Optical Cross-Connection Node Using Dynamic Spectrum Allocation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for establishing optical cross-connections in wavelength division multiplexing networks require manual configuration by network management systems, leading to complex implementation and low reliability due to fixed spectrum resource allocation, which wastes resources and reduces utilization.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that automatically determine the number of subcarriers, spectrum bandwidth, and overlap or non-overlap of spectrum resources between neighboring subcarriers to establish a multi-carrier optical cross-connection, using a node device to send and receive messages to select available center frequencies and establish connections based on non-overlapping or overlapping spectrum ranges.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If manual configuration is used to establish multi-carrier optical cross-connection, then flexibility in spectrum bandwidth allocation is improved, but implementation complexity increases and reliability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespectrum bandwidth allocation flexibilityVSAvoidimplementation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements automatic configuration where the optical cross-connection node autonomously determines subcarrier parameters, selects available center frequencies, and establishes connections without manual intervention. The system self-services by automatically managing spectrum resource allocation based on service requirements, thereby reducing implementation complexity while maintaining flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent dynamically adjusts key parameters including the number of subcarriers, spectrum bandwidth of single subcarrier, and center frequencies based on service requirements and available resources. This parameter adaptation enables flexible spectrum allocation while the automated parameter management reduces implementation complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of manufacture

If fixed spectrum intervals are used for connections, then implementation is simplified, but spectrum resource utilization decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimplementation simplicityVSAvoidspectrum resource utilization
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from fixed static spectrum intervals to dynamic flexible grid spectrum allocation. The system dynamically adjusts spectrum bandwidth and subcarrier parameters according to service requirements, improving spectrum resource utilization while maintaining implementation feasibility through automated management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the optical spectrum into flexible subcarrier channels that can be independently configured. By dividing the spectrum into adjustable subcarrier units rather than fixed intervals, the system enables fine-grained spectrum allocation that improves utilization while keeping implementation manageable through standardized segmentation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Measurement precision

If manual configuration is used for optical cross-connection, then control precision is improved, but reliability decreases due to human error

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconfiguration precisionVSAvoidconnection establishment reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements automated feedback mechanisms where the system queries available center frequencies from neighboring nodes, validates spectrum resource availability, and adjusts configuration parameters accordingly. This closed-loop feedback process ensures configuration precision while eliminating human error, thereby improving reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical configuration operations with automated electronic control systems. The automated system electronically determines parameters, selects frequencies, and establishes connections, maintaining precision while improving reliability by eliminating human intervention and associated errors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP2640086B1Method and node device for establishing optical cross connection
Publication Date: 2016.04.06 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP2640086B1 patent drawingFigure 1a
  • EP2640086B1 patent drawingFigure 1b
  • EP2640086B1 patent drawingFigure 1c

AI summary

The present invention relates to the network communication field, and discloses a method for establishing an optical cross-connection. The method includes: determining, by a first node, the number of subcarriers, spectrum bandwidth of a single subcarrier, and non-overlap of spectrum resources between neighboring subcarriers of a connection; obtaining, by the first node, a first set of available center frequencies of a first link according to the spectrum bandwidth of a single subcarrier; sending, by the first node, a request message to a neighboring node in a direction from the first node to a second node, where the request message carries at least the number of subcarriers, information on the spectrum bandwidth of a single subcarrier, subcarrier overlap attribute information, and information on the first set of available center frequencies; receiving, by the first node, a response message, and obtaining a set of center frequencies of the subcarriers of the connection; and establishing an optical cross-connection based on a spectrum range determined according to non-overlap of spectrum resources between neighboring subcarriers, the set of center frequencies of the subcarriers, and the spectrum bandwidth of a single subcarrier. Further, embodiments of the present invention disclose a system and a node device for establishing an optical cross-connection.