Optical Hub Node Route Unit Scalability
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) networks, the number of route units in optical hub node apparatuses is predetermined, limiting the ability to increase the number of connected optical transmission apparatuses and routes without incurring high facility costs due to the need for expensive optical switches and amplifiers.
Innovation Solution
The optical hub node apparatus is configured with M route units, each having N internal ports to connect with other route units, allowing for flexible connection management and extension by connecting N or less route units to each of the M units, using optical switches and splitters to manage and amplify signals, thereby increasing the number of connectable route units without replacing existing units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the number of route units in optical hub node apparatus is increased to connect more optical transmission apparatuses, then the network capacity and connectivity are improved, but the facility costs increase due to the need for additional expensive optical switches and amplifiers
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the optical hub node apparatus into multiple independent optical node apparatuses, each with a predetermined number of route units. This segmentation allows the system to achieve higher overall connectivity by distributing route units across multiple nodes rather than requiring one large node with many expensive components. Each segmented node can be independently managed and scaled.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention implements a hierarchical network structure where multiple optical node apparatuses are interconnected to form an extended network. Smaller optical node apparatuses with fewer route units are nested within a larger network topology, allowing the system to achieve the functionality of a large hub node while using multiple smaller, more cost-effective units. The network topology enables route units in different nodes to work together to provide end-to-end connectivity.
2Ease of manufacture
If the number of route units is predetermined in optical hub node apparatus, then the device structure is simplified and easier to manufacture, but the ability to increase connected optical transmission apparatuses is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces dynamic configurability to the network topology by allowing optical node apparatuses to be added, removed, and reconfigured without changing the fundamental structure of existing nodes. The network can dynamically adapt to changing requirements by adjusting the number and arrangement of optical node apparatuses. This dynamic approach maintains the simplicity of individual node structures while enabling flexible network-scale expansion.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates universal optical node apparatus units that can serve multiple functions depending on their configuration and position in the network. Each optical node apparatus with a predetermined number of route units can function as an endpoint, a transit node, or part of various network topologies (ring, mesh, tree). This multi-functionality allows the same basic unit to adapt to different network requirements without requiring custom-designed nodes for each scenario.
Data Source
AI summary
An optical hub node apparatus can be configured to include N+1 or more route units (10) by connecting N or less route units (10) selected from among the N+1 or more route units (10) to a route unit (10) including N (N:integer of 2 or more) ports to which other route units (10) are detachably connected. As a result, as compared with a case where N+1 route units (10) are completely interconnected in a meshed manner, the number of the route units (10) can be increased. Thus, the number (degree) of optical transmission apparatuses connectable to the optical hub node apparatus can be increased.