Optical Wavelength Converter for Gray-to-DWDM Network Transition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical networks with mismatched light frequencies face challenges in communication due to the inability of network elements to operate with different wavelength standards, requiring complex and costly hardware upgrades and replacements.
Innovation Solution
An optical wavelength converter performs in-line optical-to-optical wavelength conversion, allowing seamless integration of legacy 'gray' optical networks with newer 'colored' DWDM networks, using a compact, environmentally hardened device that automatically detects and translates wavelengths without the need for electronic demodulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If optical networks use different wavelength standards (gray vs colored DWDM), then network compatibility is improved, but hardware complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an optical wavelength converter as an intermediary device between legacy gray optical networks and newer colored DWDM networks. This converter automatically detects the input wavelength and converts it to the required output wavelength, enabling compatibility between different network standards without requiring complex hardware upgrades at each network element. The converter acts as a mediator that translates between incompatible wavelength standards.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the wavelength parameter of optical signals. The wavelength converter changes the wavelength parameter from the first standard (gray) to the second standard (colored DWDM), enabling the same physical infrastructure to support both legacy and advanced network technologies without fundamental hardware redesign.
2Productivity
If optical networks upgrade to newer DWDM standards, then network capability is improved, but infrastructure replacement cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network upgrade process into two parts: keeping the existing legacy gray optical infrastructure intact and adding wavelength converters only at specific transition points where network elements need to interface between different standards. This segmentation allows the network to upgrade capability incrementally rather than replacing entire infrastructure, reducing overall upgrade cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The wavelength converter provides multi-functionality by supporting both legacy gray optical signals and newer colored DWDM signals through a single device. This universal converter enables the network to maintain backward compatibility while introducing new capabilities, allowing existing infrastructure to serve dual purposes without immediate replacement.
3Reliability
If optical wavelength conversion is performed, then network connectivity is improved, but device size and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical/electronic wavelength conversion methods with optical-domain processing. By performing wavelength conversion directly in the optical domain rather than converting to electrical signals and back, the system achieves more compact device design and reduced complexity. This substitution of the conversion mechanism enables smaller form factor while maintaining reliable network connectivity.
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
Facilitates efficient network upgrades by reducing hardware size and cost, enabling compatibility between different wavelength standards while maintaining existing infrastructure, thus optimizing network connectivity and reducing the need for fiber replacements.
Implementation Method 1
combining the first optical signal with the second light signal to generate a third optical signal
Implementation Method 2
eliminating the first light signal from the third optical signal to generate a fourth optical signal
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, receiving a first optical signal from a first optical network via a first port of the wavelength converter, receiving a second optical signal from a second optical network via a second port of the wavelength converter, modulating the first optical signal with the second light signal to generate a third optical signal, eliminating the first light signal from the third optical signal to generate a fourth optical signal, and transmitting the fourth optical signal through the second optical network. The first optical signal can include a first digital signal modulated onto a first light signal of a first wavelength, the second optical signal can include a second light signal can include a second wavelength different from the first wavelength, and the fourth optical signal can include the first digital signal modulated onto the second light signal. Other embodiments are disclosed.