Intelligent Optical Distribution Center for Wavelength Provisioning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Fiber communication networks face challenges in efficiently utilizing existing fiber infrastructure due to limited capacity and interference issues, particularly in optical access networks where multiple dissimilar optical transport signals need to coexist on the same fiber strand, leading to increased costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
An optical network system with an intelligent configuration unit that monitors and multiplexes multiple heterogeneous optical signals onto a single fiber, using an optical distribution center to separate and distribute these signals to end users, optimizing signal transmission by analyzing fiber segment characteristics and signal parameters to minimize interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple dissimilar optical transport signals are carried over the same fiber strand, then fiber capacity is improved, but signal interference increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fiber strand is segmented into multiple wavelength channels, each carrying a separate optical transport signal. The system divides the optical spectrum into discrete wavelength slots (e.g., C-band, L-band) that can be independently allocated to different signal types (coherent, direct-detect, analog), allowing multiple signals to coexist without interference while maximizing fiber capacity utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
An intelligent wavelength provisioning system acts as an intermediary between signal sources and the fiber infrastructure. This system monitors fiber characteristics, analyzes signal requirements, and dynamically allocates wavelength slots to optimize capacity while preventing interference through intelligent spectrum management and coordination of transmission parameters.
2Productivity
If new long access fibers are installed to increase capacity, then signal capacity demand is met, but installation costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables a single fiber strand to serve multiple functions by simultaneously carrying different types of optical transport signals (coherent WDM-PON, direct-detect, analog cable signals) over different wavelength ranges. This multi-functionality allows existing fiber infrastructure to meet growing capacity demands without requiring new fiber installations, thereby avoiding high installation costs while delivering diverse services.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of existing fiber infrastructure by implementing wavelength-division multiplexing across multiple bands (C-band, L-band, S-band) and adjusting transmission formats (coherent, direct-detect, analog modulation). These parameter changes enable existing fibers to achieve higher capacity without physical expansion, avoiding the need for costly new fiber deployment.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If dissimilar optical transport signals are isolated on separate fibers, then signal interference is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges multiple dissimilar optical transport signals onto a single fiber strand by allocating them to different wavelength slots within the optical spectrum. Coherent signals, direct-detect signals, and analog cable signals are combined in the wavelength domain, allowing them to share the same physical infrastructure without requiring separate fiber bundles, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining signal isolation through spectral separation.
4Productivity
If the number of end users per optical fiber increases, then fiber efficiency is improved, but power requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts transmission parameters including wavelength allocation, modulation format, and power levels based on the number of end users and service requirements. As user density increases, the system can switch between coherent and direct-detect modes, adjust spectral efficiency, and optimize power distribution across wavelength channels, allowing high fiber efficiency to be achieved while adapting power requirements to actual network conditions rather than requiring maximum power for all scenarios.
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 solution enhances the capacity and efficiency of existing fiber networks, allowing multiple optical signals to coexist without significant interference, thereby reducing the need for new fiber installations and lowering operational costs.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing wavelength division multiplexing
Implementation Method 2
an optical distribution center to separate and distribute these signals
Data Source
Figure 1A~2C
Figure 3
Figure 4
AI summary
An optical access network includes an optical hub having at least one processor. The network further includes a plurality of optical distribution centers connected to the optical hub by a plurality of optical fiber segments, respectively, and a plurality of geographic fiber node serving areas. Each fiber node serving area of the plurality of fiber node serving areas includes at least one optical distribution center of the plurality of optical distribution centers. The network further includes a plurality of end points. Each end point of the plurality of end points is in operable communication with at least one optical distribution center. The network further includes a point-to-point network provisioning system configured to (i) evaluate each potential communication path over the plurality of optical fiber segments between a first end point and a second end point, and (ii) select an optimum fiber path based on predetermined path selection criteria.