MxN Wavelength Selective Switch High Degree Count
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing M×N wavelength selective switches (WSS) face increased cost and complexity when configured to support add/drop operations at optical nodes with high degree counts, leading to higher costs per add/drop port.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating multiple sets of common ports in the M×N WSS design allows for efficient support of high degree counts with reduced cost and complexity by utilizing the same section of the switching array for multiple ports, thereby minimizing the need for larger and more complex switching arrays.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional M×N WSS is configured to support high degree counts, then the optical node capacity is improved, but the cost and device complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by enabling a single section of the switching array to serve multiple ports simultaneously. The WSS is configured with multiple sets of common ports that share the same switching array section, allowing one physical resource to perform multiple functions and support high degree counts without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple port functions into a shared switching array section. By combining the switching resources for multiple ports into a single shared section, the system achieves high degree count support while reducing the overall complexity compared to having dedicated switching sections for each port.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional M×N WSS is configured to support high degree counts, then the optical node capacity is improved, but the cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces cost by implementing universality where multiple ports share a common switching array section. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for additional dedicated hardware resources for each port, thereby reducing the quantity of materials and components required while still supporting high optical node capacity.
3Device complexity
If multiple sets of common ports are used, then the cost and complexity are reduced, but the beam routing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by spatially separating different sets of common ports at different positions on the focal plane. This segmentation allows each port set to be routed through distinct optical paths to the shared switching array section, reducing beam routing complexity while maintaining the cost and complexity benefits of sharing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent resolves beam routing complexity by utilizing the spatial dimension of the focal plane. Different port sets are positioned at different locations on the focal plane, allowing beams to be differentiated and routed in space before reaching the shared switching array section, thereby simplifying the overall routing architecture.
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
This approach enables increased optical node capacity without significant increases in cost or complexity, ensuring efficient add/drop operations at high degree counts while maintaining low contention levels.
Implementation Method 1
a first set of ports, each to launch a respective beam of a first set of beams, wherein the first set of beams is provided to a first position on a focal plane
Implementation Method 2
a first set of wavelength channel sub-beams, included in a beam of the first set of beams, is to be incident on a particular section of a switching array
Data Source
AI summary
A wavelength selective switch (WSS) may include a first set of ports, each to launch a respective beam of a first set of beams, wherein the first set of beams is provided to a first position on a focal plane, and wherein a first set of wavelength channel sub-beams, included in a beam of the first set of beams, is to be incident on a particular section of a switching array. The WSS may include a second set of ports, each to launch a respective beam of a second set of beams, wherein the second set of beams is provided to a second position on the focal plane, wherein the second position is different from the first position, and wherein a second set of wavelength channel sub-beams, included in a beam of the second set of beams, is to be incident on the particular section of the switching array.