Optical Label Swapping via Bit Inversion in WDM Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Optical label switching networks face challenges in efficiently swapping optical labels without incurring costly Optical-Electronic-Optical (OEO) conversions, especially in wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) networks, where reading multiple optical labels simultaneously is expensive and complex, and maintaining packet throughput is a concern.
Innovation Solution
A method and device for selectively inverting groups of contiguous bits in optical signals to rewrite optical labels without changing payload data, using a label processing component and selective inversion device to produce a difference signal for bit inversion, enabling label swapping in optical communication networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If Optical-Electronic-Optical (OEO) conversions are used to read and swap optical labels, then label switching functionality is achieved, but cost, complexity, and power dissipation increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electronic OEO conversion system with an all-optical label swapping mechanism. Specifically, it uses optical carriers modulated with label data that can be directly manipulated in the optical domain using optical modulators and interferometers, eliminating the need for photodetectors, electronic processors, and re-modulation stages.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces optical carriers as intermediaries to transfer label information between wavelengths. The label data is encoded onto optical carriers that can be swapped between different wavelength channels using optical switching elements, avoiding direct electronic processing of the label data itself.
2Productivity
If multiple optical labels are read simultaneously in WDM networks using parallel label receivers, then all labels are detected, but cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes a single label receiver universal by using optical carriers that can be tuned to different wavelengths. The same receiver can sequentially detect labels on multiple wavelength channels by tuning the optical carrier frequency, eliminating the need for multiple dedicated receivers while maintaining simultaneous label detection capability across the WDM spectrum.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the frequency parameter of the optical carrier to enable a single receiver to access multiple wavelength channels. By modulating the carrier frequency, the receiver can selectively detect labels on different wavelengths at different times, achieving multi-channel label reading with a single receiver.
3Adaptability or versatility
If in-band optical labels are used occupying the first bytes of every packet, then routing information is integrated, but expensive full-rate photoreceivers are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the label information from the main data stream by using separate optical carriers dedicated to label transmission. Instead of embedding labels within the packet data bytes, the label data is modulated onto distinct optical carriers that can be detected separately, allowing the main data stream to be processed independently at full rate only when necessary.
4Adaptability or versatility
If OEO conversions are performed at every routing node, then label reading and switching is enabled, but scaling to massive capacity is limited by cost, failure rate, and power dissipation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electronic switching mechanisms with all-optical switching at routing nodes. Optical carriers carrying label information can be directly switched between output ports using optical switches and interferometers without conversion to electrical signals, reducing the failure points associated with electronic components and enabling scaling to higher capacities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent maintains continuous optical signal flow through routing nodes without interruption for OEO conversion. The optical carriers can be switched and redirected while remaining in the optical domain, allowing uninterrupted light transmission through the network and improving overall system reliability by eliminating conversion-related failure points.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and a device are provided for swapping optical labels in an optical communication network. Optical information, including payload data and label data digitally encoded into the optical information, is received. At least one group of bits within the optical information is selectively inverted to rewrite the label data with new label data without changing the payload data. Each of the at least one group of inverted bits includes at least two bits and all bits of each of the at least one group of inverted bits are contiguous bits.