Optical Add/Drop Apparatus Using Segmented Rings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical networks face challenges in connecting multiple nodes efficiently due to complex node architecture, high costs, and space constraints, particularly in metropolitan areas, as they require numerous optical fibers and components like array waveguide diffraction gratings, optical switches, and amplifiers, which complicate control and increase costs.
Innovation Solution
An optical add/drop apparatus with a series of fixed wavelength drop and add filters, combined with a variable wavelength drop filter, allows for efficient communication between nodes using a compact configuration, reducing the need for multiple optical components and amplifiers by reusing wavelengths and minimizing attenuation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a full-mesh optical network is configured to enable simultaneous communication between multiple nodes, then communication versatility is improved, but device complexity and cost increase due to requiring numerous optical fibers and components at each node
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the full-mesh network into multiple ring networks. Each node is assigned to specific ring(s), and communication paths are divided through these rings. This segmentation reduces the number of direct connections each node needs, simplifying node architecture while maintaining full-mesh communication capability through coordinated ring routing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes optical signals serve multiple functions by enabling wavelength reuse. The same wavelength can be used for different communication paths in different rings, allowing a single optical signal to fulfill multiple communication roles. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of wavelengths and components needed at each node.
2Productivity
If wavelength division multiplexing is used to increase communication capacity, then productivity is improved, but loss of substance increases due to wavelength conflicts and interference in full-mesh topology
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the wavelength resources into separate ring-specific sets. Each ring operates with its own wavelength allocation, preventing wavelength conflicts between different communication paths. This segmentation allows wavelength division multiplexing to achieve higher capacity without interference, as wavelengths are isolated to specific ring contexts.
3Adaptability or versatility
If numerous optical components are deployed to achieve full-mesh connectivity, then adaptability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to complicated control requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments control functions by ring. Each ring can be controlled independently, and nodes only need to manage connections within their assigned rings rather than coordinating all possible full-mesh connections. This segmentation simplifies control logic and operational procedures while maintaining full adaptability through inter-ring coordination.
4Area of stationary object
If a compact network configuration is implemented to reduce space usage, then area is reduced, but device complexity increases due to component integration requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple communication functions into shared ring infrastructure. Multiple nodes share the same physical ring and wavelength resources, eliminating the need for dedicated point-to-point components between each node pair. This merging reduces overall space requirements while the modular ring architecture keeps individual node complexity manageable.
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 configuration enables a low-cost, compact, and efficient connection of multiple nodes in optical networks, reducing the number of required wavelengths and amplifiers, thus simplifying network setup and operation while maintaining effective communication.
Implementation Method 1
wavelength division multiplexed light inputted from a transmission path
Implementation Method 2
an optical tunable filter for demultiplexing an optical signal having a wavelength designated by a predetermined wavelength selection signal
Implementation Method 3
an optical amplifier for amplifying the wavelength division multiplexed light
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are a plurality of fixed wavelength drop filters 35 demultiplexing optical signals having a plurality of different fixed wavelengths, a plurality of fixed wavelength add filters 36 provided corresponding respectively to the fixed wavelength drop filters 35 and adding the optical signals having the fixed wavelengths wavelength division multiplexed light flowing along a transmission path 1, a first optical branching unit 31 branching part of the wavelength division multiplexed light flowing along the transmission path 1, and a variable wavelength drop filter 32 demultiplexing the optical signal having the wavelength corresponding to a specified value from the wavelength division multiplexed light branched by the first optical branching unit 31.