Optimal Launch Power Computation in Meshed DWDM Networks
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Optimizing optical launch powers in meshed optical networks is challenging due to the complexity of balancing signal-to-noise ratio (OSNR) and nonlinear penalties, such as Four Wave Mixing (FWM), Self Phase Modulation (SPM), and Cross Phase Modulation (XPM), especially in networks with diverse fiber types and overlapping traffic demands, leading to inefficient equipment usage and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A computationally efficient method for computing optimal optical launch powers in meshed DWDM systems, which assigns demands to wavelengths, determines equipment based on network topology, computes linear and nonlinear Q performance, and optimizes launch powers to minimize nonlinear penalties, ensuring adequate OSNR and reducing the need for regenerators and amplifiers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If launch power is increased to improve OSNR, then signal quality is improved, but nonlinear penalties increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting launch power levels based on network conditions, fiber types, and traffic demands. The system computes optimal launch powers that balance OSNR improvement against nonlinear penalty accumulation, transforming the fixed parameter approach into an adaptive optimization process that resolves the contradiction between signal quality and nonlinear effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by allowing different launch power settings for different spans, links, and fiber types within the network. Rather than applying a uniform launch power globally, the system tailors launch power parameters to local network characteristics, enabling each segment to operate at optimal power levels that minimize nonlinear penalties while maintaining adequate OSNR.
2Ease of operation
If default launch power is used across the network, then equipment configuration is simplified, but network performance is suboptimal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by implementing automated launch power optimization that computes and configures optimal power settings without requiring manual intervention. The system automatically analyzes network topology, fiber characteristics, and traffic demands to determine optimal launch powers, eliminating the need for complex manual configuration while achieving superior network performance compared to default settings.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-computing optimal launch power settings during network planning and deployment phases. The system performs comprehensive optimization calculations before the network goes live, establishing optimal power parameters in advance that account for all network characteristics and expected traffic patterns, thereby avoiding performance degradation that would result from using generic default values.
3Ease of manufacture
If launch power is not optimized, then equipment setup is simpler, but more regenerators are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing launch power optimization as part of the initial network design and deployment process. The system computes optimal launch powers before equipment installation, ensuring that the network is configured to maximize signal reach and minimize the need for regeneration equipment. This upfront optimization prevents the need to add regenerators later, balancing ease of setup with equipment reduction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by optimizing launch power parameters during network deployment to extend signal reach and reduce the number of regenerators required. The system adjusts launch power settings to operate at optimal levels that maximize transmission distance while maintaining signal quality, thereby reducing the quantity of regenerator equipment needed without complicating the overall equipment setup process.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides methods and systems for efficiently computing optimal optical launch powers for meshed optical networks. The present invention can be utilized to find optimal launch powers for multiple wavelengths in a meshed dense-wave division multiplexed (DWDM) system. Generally, the present invention ensures Q exceeds a threshold for OSNR, and then the launch powers are optimized based on nonlinear penalties. If Q is below the threshold, DWDM equipment changes/additions are incorporated to provide adequate OSNR. The present invention provides a computationally efficient mechanism to optimize launch powers in 10 Gb/s, 40 Gb/s, 100 Gb/s, etc. highly-meshed optical networks.