Modular Optical Switching System for Flexible Wavelength Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical switching systems in wavelength division multiplex networks lack modularity, making it difficult to adapt to increasing network requirements without degrading flexibility or incurring excessive costs, as they require either overrating initial capacity or accepting reduced flexibility when capacity increases.
Innovation Solution
A modular optical switching system using wavelength selection modules with a tree structure, allowing flexible assignment of wavelengths between fibers, and incorporating star couplers to increase the number of assignable wavelengths, enabling cost-effective evolution of performance without degrading flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a non-modular optical switching system is used, then the initial capacity can be rated high, but the flexibility degrades when capacity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical switching system is divided into modular units called wavelength selection modules, each handling a specific subset of wavelengths. This segmentation allows the system to scale by adding or reconfiguring individual modules without affecting the entire system, thereby maintaining flexibility while increasing capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic reconfiguration capabilities where wavelength selection modules can be dynamically assigned to different fibers based on real-time traffic demands. This dynamic adaptation enables the system to maintain optimal flexibility and resource utilization as network capacity requirements evolve.
2Productivity
If the number of wavelengths is increased to meet growing network demands, then the channel capacity improves, but the cost increases excessively
Solution Approach 1:
The wavelength selection modules are designed as universal, multi-functional units that can serve multiple purposes: wavelength selection, signal routing, and resource allocation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for specialized expensive components and enables cost-effective scaling of channel capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows flexible reconfiguration of wavelength assignments and routing parameters without physical reinstallation. By changing operational parameters through software control, the system can adapt to increased capacity requirements using existing hardware infrastructure, avoiding the need for expensive physical upgrades.
3Adaptability or versatility
If physical manipulation of panel elements is used to redistribute channels, then the channel assignment can be changed, but the operation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual physical manipulation of patch panel elements with an automated electronic control system. Wavelength selection modules are controlled by electronic signals that dynamically route channels between fibers, eliminating the need for technicians to physically reconfigure the system and significantly simplifying operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates self-configuration and self-management capabilities where the control system automatically monitors network conditions and redistributes channels without human intervention. This autonomous operation maintains channel optimization while keeping the system simple to operate.
Data Source
AI summary
The switching system comprises a routing device having selection modules each having one input and a plurality of outputs adapted to switch spectral channels received selectively to respective outputs as a function of a command. The routing device comprises a first stage comprising a plurality of modules whose inputs constitute the input ports of the device, a second stage comprising at least one first selection module whose outputs constitute the output ports of the device, and an intermediate stage for coupling the input of the first selection module of the second stage both to a first output of a first selection module of the first stage and to a first output of a second selection module of the first stage. The switching system applies to interconnection panels in switching nodes for optical networks.