Mid-span Switched Optical Paths for SAN Redundancy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Long haul optical networks face challenges in maintaining high availability and minimizing data disruption due to frequent switch-to-protect events and the high cost of redundant fiber infrastructure, especially in mission-critical applications where downtime can be costly and latency-sensitive.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of mid-span switches connected via cross-over fiber to create multiple paths for data transmission, allowing for seamless switching between paths in case of failure without additional synchronization time, and using Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing (DWDM) devices to transmit data on different wavelength channels, ensuring continuous data flow and reducing the need for redundant fiber.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple diversity routed spans of optical fiber are constructed for redundancy, then network reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple existing fiber paths between mid-span switches to create protection routes. Instead of building entirely separate redundant fiber infrastructure, the system merges available fiber resources through intelligent switching at mid-span points, achieving diversity routing without proportionally increasing physical infrastructure
Solution Approach 2:
Mid-span switches act as intermediary devices that enable protection switching by providing additional switching points along the fiber path. These intermediaries allow traffic to be redirected from failed segments to alternative paths without requiring end-to-end redundant fiber pairs, reducing overall infrastructure complexity
2Reliability
If protection switching mechanisms are implemented, then network reliability is improved, but data transmission continuity is disrupted briefly
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-configures multiple protection paths and establishes routing information before failures occur. Mid-span switches maintain ready-state alternative routes, so when a failure is detected, traffic can switch immediately without requiring time-consuming path calculation or synchronization during the actual failure event
Solution Approach 2:
The patent maintains continuous data transmission by keeping protection paths active and synchronized in advance. The system ensures that backup routes are pre-established and can immediately take over without interruption to the data flow, maintaining continuous useful action during failure scenarios
3Reliability
If redundant backup subsystems are provisioned, then network reliability is improved, but network cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes existing fiber infrastructure multi-functional by enabling the same physical fiber to serve both primary and protection roles through different routing configurations. Mid-span switches allow the network to dynamically assign fiber segments to different functions based on operational needs, maximizing utilization of existing resources without requiring dedicated redundant fiber for every scenario
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements dynamic path selection and switching capabilities that adapt to actual network conditions and failure scenarios. Rather than statically provisioning fixed redundant paths, the network can dynamically activate appropriate protection routes based on where failures occur, optimizing the use of available fiber resources across different failure scenarios
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
This approach minimizes data disruption and reduces the amount of fiber needed for backup channels, achieving high network availability and cost-effectiveness by ensuring continuous data transmission with no single point of failure and reducing latency-sensitive issues in long haul optical networks.
Implementation Method 1
using Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing (DWDM) devices to transmit data on different wavelength channels
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a method and system by which a high level of network availability is provided to a storage area network. The method and system transmit data over a storage area network from a source to a destination. A first and second path are configured from the source to the destination. Additional paths between the source and destination are created by connecting a first mid-span switch on the first path to a second mid-span switch on the second path. Additionally, the same data is multicasted over two (or more) of the paths (e.g., on different wavelength channels).