Optical Communication Device Flexible Reconfiguration WSS Failure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ROADM systems in WDM optical communication networks lack flexibility for reconfiguration, making it difficult to manage changes or failures in network configurations, such as WSS device failures, which can disrupt communication services.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an optical communication device and method that includes first and second wavelength selecting units and branching units to split and selectively output optical signals between terminal stations, with a control device to manage signal paths and outputs, allowing for flexible reconfiguration and failure management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single WSS is used for wavelength selection in ROADM, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates because the system cannot flexibly deal with WSS failures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent assigns different functional roles to different WSS devices: the first WSS handles wavelength selection for signals from the first terminal station, while the second WSS handles wavelength selection for signals from the second terminal station and failure backup. This localized functional differentiation allows the system to maintain reliability through specialized redundancy without requiring complete duplication of all functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system proactively configures backup signal paths and standby WSS devices before failures occur. The control device pre-establishes alternative routing configurations so that when a WSS failure is detected, the system can immediately switch to backup paths without service interruption, cushioning against the impact of failures.
2Reliability
If multiple wavelength selecting units are deployed for redundancy, then reliability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The second wavelength selecting unit serves multiple functions: it acts as a primary selector for signals from the second terminal station, serves as a backup for the first wavelength selecting unit, and enables flexible reconfiguration of signal paths. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated backup devices, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while maintaining reliability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If flexible reconfiguration capability is implemented, then adaptability improves, but control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control device implements feedback mechanisms that monitor the operational status of wavelength selecting units and automatically adjust signal routing configurations. When changes in network conditions or device failures are detected, the feedback system triggers automatic reconfiguration, reducing the need for complex manual control while maintaining high adaptability.
Data Source
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AI summary
To provide an optical communication technology that brings flexibility to ROADM systems. An optical communication device according to the present invention drops and adds an optical signal from and to wavelength-division multiplexed optical signals that are transmitted on a main path between network terminal stations, the device including: first means and second means capable of selecting an optical signal of a predetermined wavelength from inputted optical signals and of outputting the selected optical signal; third means for splitting optical signals inputted from a first terminal station on the main path into the first means and the second means; fourth means for splitting optical signals inputted from a branch path in the network into the first means and the second means; and fifth means capable of selectively outputting to a second terminal station on the main path either an optical signal outputted by the first means or an optical signal outputted by the second means.