Multi-direction Variable Optical Transceiver Subcarrier Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current variable optical transceivers face inefficiencies due to over-provisioning and coarse switching granularity, leading to underutilization of hardware and limited flexibility in optical transport networks, especially as data traffic dynamics change.
Innovation Solution
The design of a multi-direction variable optical transceiver with multiple outputs and inputs allows subcarriers to be directed and received at subcarrier granularity, enabling finer switching granularity and utilizing unused subcarriers for traffic in other directions, thereby optimizing hardware utilization and network flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If variable optical transceivers use coarse switching granularity at the super-channel level, then device complexity is reduced, but bandwidth utilization and network flexibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the super-channel into individual subcarriers that can be independently switched and routed. Instead of treating the entire super-channel as a single unit, each subcarrier can be directed to different destinations, enabling fine-grained control while maintaining the benefits of super-channel transmission technology
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a new dimension of control by enabling multi-directional output at the subcarrier level. The transceiver can direct different subcarriers to different directions simultaneously, transforming the traditional single-direction super-channel output into a multi-dimensional routing capability
2Productivity
If optical transceivers are designed for maximum capacity with all subcarriers, then productivity is improved, but hardware resource utilization deteriorates due to over-provisioning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic subcarrier allocation where the transceiver can adaptively activate or deactivate subcarriers based on real-time network demands. This allows the system to maintain maximum theoretical capacity while actually using only the necessary resources, eliminating over-provisioning waste
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables dynamic changing of operational parameters including the number of active subcarriers, modulation formats, and data rates. This flexibility allows the system to optimize hardware utilization by matching the actual transmission capacity to the current network requirements rather than always operating at maximum capacity
3Adaptability or versatility
If multi-directional subcarrier routing is implemented, then adaptability and network flexibility are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the transceiver with universal components that can handle multiple functions. The same subcarrier generation, modulation, and routing infrastructure supports both single-direction and multi-directional operations, reducing the need for separate dedicated components for each function
Data Source
AI summary
An optical transceiver including a multi-direction variable transmitter including multiple outputs with different subcarriers being directed to different ones of the outputs to go to different directions in a network, and a multi-direction variable receiver for receiving multiple inputs thereby enabling transmission direction in a network with the transceiver at subcarrier granularity and avoiding entire super-channel granularity and enabling unused subcarriers to be utilized for traffic in other directions or destinations and making switching granularity finer for flexibility in the network.