Optical Link Capacity Determination Using Spectrally Shaped ASE Noise
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wavelength division multiplexed (WDM) optical networks face challenges in accurately determining maximum transmission capacity and available operating margin due to uncertainties in fiber characteristics, leading to underutilization or insufficient capacity, as existing methods rely on costly and time-consuming measurements and conservative planning approaches.
Innovation Solution
A method that loads an optical transmission spectrum with spectrally shaped amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) noise to match the performance of fully occupied channels, allowing for the determination of maximum transmission capacity by measuring link data through data traffic carrying channels, using ASE noise modules and flexible-grid wavelength selective switches to adjust power spectral density and channel spacings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If accurate fiber characteristics measurements are performed to determine maximum transmission capacity, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses ASE noise to create a spectral copy of the fully occupied optical transmission spectrum. By loading the optical link with ASE noise that spectrally matches the noise profile of a fully occupied system, the method obtains measurement data without requiring actual full occupation of all channels, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
ASE noise acts as an intermediary substance that fills the optical spectrum in place of actual data traffic channels. This intermediary allows the measurement system to obtain accurate noise and interference characteristics without requiring the complex setup of populating all wavelengths with real traffic, thus resolving the contradiction between measurement accuracy and system complexity
2Reliability
If conservative planning approach is used to avoid capacity underestimation, then reliability is improved, but productivity decreases due to underutilization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where ASE noise loading and performance measurements provide actual capacity data back to the planning system. This feedback replaces conservative estimates with measured reality, allowing the system to achieve both reliability (through accurate capacity knowledge) and productivity (by utilizing actual available capacity rather than conservative limits)
Solution Approach 2:
The method performs preliminary ASE noise loading and performance measurements during the planning phase to determine actual maximum transmission capacity before deployment. This preliminary action provides accurate capacity information upfront, eliminating the need for conservative planning margins and enabling both reliable and productive network operation from the start
3Measurement precision
If complete transmission capacity is determined at initial deployment using real data rate transponders, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and resource requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a spectral copy using ASE noise that replicates the conditions of a fully occupied system without requiring actual data rate transponders for every channel. This copying approach achieves measurement precision equivalent to full occupation while dramatically reducing device complexity by using a single ASE noise source instead of multiple transponders
Solution Approach 2:
The method replaces expensive, complex real data rate transponders with a simpler, more economical ASE noise source. The ASE noise acts as a disposable measurement tool that provides the necessary spectral loading and interference characteristics without the ongoing complexity and cost of maintaining multiple active transponder units
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 approach enables efficient determination of maximum transmission capacity with a minimal number of transponders, reducing uncertainty and optimizing network resource utilization by emulating the performance of fully loaded optical networks, thus ensuring accurate capacity planning and stable optical signal to noise ratios.
Implementation Method 1
loading an optical transmission spectrum of an optical link being partially occupied by at least one data traffic carrying channel with amplified spontaneous emission noise spectrally shaped such that a transmission performance of the optical transmission spectrum being fully occupied with data traffic carrying channels is matched
Data Source
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Figure 4A~4B
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AI summary
A method for determining a maximum transmission capacity, TCAPMAX-OL, of an optical link, OL, within an optical network includes loading (SA) an optical transmission spectrum of the optical link, OL, being partially occupied by at least one data traffic carrying channel, CH, with amplified spontaneous emission, ASE, noise spectrally shaped such that the transmission performance of the optical transmission spectrum fully occupied with data traffic carrying channels, CHs, is matched. The method further includes determining (SB) the maximum transmission capacity, TCAPMAX-OL, of the optical link, OL, on the basis of measured link data transported through the optical link, OL, via the at least one data traffic carrying channel, CH.