Hierarchical Optical Cross-Connect Layers for Smaller Switches
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical networks face challenges in reducing switch size and maintaining transmission performance due to increased wavelength resources, leading to larger switch sizes and deteriorated characteristics in all-photonics networks (APN).
Innovation Solution
Implementing a hierarchical cross-connect system with layers of different switch granularities, including wavelength cross-connect (WXC), wavelength band cross-connect (WBXC), and fiber cross-connect (FXC) layers, where switches operate independently and connections are made between adjacent nodes without intra-node layer inclusion, reducing switch size and minimizing the number of passing stages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If wavelength resources are increased to improve transmission capacity, then transmission capacity is improved, but switch size increases and transmission performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the optical network into multiple hierarchical layers (wavelength layer, fiber layer, path layer) with different switch granularities. Each layer handles specific switching tasks independently, allowing the system to manage increased wavelength resources without proportionally increasing overall switch size. The wavelength cross-connect switch and fiber cross-connect switch operate at different granularities to distribute the switching burden.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a hierarchical dimension to the network architecture, organizing switches and connections across multiple levels (intra-node layers and inter-node connections). This dimensional organization allows efficient management of wavelength resources by distributing switching functions across hierarchical layers rather than requiring a single large monolithic switch.
2Device complexity
If switch size is reduced to simplify device complexity, then device complexity is reduced, but transmission performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the switching function into multiple hierarchical layers (wavelength cross-connect, fiber cross-connect, path cross-connect), each layer can be implemented with simpler, smaller switches that handle specific granularities of traffic. The segmentation ensures that no single switch becomes overly complex while maintaining end-to-end transmission performance through coordinated operation across layers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediate switching layers (such as path cross-connect and fiber cross-connect) that mediate between wavelength-level switching and higher-level network routing. These intermediary layers enable smaller, more manageable switches to achieve the same transmission performance that would otherwise require a single large complex switch.
3Device complexity
If hierarchical layers are connected between adjacent nodes without intra-node inclusion, then switch size is reduced and transmission performance is maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network into hierarchical layers that connect between adjacent nodes, allowing switching functions to be distributed across node boundaries rather than concentrated within single nodes. This segmentation reduces the number of passing stages within each node while maintaining overall transmission efficiency through optimized inter-node connectivity.
Data Source
AI summary
A communication apparatus, a network configuration system, and a communication method that are capable of improving transmission performance are provided. The communication apparatus includes a node included in a network configuration in an optical network. The node includes layers of two or more kinds of different switch granularities, and connects the layers with respect to a node of another adjacent communication apparatus. The node includes a wavelength cross-connect layer including a wavelength cross-connect switch configured to perform switching in a wavelength unit, and a fiber cross-connect layer including a fiber cross-connect switch configured to perform switching in a fiber unit. Each of the wavelength cross-connect switch and the fiber cross-connect switch may be connected with respect to the node of the another adjacent communication apparatus.