M×N WSS Optical Node for Colorless Directionless Contentionless Routing

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing optical node architectures that achieve colorless, directionless, and contentionless (CDC) add/drop operations require multiple layers of components, leading to increased cost, complexity, and physical size, which are undesirable.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a single layer of M×N wavelength selective switches (WSSs) connected to each inbound and outgoing fiber, allowing for CDC add/drop operations with reduced complexity and size.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple layers of components are used to achieve CDC add/drop operations, then colorless, directionless, and contentionless functionality is achieved, but cost, complexity, and physical size increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveCDC add/drop functionalityVSAvoidnumber of component layers

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple functional layers into a single integrated layer of M×N WSSs. Instead of using separate components for wavelength selection, switching, and routing across multiple layers, the invention merges these functions into one unified WSS layer that handles all CDC operations simultaneously, thereby reducing complexity while maintaining full functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The M×N WSS is designed as a universal component that performs multiple functions: wavelength selection, directional routing, and contentionless switching all within a single device. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for specialized components for each function, reducing the overall number of layers and components required

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple layers of components are used to achieve CDC add/drop operations, then colorless, directionless, and contentionless functionality is achieved, but physical size increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveCDC add/drop functionalityVSAvoidphysical size of optical node

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

By merging multiple functional layers into a single physical layer of M×N WSSs, the patent significantly reduces the vertical and horizontal space required. The consolidated architecture eliminates the need for stacked components, thereby reducing the overall volume of the optical node while preserving all CDC capabilities

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple layers of components are used to achieve CDC add/drop operations, then colorless, directionless, and contentionless functionality is achieved, but cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveCDC add/drop functionalityVSAvoidnumber of component layers

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent reduces cost by consolidating multiple expensive specialized components into a single M×N WSS layer. This merging approach lowers the bill of materials, reduces assembly costs, and simplifies maintenance, thereby reducing overall system cost while maintaining full CDC functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 solution enables CDC add/drop functionality with reduced cost, complexity, and physical size, while maintaining flexibility and operational simplicity by using a single layer of M×N WSSs, allowing any optical signal to be routed to any output fiber without wavelength contention.

Implementation Method 1

an inbound M×N (M≥D, N≥2D) wavelength selective switch (WSS) and an outbound M×N WSS

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWavelength selective switching: Filter (optical)

Data Source

PatentUS10476624B2Colorless, directionless, contentionless optical network using MXN wavelength selective switches

Publication Date: 2019.11.12 WELLS FARGO BANK NA

AI summary

A first configuration of an optical node may include a set of degrees, each including an inbound wavelength selective switch (WSS) and an outbound WSS. The first configuration may include a first degree expansion including a first inbound expansion WSS and a first outbound expansion WSS. An expansion input of the first inbound expansion WSS may connect to an expansion output of a second outbound expansion WSS included in a second degree expansion of a second configuration of the optical node. An expansion output of the first outbound expansion WSS may connect to an expansion input of a second inbound expansion WSS included in the second degree expansion of the second configuration. A signal input to an inbound WSS of a given one of the set of degrees may be routed, via the first degree expansion and the second degree expansion, to any drop port included in the second configuration.