Optical Network Controller Frequency Reconfiguration
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Solution Overview
Problem
In optical networks using a dense wavelength division multiplexing system with a flexible frequency grid, fragmentation of the optical frequency band occurs, leading to inefficient bandwidth usage and difficulty in reallocating optical signals without interrupting communication services.
Innovation Solution
An optical network controller and node device that set optical frequency regions and paths with common attributes, allowing for the reconfiguration of optical frequency widths to optimize bandwidth allocation and prevent fragmentation by reconfiguring optical frequency regions and selecting appropriate paths for signal transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If optical signals are reallocated to eliminate frequency slot dependency and prevent fragmentation, then optical bandwidth usage efficiency is improved, but communication services are interrupted during the reallocation process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-establishing multiple optical paths with different frequency slot dependencies before reallocation is needed. When fragmentation occurs, the system can immediately switch to alternative paths that don't depend on the fragmented frequency slots, eliminating the need for interrupting services during reallocation. The control device maintains a database of pre-calculated alternative paths that can be activated without service interruption.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device acts as an intermediary that manages frequency slot allocation and monitors fragmentation without requiring direct intervention in the optical signal transmission. It uses a database of frequency slot dependency information to identify and switch to alternative paths, mediating between the fragmented frequency resources and the optical signals to maintain service continuity while improving bandwidth efficiency.
2Ease of operation
If the optical frequency band is divided into narrow segments with constant width, then bandwidth allocation is simplified, but unused frequency regions and fragmentation occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the frequency slot width variable rather than fixed. The control device can dynamically adjust the width of frequency slots based on the actual bandwidth requirements of optical signals. This allows the system to maintain the simplicity of grid-based allocation while avoiding fragmentation by adapting slot widths to match actual usage patterns, thereby improving optical bandwidth efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of frequency slot width from a constant value to a variable parameter. The control device monitors the optical frequency band usage and adjusts frequency slot parameters dynamically. When fragmentation is detected, the system modifies the width and positioning of frequency slots to eliminate unused regions while maintaining simple grid-based allocation structure.
3Productivity
If frequency slots are allocated based on first-fit algorithm, then allocation speed is improved, but frequency slot dependency arises causing fragmentation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating and storing frequency slot dependency information in a database before allocation occurs. The control device uses this pre-prepared information to quickly identify alternative paths when fragmentation occurs, maintaining fast allocation speed while avoiding the dependency problems caused by first-fit algorithm. The database contains pre-analyzed frequency slot relationships that enable rapid decision-making without causing fragmentation.
Data Source
AI summary
In an optical network based on a dense wavelength division multiplexing system using a flexible frequency grid, it is difficult to improve the usage efficiency of an optical frequency band owing to the occurrence of fragmentation of the optical frequency band; therefore, an optical network controller according to an exemplary aspect of the present invention includes an optical frequency region setting means for setting a plurality of optical frequency regions in an optical frequency band used in an optical network based on a dense wavelength division multiplexing system using a flexible frequency grid; an optical path setting means for setting optical paths having a common attribute in at least one of the plurality of optical frequency regions; and an optical frequency region control means for changing an optical frequency width of the optical frequency region, and instructing the optical frequency region setting means to reconfigure, as the plurality of optical frequency regions, a plurality of optical frequency reconfigured regions each of which having the optical frequency width after having been changed.