Network Node Band Filtering Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing network node configurations, particularly in ring networks, require a large number of switching devices and extensive cabling, leading to increased costs and scalability issues, especially in hub nodes where all bands need to be added and dropped, and active switches at remote nodes can be costly and difficult to maintain.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a network node with band filters that switch on a per-band granularity, reducing the number of switching devices and cabling by using a multiplexing module to aggregate channels and back-to-back band filters for separation, with passive remote nodes and active switches only at the hub node, simplifying cabling and reducing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a large number of switching devices and extensive cabling are used in existing network node configurations, then channel-by-channel switching capability is achieved, but costs increase and scalability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the wavelength spectrum into multiple bands, where each band can be independently switched. Instead of switching individual channels one-by-one, the system groups channels into bands (e.g., C-band, L-band) and switches entire bands using fewer switching devices. This segmentation approach maintains channel-by-channel switching capability while significantly reducing the number of required switches and cabling connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a new dimension of band-level aggregation above the channel level. By organizing channels into bands and implementing switching at the band level, the system adds a hierarchical layer that reduces complexity. The band filters and switching modules operate on bands rather than individual channels, effectively reducing the dimension of switching operations from N channels to M bands where M < N.
2Reliability
If active switches are deployed at remote nodes to enable protection switching, then fault resilience is improved, but maintenance difficulty and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the active switching functionality from remote nodes and concentrates it at the hub node. Remote nodes are converted to passive configurations with only band filters and optical components, eliminating the need for power, control, and maintenance at these distributed locations. The hub node retains full active switching capability, providing fault resilience through protection switching while simplifying the remote node architecture to passive, maintenance-free components.
Solution Approach 2:
The passive remote nodes perform their function automatically without requiring active control or intervention. The band filters at remote nodes passively separate and route bands based on their optical properties, eliminating the need for powered switches, control logic, or maintenance at remote locations. The system achieves protection switching through the coordinated operation of hub node switches and passive remote node filters.
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 reduces costs by approximately 38% compared to existing configurations, enhances scalability, and improves reliability by minimizing active components at remote sites, while maintaining efficient communication between hub and remote nodes.
Implementation Method 1
a first band filter adapted to separate a first aggregated signal comprising a plurality of channel signals into a plurality of band signals
Implementation Method 2
A second band filter and a third band filter are adapted to aggregate a plurality of band signals into a second aggregated signal comprising a plurality of channel signals
Data Source
AI summary
A network node (400) for use as a hub node of a network that further comprises one or more remote nodes, wherein the network node (400) is coupled to at least first and second connections (410, 412) for communication with one or more remote nodes, comprises a first band filter (403) adapted to separate a first aggregated signal (404) comprising a plurality of channel signals into a plurality of band signals (4081 to 408M). The network node (400) comprises a second band filter (405) and a third band filter (407) adapted to aggregate a plurality of band signals (4081 to 408M) into a second aggregated signal (406) comprising a plurality of channel signals and a third aggregated signal (413) comprising a plurality of channel signals, respectively. A switching module (409) is adapted to switch on a per-band granularity the plurality of band signals (4081 to 408M) between the first band filter (403) and either the second band filter (405) or the third band filter (407). The first band filter (403) may be adapted to aggregate the plurality of band signals (4081 to 408M) into the first aggregated signal (404); the second band filter (405) and a third band filter (407) may be adapted to separate the second aggregated signal (410) and third aggregated signal (412), respectively, into the plurality of band signals (4081 to 408M); and the switching module (409) may be adapted to switch on a per-band granularity the plurality of band signals (4081 to 408M) between either the second band filter (405) or the third band filter (407) and the first band filter (403).