OADM Channel Holder Switching for Fast Optical Capacity Changes
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power control techniques in optical networks are slow and negatively impact existing channels during capacity changes, especially in channel-holder based optical links, and managing optical spectrum usage with flexible grid approaches and supercarriers requires support for unprovisioned channels to avoid power loss and spectral inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
Decouple the optical filter opening from the intended media channel bandwidth, using a Wavelength Selective Switch (WSS) to create granular optical filters that match deployed signals, allowing channel holders to fill unused spectrum and dynamically adjust filter bandwidth to accommodate capacity changes without affecting existing traffic.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If conventional power control techniques are used to adjust optical power settings on optical links, then power control can be achieved, but the process is slow (operates in seconds) and negatively impacts existing in-service channels
Solution Approach 1:
The optical link capacity is segmented into two independent components: channel holders that maintain optical power and spectral fill, and traffic channels that carry data. This segmentation allows capacity changes to be achieved by switching traffic channels without affecting the stable power conditions maintained by channel holders, thus enabling fast capacity changes without impacting existing channels.
Solution Approach 2:
Channel holders act as intermediary elements that maintain the optical power and spectral conditions on the link. They serve as a buffer between the traffic channels and the optical link characteristics, allowing traffic channels to be switched rapidly without directly affecting the optical power stability, thereby resolving the contradiction between speed and reliability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If optical filter bandwidth is allocated for the entire intended media channel bandwidth, then future capacity expansion is enabled, but spectral power is lost and actuator settings become suboptimal when channels are not fully deployed
Solution Approach 1:
The optical filter bandwidth is made dynamic rather than static. The controller adjusts the optical filter bandwidth to match the currently deployed traffic channels while maintaining the ability to expand to the full intended media channel bandwidth when needed. This dynamic adjustment optimizes spectral power utilization for current conditions while preserving future expansion capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the optical filter bandwidth parameter based on the number of deployed traffic channels. When fewer channels are deployed, the optical filter bandwidth is reduced to match, preventing spectral power loss. When channels are added, the bandwidth is expanded accordingly, maintaining optimal actuator settings throughout the deployment process while enabling future capacity expansion.
3Productivity
If channel holders are used to maintain optical spectrum in full-fill loading condition, then capacity changes can be performed digitally without power optimization, but channel holders require precise power and spectral management
Solution Approach 1:
The controller implements feedback mechanisms to monitor the power and spectral conditions of channel holders and traffic channels. Based on this feedback, the controller dynamically adjusts optical filter bandwidth and channel holder power levels to maintain optimal conditions. This feedback-based management simplifies the complexity by providing automated, adaptive control rather than requiring manual precise management.
Solution Approach 2:
Channel holders are designed to automatically maintain their power and spectral characteristics without requiring continuous manual optimization. The system enables self-service operation where channel holders inherently preserve optical power and spectral fill, reducing the management complexity while maintaining high productivity in capacity changes.
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
Enables fast and efficient capacity changes in optical networks by maintaining spectral power and signal quality, reducing transient penalties, and optimizing actuator settings for channel holders and existing channels.
Implementation Method 1
causing allocation of optical filter bandwidth in the optical multiplexing/demultiplexing device for M channels in the media channel
Implementation Method 2
an optical multiplexing/demultiplexing device forming a degree
Data Source
AI summary
An Optical Add/Drop Multiplexing (OADM) device forming a degree in an optical network includes one or more traffic switch ports configured to interface with occupied traffic signals; and a channel holder port configured to interface with one or more channel holder sources for unoccupied spectrum or traffic signals; wherein the OADM device is configured to receive a bandwidth intent for a media channel on the degree and the media channel includes any of the occupied traffic signals and the unoccupied spectrum or traffic signals, and to switch the one or more traffic switch ports and the channel holder port for spectrum in the bandwidth intent accordingly.