Flexible Optical Modem Excess Margin Utilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Optical networks face inefficiencies due to unused excess capacity and margin, leading to suboptimal data throughput and increased costs, as existing systems are designed with fixed capacity channels that cannot utilize additional bandwidth without additional hardware.
Innovation Solution
Implementing flexible optical modems that can dynamically adjust bit-rates and utilize excess margin by forming variable capacity channels, which can increase performance by consuming excess capacity and mapping it to logical interfaces for use in restoration bandwidth or on-demand connections, while also integrating with management and control planes to manage and optimize network resources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fixed capacity channels are deployed with fixed bandwidth and overhead, then system reliability is ensured under full-fill conditions, but excess margin is wasted and data throughput is limited in low-fill deployments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from fixed capacity channels to flexible optical modems that can dynamically adjust their bit-rate and capacity utilization. The flexible optical modems continuously monitor excess margin and automatically increase data throughput when margin is available, then revert to guaranteed rates when margin is consumed or conditions deteriorate. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to be reliable when needed while maximizing productivity when conditions permit.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by allowing the bit-rate and capacity utilization parameters of optical channels to vary dynamically rather than remaining fixed. The system changes the operating parameters of flexible optical modems based on real-time margin conditions, transitioning between guaranteed service modes and enhanced throughput modes. This parameter flexibility enables the system to achieve high productivity during low-fill periods while maintaining reliability guarantees when needed.
2Productivity
If flexible optical modems operate at higher data throughput by consuming excess margin, then productivity is improved, but system reliability may deteriorate when margin is depleted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where flexible optical modems continuously monitor their operating conditions, excess margin levels, and signal quality. Based on this feedback, the modems automatically adjust their data throughput - increasing it when excess margin is available and decreasing it when margin is depleted or conditions deteriorate. This closed-loop feedback control resolves the contradiction by ensuring productivity improvements do not compromise reliability, as the system responds dynamically to maintain both objectives.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by maintaining reserved margin buffers and engineering safety margins that protect the system when operating at higher throughputs. The flexible optical modems operate with the understanding that excess margin provides a cushion that can be consumed during high-productivity periods, but reliability is preserved by having backup margin available and the ability to rapidly revert to guaranteed service levels if conditions change unfavorably.
3Adaptability or versatility
If excess capacity is utilized for restoration bandwidth and on-demand connections, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases due to management requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling flexible optical modems to autonomously manage their own capacity allocation and operation. The modems independently monitor excess margin, determine appropriate throughput levels, and adjust their operating parameters without requiring complex external management intervention. This self-service capability resolves the contradiction by providing high adaptability through automatic capacity utilization while minimizing management complexity through decentralized autonomous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies universality by designing flexible optical modems that can perform multiple functions - serving both as primary data transmission channels and as restoration bandwidth sources, and supporting both guaranteed service and on-demand connections. This multi-functionality allows the same hardware infrastructure to adapt to various network conditions and service requirements without adding separate dedicated systems, thereby improving adaptability while controlling complexity through resource consolidation.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, a network element, and a network include determining excess margin relative to margin needed to insure performance at a nominal guaranteed rate associated with a flexible optical modem configured to communicate over an optical link; causing the flexible optical modem to consume most or all of the excess margin, wherein the capacity increased above the nominal guaranteed rate includes excess capacity; and mapping the excess capacity to one or more logical interfaces for use by a management system, management plane, and/or control plane. The logical interfaces can advantageously be used by the management system, management plane, and/or control plane as one of restoration bandwidth or short-lived bandwidth-on-demand (BOD) connections, such as sub-network connections (SNCs) or label switched paths (LSPs).