Optical Hub Wavelength Switching for Port Utilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical network hub architectures face issues such as underutilization of ports and lack of flexibility in wavelength allocation, leading to inefficient traffic routing and increased complexity and cost.
Innovation Solution
A service edge hub device with a wavelength switching mechanism using N:N optical splitters and controllable optical filters, allowing each optical wavelength channel to be individually directed to different ports, optimizing port usage and enabling flexible traffic routing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fixed wavelength ports are used in traditional hub architecture, then device complexity is reduced, but port utilization deteriorates and flexibility is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic wavelength allocation by replacing fixed wavelength ports with tunable optical filters that can be reconfigured via control signals. This allows the system to adapt wavelength assignments in real-time based on traffic demands, resolving the contradiction between flexibility and complexity by making the system dynamically adjustable rather than statically fixed
Solution Approach 2:
The hub device achieves multi-functionality by enabling each optical port to handle multiple wavelength channels through the tunable filter mechanism. A single port can serve different wavelength assignments at different times, effectively providing universal service capability across multiple wavelengths without requiring dedicated fixed ports for each wavelength, thus improving adaptability while controlling complexity
2Productivity
If dedicated ports are allocated for each service, then service reliability is improved, but port utilization deteriorates due to underutilization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple wavelength channels onto shared optical ports using wavelength division multiplexing combined with tunable filtering. Instead of dedicating separate physical ports for each wavelength service, multiple wavelength services are combined and shared across a pool of ports, dramatically improving port utilization efficiency while maintaining service reliability through logical channel separation and controlled access
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service through automated wavelength assignment and port allocation mechanisms. The control unit dynamically assigns wavelengths to services and manages port usage based on real-time network conditions, eliminating the need for manual port dedication while ensuring reliable service connectivity through automated resource management and conflict avoidance
3Ease of operation
If wavelength selective switches are used for directing channels, then traffic routing flexibility is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces tunable optical filters as intermediary components between the wavelength selective switch and the optical ports. These filters act as mediators that perform the wavelength selection function in a simpler, more cost-effective manner compared to complex WSS devices, reducing optical switching complexity while maintaining traffic routing flexibility through the filter-based wavelength selection mechanism
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 improves port utilization, enables in-service upgrades, and provides single-homed fiber break protection, reducing complexity and cost while enhancing flexibility in optical network traffic management.
Implementation Method 1
the wavelength switching means comprises an optical splitter arrangement, wherein the optical splitter arrangement comprises one or more N:N optical splitters for individually spreading and directing each individual optical wavelength channel to the different port of the plurality of optical ports
Implementation Method 2
optical network carrying data traffic comprising data information on a number of optical wavelength channels
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a node of an optical network, methods and service edge hub devices (50)attachable to an optical network carrying data traffic comprising data information on a number of optical wavelength channels in one or more optical fibres. Said hub device comprising one or more optical ports (78a-d) connectable to one or more service equipment arrangements (70) for digital processing the received data information, the hub comprising a wavelength switching means (60) configured to connect each channel to the ports (78a-d), wherein the wavelength switching means (60) comprises an optical splitter arrangement (100) for spreading and directing the channels to the different ports (78a-d), in one direction, and network ports (52), in the other direction.