Optical Filter Wavelength Allocation for Network Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In passive optical networks with physical unbundling, there is a risk of wavelength collisions and security breaches due to different network providers sharing the same optical infrastructure, especially when not all optical line terminals (OLTs) are located at the same central office, and existing solutions do not adequately address the dynamic changes in network providers and services.
Innovation Solution
A network controller manages optical filters to ensure that only authorized wavelengths are used for communication between OLTs and optical network units (ONUs), configuring demarcation points to allow specific wavelengths for downstream and upstream traffic, preventing collisions and enhancing security by isolating network providers' traffic.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If physical unbundling with wavelength per service provider is deployed, then network isolation and security are improved, but the risk of wavelength collisions and system complexity increase when OLTs are located at different CO positions
Solution Approach 1:
A central controller is introduced as an intermediary to manage wavelength allocation and coordinate OLTs at different CO locations. The controller receives wavelength requests, checks for conflicts, and assigns wavelengths centrally, preventing collisions while maintaining the physical unbundling architecture and network isolation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements dynamic wavelength allocation where wavelengths are not statically assigned but dynamically requested and assigned by the central controller based on current network conditions and availability. This allows flexible adaptation to changing network configurations while preventing wavelength collisions.
2Reliability
If OLTs operate at different wavelengths from different CO locations, then service provider isolation is improved, but the risk of traffic collision and security breaches increases
Solution Approach 1:
OLTs send wavelength requests to the central controller, which checks wavelength availability and responds with assigned wavelengths. This feedback mechanism ensures that no two OLTs are assigned the same wavelength, preventing traffic collisions while maintaining provider isolation.
Solution Approach 2:
Wavelength assignment is performed in advance by the central controller before OLTs begin transmission. This preliminary allocation ensures that wavelength conflicts are prevented before they occur, rather than detecting and resolving collisions after they happen.
3Adaptability or versatility
If dynamic customer service changes are supported, then network adaptability is improved, but the complexity of managing wavelength allocations increases
Solution Approach 1:
OLTs automatically send wavelength requests to the central controller when needed, and the controller automatically assigns available wavelengths. This automated self-service mechanism handles dynamic customer service changes without manual intervention, maintaining adaptability while reducing management complexity through automation.
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 effectively coordinates wavelength use across multiple network operators, preventing disruptions and increasing security by ensuring only authorized wavelengths are used, thus protecting the optical distribution network from unauthorized traffic and collisions.
Implementation Method 1
A first optical line terminal sends a request for optical communication with at least one optical network unit to the network controller. The request is sent over the optical distribution network and indicates an operating wavelength of the first optical line terminal and of the at least one optical network unit. The network controller configures at least two of said optical filters to allow a passing through of said operating wavelength or of a further operating wavelength.
Data Source
AI summary
The network comprises a plurality of optical line terminals which communicate with a plurality of optical network units over an optical distribution network. The optical distribution network includes a plurality of optical filters controlled by a network controller. A first optical line terminal sends a request for optical communication with at least one optical network unit to the network controller. The request is sent over the optical distribution network and indicates an operating wavelength of the first optical line terminal and of the at least one optical network unit. The network controller configures at least two of the optical filters to allow a passing through of the operating wavelength or of a further operating wavelength. The optical communication between the first optical line terminal and the at least one optical network unit in the operating or in the further operating wavelength is established through the optical filters.