In-Service Optical Margin Determination via Dynamic Noise Loading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical networking systems lack the ability to effectively utilize existing margin in optical networks, leading to wasted capacity and inefficient operation, as they rely on fixed channel power targets and OSNR optimization without considering the performance of data-bearing channels, particularly the contribution of non-linear noise.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that dynamically change signal powers to measure noise, separating linear and non-linear noise components, allowing for in-service margin determination using digital noise loading, and utilizing this information for modulation format adjustment, dispersion compensation, and routing optimization within the control plane and SDN controllers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If fixed channel power targets and OSNR optimization are used without considering actual channel performance, then system design is simplified, but margin is wasted and capacity is not optimized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by measuring actual noise in data-bearing channels and using this information to determine margin. The system continuously monitors channel performance and adjusts operations based on measured margin, enabling dynamic capacity optimization rather than relying on fixed design targets. This feedback loop allows the system to utilize available margin while maintaining operational simplicity through automated measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by automatically measuring noise and determining margin in the optical network without requiring external intervention. The margin determination is performed in-service using existing network resources, allowing the system to optimize its own capacity utilization. This self-service approach enables margin optimization without adding significant external complexity to the network infrastructure.
2Productivity
If margin is utilized to enhance data throughput, then capacity is improved, but system reliability may be compromised due to operating closer to performance limits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by enabling flexible and adaptive operations based on measured margin. The system can dynamically adjust modulation formats, data rates, and other parameters according to the actual margin available in each channel. This dynamic approach allows the system to optimize throughput when margin is available while automatically reducing operations when margin is consumed, thereby maintaining reliability. The margin measurement enables real-time adaptation of system operations to balance throughput and reliability.
3Measurement precision
If conventional OSNR optimization is used without separating linear and non-linear noise, then measurement process is simpler, but accuracy of margin determination is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the total noise into distinct linear and non-linear components. The system measures and separates these noise types to provide accurate margin determination. This segmentation allows for precise characterization of different noise sources and their contributions to overall system performance, enabling more accurate margin assessment and optimization based on the specific noise profile of each channel.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for determining margin in an optical network include changing powers of signals from one or more transmitters; measuring noise at one or more receivers each communicatively coupled to the one or more transmitters; and determining margin between the one or more transmitters and the one or more receivers based on the associated measured noise. The changing, the measuring, and the determining are performed in-service while the one or more transmitters are each transmitting data-bearing signals.