Optical Network Frequency Locking for Hub Capacity Expansion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical networking systems face challenges in efficiently increasing the overall capacity of hub nodes without replacing leaf equipment, particularly in dynamic traffic demand scenarios.
Innovation Solution
The method involves using a first-hub laser in a hub node to transmit sub-carriers to leaf nodes, which then adjust their lasers to follow the frequency changes of the first-hub laser. This frequency locking mechanism allows for the adjustment of subsequent hub node lasers to maintain frequency alignment, enabling efficient reconfiguration and reallocation of bandwidth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If hub node capacity is increased by replacing leaf equipment, then network capacity increases, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces frequency locking mechanisms and reference signals as intermediaries between hub nodes and leaf nodes. These intermediaries enable capacity expansion at hub nodes without requiring changes to leaf equipment, as the frequency locking system automatically adapts to maintain synchronization across the network despite capacity changes at the hub level.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the frequency locking function into hierarchical levels: primary reference from hub nodes, secondary references from intermediate nodes, and tertiary references from leaf nodes. This segmentation allows capacity changes at any level without requiring system-wide reconfiguration, thereby increasing network capacity while maintaining manageable device complexity.
2Productivity
If hub node capacity is increased by replacing leaf equipment, then network capacity increases, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The frequency locking reference signals act as intermediaries that enable capacity expansion without requiring expensive replacement of leaf equipment. The reference signals carry frequency information that allows leaf nodes to automatically adapt to hub node capacity changes, eliminating the need for costly hardware upgrades at the leaf level.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses frequency copying mechanisms where leaf nodes copy and lock onto the frequency references transmitted by hub nodes. This copying approach allows the network to scale capacity at hub nodes while leaf nodes continue to operate with existing hardware, significantly reducing the cost of capacity expansion.
3Productivity
If frequency locking is implemented across multiple hub nodes, then network efficiency increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic frequency locking where nodes continuously adjust their frequencies to match reference signals from hub nodes. This dynamic adaptation enables efficient multi-hub coordination without requiring complex static configuration, as the system automatically adjusts to maintain synchronization across changing network conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The frequency locking mechanism incorporates feedback loops where nodes monitor their frequency alignment with reference signals and automatically adjust accordingly. This feedback-driven approach achieves efficient multi-hub operation without increasing device complexity, as the adjustment process is automated through the feedback mechanism rather than requiring complex control systems.
Data Source
AI summary
Optical networks and methods including a method comprising sending, utilizing a first-hub laser in a first hub node, sub-carriers to a second leaf node; determining, with the second leaf node, laser frequency changes of the first-hub laser based on movement in frequency of at least one received sub-carriers from the first hub node; adjusting a second-leaf laser of the second leaf node to follow the laser frequency changes of the first-hub laser; determining, with the second hub node, laser frequency changes of the second-leaf laser based on movement in frequency of at least one sub-carrier received from the second leaf node, thereby determining the laser frequency changes of the first-hub laser; and adjusting a second-hub laser of the second hub node to follow the laser frequency changes of the second-leaf laser, and thereby to follow the laser frequency changes of the first-hub laser.