Optical Network Component Wavelength-Agnostic Processing

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing optical networks face inefficiencies and congestion due to limited bandwidth and modulation requirements, particularly in bidirectional communication scenarios, where separate fibers and tunable lasers are often necessary for effective data processing.

Innovation Solution

A method for data processing in optical network components using NRZ-OOK modulation formats on a single fiber, employing an optical filter and equalizer to smooth amplitude fluctuations, allowing for full-duplex transmission without tunable lasers, and utilizing a Carrier Recovery and Reuse Block (CRB) for efficient carrier recovery and reuse.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate fibers and tunable lasers are used for bidirectional communication, then communication reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines bidirectional communication functionality into a single fiber by implementing wavelength-agnostic optical processing that handles both upstream and downstream traffic on the same physical medium, eliminating the need for separate fibers and reducing overall system complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The optical network component is designed with universal optical processing capabilities that can handle multiple wavelengths and communication directions simultaneously, making the system multi-functional without requiring wavelength-specific or direction-specific hardware configurations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If wavelength-division multiplexing with multiple channels is implemented, then network capacity is improved, but signal processing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork capacityVSAvoidsignal processing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex electrical signal processing with all-optical processing techniques, using optical filters and optical amplifiers to handle multiple wavelength channels directly in the optical domain, thereby maintaining high network capacity while reducing electronic processing complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system utilizes wavelength as a key parameter for signal differentiation and routing, employing optical filtering based on wavelength characteristics to manage multiple channels without requiring complex electronic demultiplexing and processing for each wavelength

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Manufacturing precision

If optical filtering and equalization are applied, then signal quality is improved, but processing time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal qualityVSAvoidprocessing time

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs filtering and equalization operations entirely in the optical domain using optical filters and optical amplifiers, eliminating the need to convert signals to the electrical domain for processing, thereby maintaining signal quality while minimizing processing time delays

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The optical processing chain is designed to operate continuously without interruption or conversion to other domains, maintaining the optical signal throughout filtering and equalization processes to ensure uninterrupted signal flow and minimal latency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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 bandwidth-efficient, full-duplex transmission with constant optical power, supporting OOK modulation and reducing the need for tunable lasers, while maintaining compliance with existing PON standards and improving network capacity through wavelength-agnostic processing.

Implementation Method 1

an incoming optical signal is filtered

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical filtering: Filter (optical)

Implementation Method 2

the filtered signal is equalized via a saturation property of an optical amplifier, wherein in particular a low-level signal is processed with a higher gain than a high-level signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSaturation property of optical amplifier: Magnetic Saturation

Implementation Method 3

the optically equalized signal is modulated

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectModulation: Phase Modulation

Data Source

PatentUS9590734B2Method for data processing in an optical network component and optical network component

Publication Date: 2017.03.07 XIEON NETWORKS SARL

AI summary

A method for data processing in an optical network component includes filtering and optically equalizing an incoming optical signal and modulating the optically equalized signal. A corresponding optical network component is also provided.