Multi-Tier Robotic Fiber Optic Interconnect Scaling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current fiber optic switch technologies, such as cross-bar switches, are ill-suited for large-scale production networks due to their N2 scaling, which leads to inefficiencies and high costs, and existing solutions like Knots, Braids, and Strands (KBS) technology require complex initial deployments and are not incrementally scalable.

Innovation Solution

A multi-tiered, robotic interconnect system with modular Network Topology Managers (NTMs) that allow for incremental scaling by connecting user ports and trunk ports in a predetermined ratio, using trunk lines to interconnect NTMs across tiers, enabling any-to-any connectivity without service interruptions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If cross-bar switches are used for fiber optic connectivity, then any-to-any connectivity is achieved, but the system scales as N2 leading to high hardware complexity and costs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveany-to-any connectivityVSAvoidhardware complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the cross-connect functionality into multiple modular Network Topology Managers (NTMs), each handling a subset of connections. Instead of one large N2 cross-bar switch, multiple smaller NTMs work together, reducing individual device complexity while maintaining overall any-to-any connectivity through coordinated operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If cross-bar switches are used for fiber optic connectivity, then any-to-any connectivity is achieved, but costs increase due to N2 scaling

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveany-to-any connectivityVSAvoidcosts

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the cross-connect system into multiple NTMs, the patent reduces the port count per device, allowing use of smaller, less expensive components. The modular architecture enables incremental deployment and avoids the exponential cost growth associated with single large cross-bar switches.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a multi-dimensional architecture with user ports, trunk ports, and hierarchical levels, transforming the flat N2 cross-bar approach into a structured multi-tier system. This dimensional organization reduces the number of direct connections needed while preserving connectivity capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Productivity

If KBS technology is used for automated patch panels, then linear scaling is achieved, but incremental scalability is limited due to complex initial deployment requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelinear scalingVSAvoidinitial deployment complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the cross-connect function into independent NTM modules that can be deployed incrementally. Each NTM is a self-contained unit with standardized interfaces, allowing gradual system expansion without requiring complex initial deployment of the entire system at once.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic configurability where NTMs can be added, removed, or reconfigured without service interruption. The software-defined nature of the system allows flexible adaptation to changing requirements, enabling true incremental scalability beyond fixed initial deployments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Adaptability or versatility

If system expansion is performed in existing cross-connect architectures, then connectivity capacity increases, but service interruptions occur during reconfiguration

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem expansion capabilityVSAvoidservice continuity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary provisioning where new NTMs are pre-configured with appropriate port assignments and connectivity patterns before being activated. The system prepares expansion capacity in advance through software configuration, allowing seamless integration without disrupting existing services.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system maintains continuous connectivity during expansion by keeping existing NTMs and their connections active while new modules are integrated. The software-defined architecture enables parallel operation of old and new components, ensuring uninterrupted service throughout the expansion process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentUS11252488B2Incrementally scalable, two-tier system of robotic, fiber optic interconnect units enabling any-to-any connectivity

Publication Date: 2022.02.15 TELESCENT INC

AI summary

Systems and methods to incrementally scale robotic software-defined cross-connects from 100 to more than 100,000 ports are disclosed. A system is comprised of individual cross-connect units that individually scale in increments of say, 96 interconnects in tier 1 to, for example, 1,008 interconnects total. A system comprised of multiple cross-connect units arranged and interconnected in a two-tier approach is disclosed, one which achieves fully non-blocking, any-to-any connectivity with the flexibility to grow incrementally. Methods to build out this system over time, in an incremental and non-service interrupting fashion, are described.