Optical Interconnection Module Port Polarity Preservation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In hybrid electrical-optical networks, port polarity is not conserved when media converter modules (MCMs) and optical interconnection modules (OIMs) are connected, leading to configuration mismatches, which complicates the transition from lower-cost electronics-based Gigabit equipment to higher-data-rate optical networks.
Innovation Solution
The optical interconnection module is designed to connect to media converter modules using specific port configurations, ensuring that transmit and receive ports are optically connected according to defined configurations, preserving port polarity and enabling seamless integration with fiber optic cables, thus establishing a hybrid electrical-optical network that maintains compatibility between copper-ported and fiber-ported equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If media converter modules and optical interconnection modules are connected in hybrid electrical-optical networks, then connectivity between copper-ported and fiber-ported equipment is enabled, but port polarity mismatch occurs leading to configuration complications
Solution Approach 1:
The optical interconnection module is designed with dual functionality: it can operate as a standalone optical module connected to fiber optic cables, and simultaneously serve as an interface for media converter modules with copper ports. The module incorporates both optical connectors for fiber connections and electrical connectors for copper connections, enabling it to bridge different network types while maintaining a unified port configuration standard that preserves polarity relationships.
2Reliability
If lower-cost electronics-based Gigabit equipment with UTP cabling is deployed, then cost is reduced, but future migration to optical networks requires re-cabling the entire infrastructure
Solution Approach 1:
The optical backbone cabling infrastructure is installed and configured in advance, establishing a permanent optical foundation. Media converter modules with integrated optical interconnection capabilities are then deployed at network nodes, allowing the system to operate with copper cabling for cost-effective Gigabit connectivity while the optical infrastructure remains ready for future migration. This preliminary optical installation eliminates the need for re-cabling when upgrading to higher data rates.
3Speed
If optical interconnection modules replace media converter modules for 10 Gigabit and 100 Gigabit networks, then data rate is improved, but the optical backbone cabling infrastructure must be re-cabled
Solution Approach 1:
The network infrastructure is segmented into two independent layers: the optical backbone cabling layer that provides the physical fiber optic pathways, and the interconnection module layer that provides protocol conversion and signal conditioning. By separating these functions, the optical backbone remains unchanged during upgrades. When migrating from 10 Gigabit to 100 Gigabit networks, only the interconnection modules need to be replaced, not the entire cabling infrastructure.
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 allows for the preservation of port polarity, ensuring efficient and scalable network transitions from lower-cost electronics-based systems to higher-data-rate optical networks without the need for re-cabling the optical backbone infrastructure, thereby reducing costs and maintaining network reliability.
Implementation Method 1
transmit/receive ports POF(i) that are optically connected to the transmit ports POT(i) and the receive ports POR(i)
Data Source
AI summary
An optical interconnection module (100) for connecting to a media converter module (20) as part of a hybrid electrical-optical network (10) is disclosed. The optical interconnection module includes a transmitter connector (136T) having transmit ports (POT(i)) and a receiver connector having receive ports (POR(i)). The optical interconnection module also has transmit/receive ports (POF(i)) that are optically connected via a set (F) of fibers (142) to the transmit and receive ports of the transmitter and receiver connectors using one of two port configurations. Hybrid electrical-optical networks that utilize a trunk cable (60) to connect the media converter module to the optical interconnection module are also disclosed.