Optical LAN Hub Protocol Extraction and Slot Scheduling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical local area networks face challenges in efficiently managing and broadcasting data across multiple ports and nodes, particularly in adapting signals to OSI layer-2 and layer-3 protocols, and in dynamically scheduling slots for signal transmission, which affects network performance and bandwidth allocation.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a method and apparatus that includes a network manager with an optical-electrical converter and a control module for scheduling slots and processing signals according to OSI layer-2 and layer-3 protocols, coupled with passive optical couplers and network client adapters, enabling efficient data broadcasting and adaptation across multiple ports and nodes in an optical local area network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional Layer-2 MAC or switching elements are used for data broadcasting in optical LANs, then protocol processing capability is improved, but device complexity and equipment requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the protocol processing functions (Layer-2 MAC and Layer-3 switching) from the optical network infrastructure and relocates them to endpoint devices. The optical hub performs only basic optical switching and broadcasting, while protocol-specific processing is handled by intelligent endpoints, thereby simplifying the core optical infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an optical-electrical converter as an intermediary component that bridges the optical domain and electrical processing domain. This converter enables protocol processing at electrical endpoints while maintaining optical transmission in the core network, resolving the contradiction between protocol capability and optical simplicity.
2Productivity
If multiple optical transceivers are deployed for high-performance connectivity, then network performance is improved, but cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple optical connections into a single optical bus architecture. Instead of requiring separate optical transceivers for each point-to-point connection, multiple endpoints share a common optical medium, reducing the total number of optical transceivers while maintaining network performance through efficient time-division multiplexing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the optical hub a universal broadcasting device that serves multiple functions: optical signal distribution, time-division multiplexing, and coordination of multiple endpoints. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for dedicated optical transceivers at each endpoint, reducing overall system complexity.
3Productivity
If dynamic slot scheduling is implemented for signal transmission, then bandwidth allocation efficiency is improved, but control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service scheduling mechanism where endpoints autonomously monitor the optical bus, detect available time slots, and self-configure their transmission timing. The hub provides basic coordination signals, but the complex scheduling logic is distributed to endpoints, reducing control complexity at the hub while maintaining efficient bandwidth allocation.
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 enhances network performance by reducing the need for Layer-2 MAC or switching elements, minimizing the number of optical transceivers, and supporting high-performance connectivity with minimal new equipment, while ensuring guaranteed bandwidth and efficient data transmission.
Implementation Method 1
converting the received incoming optical signal to an electrical signal
Implementation Method 2
converting the processed electrical signal to a broadcast optical signal
Data Source
AI summary
An optical local area network includes a passive optical distribution fabric interconnecting a plurality of nodes including a first node and a plurality of remaining nodes, a hub that includes the first node and a control module, and a client network adapter coupled to each of the remaining nodes for responding to the control module. The control module controls timing for each of the client network adapters to transmit signals over the passive optical distribution fabric and distribution of signals to each of the nodes.