Optical Bus Interface Modules for WDM Network Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional Ethernet networks using point-to-point connections with WDM optical systems do not maximize the configuration of the WDM optical system, limiting switching and throughput abilities.
Innovation Solution
An optical network system with an optical bus and optical bus interface modules that allow for bi-directional data transmission and reception, using electro-optical network interfaces to connect electronic devices via various protocols like Ethernet, FiberChannel, and Infiniband, enabling efficient data transfer and reducing the need for multiple interface cards and switches.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If point-to-point connection scheme is used with WDM optical system, then Ethernet protocols can be implemented, but the configuration of the WDM optical system is not maximized and switching ability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple Ethernet protocols and optical protocols into a single network interface card through protocol translation circuits. The first protocol translation circuit translates between first and second Ethernet protocols, while the second protocol translation circuit translates between optical protocols and Ethernet protocols. This merging allows the WDM optical system to be fully utilized without requiring separate interface cards for each protocol, thereby maximizing system configuration while maintaining switching capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The network interface card is designed with multi-functionality to handle multiple protocol types simultaneously. By incorporating both Ethernet protocol translation and optical protocol translation capabilities in a single device, the interface card can adapt to various network configurations and protocol requirements, maximizing the versatility of the WDM optical system without increasing device complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple interface cards and switches are used to handle different protocols, then protocol compatibility is achieved, but device complexity and system interconnection complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple protocol translation functions into a single network interface card. The first protocol translation circuit handles Ethernet protocol translations while the second protocol translation circuit handles optical protocol translations, both within the same physical device. This consolidation reduces the number of separate interface cards and switches needed, thereby reducing system interconnection complexity while maintaining full protocol compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The protocol translation circuits act as intermediaries between different protocol domains. The first translation circuit mediates between different Ethernet protocols, and the second translation circuit mediates between optical protocols and Ethernet protocols. This intermediary approach allows seamless protocol conversion within a single device, eliminating the need for multiple specialized interface cards and reducing overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Optical network interface systems and devices are described. In one embodiment of the present invention, an optical transport system comprises an optical bus capable of transmitting data signals, a plurality of optical bus interface modules connected to the optical bus, wherein each optical bus interface module is capable of inputting data signals on the optical bus and outputting data signals from the optical bus, a plurality of electronic devices, and a plurality of electro-optical network interfaces, wherein each electro-optical network interface is associated with a single electronic device and is contained in a single structure, wherein each electro-optical interface is capable of receiving data signals from an associated optical bus interface module and passing the data signals to the associated electronic device according to a variety of suitable protocols such as Ethernet, FiberChannel, and Infiniband, and each electro-optical interface is capable of receiving data signals from the associated electronic device and passing the data signals to the associated optical bus interface module according to a variety of suitable protocols such as Ethernet, FiberChannel, and Infiniband.