Modular Optical Add/Drop Multiplexer for Flexible Expansion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical add/drop multiplexers require significant upfront capacity and cost due to the need for predicting future network demands, leading to inefficient use of resources and high reconfiguration times when network requirements change, as they often necessitate disconnecting and reconnecting thousands of optical fibers during upgrades.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a modular optical add/drop multiplexer with a core unit, drop unit, and add unit that utilizes wavelength selective switches and blockers, allowing for in-service upgrades without disconnecting transmission signals, enabling flexible expansion from low count channel DOADM to high count channel DOADM and Wavelength Cross-Connect (WXC) configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a device is prepared with estimated future capacity for wavelengths and switching routes, then the device can meet future network demands, but the initial device size and introduction cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The optical add/drop multiplexer is divided into multiple independent functional modules: core units (providing wavelength selective switching), drop units (for dropping signals), and add units (for adding signals). Each module can be independently configured and scaled. This segmentation allows the system to start with a smaller configuration and expand by adding modular components rather than replacing the entire device, thus reducing initial device size while maintaining future adaptability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a device is prepared with estimated future capacity for wavelengths and switching routes, then the device can meet future network demands, but the introduction cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the device into modular functional units that can be independently manufactured and deployed, the system allows for phased introduction and investment. Organizations can start with essential core functions and add drop/add units as budget allows, rather than funding the entire future-capable device upfront, thus reducing initial introduction cost while maintaining the ability to meet future demands.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamically reconfigurable wavelength selective switches that can adapt their switching patterns in real-time based on current network requirements. This dynamic capability means the device does not need to be statically over-provisioned for all possible future scenarios, allowing cost-effective deployment with flexible adaptation to actual demand as it evolves.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the device is replaced to expand functions, then the functions can be upgraded, but optical fibers have to be reconnected which takes a lot of time and requires disconnecting signals
Solution Approach 1:
The modular architecture with standardized interfaces between core units, drop units, and add units enables hot-swappable module replacement. Functional expansion is achieved by inserting or removing modules without affecting the optical fiber connections to the main device, thus eliminating reconnection time and allowing function expansion without signal interruption.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces intermediate coupling mechanisms and buffer components that decouple the internal module replacement process from the external optical fiber connections. This intermediary layer allows modules to be swapped internally while maintaining stable external connections, preventing signal disruption and eliminating the need for time-consuming reconnection operations.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the device is replaced to expand functions, then the functions can be upgraded, but signals being transmitted have to be disconnected
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs dynamically reconfigurable wavelength selective switches that can adapt their switching patterns in real-time. During module replacement, the control system dynamically reroutes optical signals through alternative paths or maintains existing connections while the new module is integrated, ensuring continuous signal transmission and maintaining reliability throughout the expansion process.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular design with hot-swappable interfaces enables continuous operation during function expansion. The system maintains uninterrupted signal transmission while modules are replaced or upgraded, ensuring that the useful action of signal transmission continues without interruption, thus maintaining high reliability during maintenance and expansion activities.
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
Enables flexible and cost-effective expansion of optical add/drop multiplexer functions without disrupting ongoing communications, reducing the need for upfront overprovisioning and minimizing reconfiguration time, thus adapting to changing network demands while maintaining operational continuity.
Implementation Method 1
The optical add/drop multiplexer includes a core unit, a drop unit, and an add unit. The core unit includes a through path that lets the input light pass through to the output port; a drop port for dropping the input light that has a predetermined wavelength; and an add port for adding the signal light to the input light.
Implementation Method 2
one having a diffraction grating and a matrix switch using a micro electro mechanical system (MEMS) mirror using a MEMS technology, and one having a thin film filter and a matrix switch using the MEMS mirror
Implementation Method 3
one having a diffraction grating and a matrix switch using a micro electro mechanical system (MEMS) mirror
Implementation Method 4
a matrix switch using a micro electro mechanical system (MEMS) mirror using a MEMS technology
Implementation Method 5
one having a thin film filter and a matrix switch using the MEMS mirror
Data Source
AI summary
A core unit arranged in a transmission path includes a through path for causing an input signal to an input port to pass through to an output port, a drop-side port 25a that drops the input signal having a predetermined wavelength, and an add-side port 25b that adds channel having a predetermined wavelength to the input light.