Multi-Rail Switch Routing for Fault-Resilient SDM Optical Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical networks with multi-rail configurations lack efficient reconfiguration and integration of equipment, leading to increased failure rates and reduced capacity due to the absence of programmable rail assignment methodologies and redundancy in Space-Division Multiplexing (SDM) systems.
Innovation Solution
Implementing programmable multi-rail switches and optical components that dynamically assign and reassign routes based on Quality of Service (QoS) ratings and failure detection, integrating optical amplifiers in a single module, and using N×N switches to manage multiple fiber paths for enhanced resilience and capacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If multi-rail configurations are deployed in parallel without integration, then transmission capacity is increased, but failure rate increases and system reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple rail systems into a unified controlled environment where switches and optical components can dynamically reconfigure connections. This merging allows the system to treat multiple rails as an integrated resource pool rather than independent parallel systems, enabling coordinated failure management and load redistribution across rails.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic reconfiguration capabilities through programmable switches that can real-time adjust rail assignments and optical component connections based on system state. This dynamics allows the system to adapt to failures by redirecting traffic from failed rails to operational rails, maintaining reliability while preserving transmission capacity.
2Device complexity
If conventional separate systems are deployed without programmable rail assignment, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability and resilience to failures deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universal switches and optical components that can serve multiple rails and functions dynamically. These components are designed to handle various rail assignments and reconfiguration scenarios, providing multi-functionality that enhances adaptability without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes programmable parameters for rail assignment, quality metrics, and switch configurations that can be dynamically adjusted. This parameter-based control allows the system to adapt to different failure scenarios and operational conditions by changing configuration parameters rather than physical hardware, maintaining low complexity while achieving high adaptability.
3Ease of manufacture
If optical components are not integrated in a single module, then ease of manufacture is improved, but transmission capacity and system coordination deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments optical components into modular units that can be manufactured independently but are integrated within a single module housing. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized and manufactured separately for ease of production, while the integrated module structure enables coordinated operation and high-capacity multi-rail support.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are provided for configuring routes through a multi-rail system. A method of path computation in a Space Division Multiplexed (SDM) optical network includes representing the SDM optical network as a plurality of parallel components in an optical section; for each of N SDM services in the SDM optical network, assigning a component of the plurality of parallel components to form a serial path in the SDM optical network, wherein, once a corresponding component is assigned, the corresponding component is marked as unavailable for other services; and configuring the SDM optical network based on the assigning of the plurality of components for the N SDM services.