENTURE GLOBAL SOLUTIONS LTD
  • EP3820086B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP3820086B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP3820086B1 patent drawingFigure 1C

AI summary

The network simulation platform may determine a plurality of potential links to connect a plurality of target nodes to an existing fiberoptic infrastructure. The network simulation platform may determine a set of potential links, of the plurality of potential links, based on one or more criteria. The network simulation platform may determine, based on the set of potential links, an initial fiberoptic network simulation that includes one or more links. The network simulation platform may determine, for each link of the one or more links, a respective weighted highway score associated with the link and may determine, based on the initial fiberoptic network simulation and the respective weighted highway scores associated with the one or more links of the initial fiberoptic network simulation, a final fiberoptic network simulation. The network simulation platform may cause, based on the final fiberoptic network simulation, one or more actions to be performed.