Optical Network Redundancy via N+1 Splitters and Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current redundancy solutions for optical networks, such as 1+1 and N+1 configurations, are costly due to the need for complex and expensive optical switching matrices, which are not economically viable compared to non-optical systems, and suffer from high attenuation and increased equipment costs.
Innovation Solution
Implementing an N+1 redundancy set with N main functional modules and a single backup module, using N regular optical splitters and 2N fiber connections, where each splitter is connected to two different optical modules, allowing selective data conveyance through two fiber connections, and controlling the setup to ensure each communication line is served by either module, with at least one module having two interfaces for interconnecting with different fiber connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If full (1:1) redundancy is used with simple optical splitters, then network reliability is improved, but equipment cost doubles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges N service optical modules into a single N+1 redundant group, where multiple service modules share common backup resources. This consolidation allows the system to maintain reliability through shared redundancy while reducing the total number of redundant components compared to individual 1:1 redundancy pairs.
Solution Approach 2:
The redundant optical module serves multiple functions by being capable of replacing any of the N service modules. The universal backup design allows a single redundant module to provide protection for multiple service modules, eliminating the need for dedicated backup modules for each service module.
2Reliability
If N+1 redundancy is implemented with optical switching matrices, then redundancy efficiency is improved, but device cost and attenuation increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the expensive optical switching matrix from the N+1 redundancy architecture. Instead of using complex optical switching to manage redundancy, the system employs direct optical connections with electronic control, eliminating the need for costly optical switching matrices while maintaining redundancy functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary control mechanism that manages the redundancy switching without requiring complex optical switching matrices. The control system coordinates the activation of backup modules through electronic control signals, serving as an intermediary that simplifies the redundancy management architecture.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for serving N optical communication lines by a redundant set of modules in an optical network; where the set of modules comprises N>1 main modules and one backup module, N optical splitters, 2N fiber connections and a control means. In the system, each of the N optical splitters is connected to two different modules of the set by two respective fiber connections out of the 2N connections, while each of the N optical splitters is also coupled to one of the N optical communication lines. The arrangement is such that the control means selectively activates/inactivates any of the fiber connections for respectively enabling/blocking transfer of data there-along; the control means thus ensures that each specific line of the N optical communication lines is always served by either one or another of two different modules.