Node-division multiplexing for pseudo all-to-all optical links
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for achieving pseudo all-to-all connectivity in large systems require extensive resources, including numerous optical transceivers, faceplates, and cables, leading to increased costs, size, and complexity, while also resulting in inefficient bandwidth utilization due to the need for point-to-point connections and full fiber pair usage per port.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of node-division multiplexing (NDM) using commercial off-the-shelf optical cables and connectors, where a partial set of wavelengths is allocated to each node port, allowing for sub-WDM node port allocation and pseudo all-to-all connectivity between sets of nodes, reducing the number of required connections and optimizing bandwidth usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If point-to-point connections are used for pseudo all-to-all connectivity, then connectivity between nodes is achieved, but the number of optical transceivers, faceplates, and cables increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple point-to-point connections into a single optical cable by implementing node-division multiplexing. Multiple node ports are multiplexed onto fewer optical fibers, where each fiber carries time-multiplexed signals from different nodes. This merging approach maintains full connectivity between all nodes while dramatically reducing the number of physical cables and transceivers required.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the optical cable into different time slots or wavelengths, with each segment dedicated to a specific node port. By dividing the optical fiber bandwidth into multiple segments that are time-multiplexed or wavelength-multiplexed, the system achieves pseudo all-to-all connectivity using fewer physical connections, as each cable segment serves multiple nodes sequentially or simultaneously on different wavelengths.
2Productivity
If full fiber pair usage per port is implemented, then bandwidth utilization is maximized for point-to-point connections, but system cost and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous time-multiplexing where a single optical fiber carries signals from multiple nodes continuously in time-division manner. Instead of dedicating full fiber pairs to each node port, the system continuously transmits time-multiplexed signals, ensuring that the optical fiber resource is fully utilized at all times. This approach maintains high bandwidth utilization while reducing the quantity of optical fibers and associated hardware required.
3Adaptability or versatility
If numerous optical transceivers and cables are deployed, then connectivity coverage is improved, but installation and operation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes each optical cable and transceiver multi-functional by enabling them to serve multiple node ports simultaneously through time-multiplexing or wavelength-multiplexing. A single optical cable can connect to multiple nodes and carry multiple logical connections, making the hardware universal rather than dedicated. This reduces the total number of components needed and simplifies installation, as fewer cables and transceivers must be deployed and managed while maintaining comprehensive connectivity coverage.
Data Source
AI summary
A pseudo all-to-all connected system for optical communications are provided. A plurality of nodes are grouped into a node-division multiplexing (NDM) node. An electrical shuffle comprising a plurality of electrical traces connects each port of the plurality of nodes to at least one optical transceiver. The at least one optical transceiver is configured to multiplex a plurality of electrical signals from the plurality of nodes into a plurality of wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) optical signals, the electrical shuffle being configured to route the plurality of electrical signals from each port of the plurality of nodes to form one of a plurality of ordered sequences of signals from the plurality of nodes. A fiber shuffle is configured to route the plurality of WDM optical signals to and from a plurality of NDM connectors.