Optical Network Element Reducing Insertion Losses
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical network elements suffer from high insertion losses and signal quality degradation due to optical switches, limiting network scalability and requiring frequent replacements to increase capacity, which results in prolonged downtimes and inability to scale during operation.
Innovation Solution
A network element utilizing an optical coupler instead of an optical switch, where a portion of the input signal is converted to an electrical signal for processing, allowing for selective channel manipulation and regeneration, and then converted back to an optical signal for feedback, using an optical receiver and signal processing device to enhance signal quality and selectivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an optical switch is used to select channels, then channel switching capability is achieved, but insertion losses increase and signal quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the optical switch (mechanical/optical switching system) with an optical receiver that converts optical signals to electrical signals for processing. This substitution eliminates the high insertion losses and phase ripple problems associated with optical switches while maintaining channel selection capability through electrical signal processing.
2Ease of operation
If optical filters are used in the optical switch, then channel selectivity is achieved, but phase ripple adversely affects signal quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes optical filters (which cause phase ripple) with an optical receiver that performs channel selection in the electrical domain. The optical receiver converts the optical signal to electrical signal, where filtering and channel selection can be performed without introducing phase ripple, thereby maintaining signal quality while achieving channel selectivity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If optical switches are replaced to increase network capacity, then more optical channels can be added, but network downtime increases due to replacement effort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables dynamic reconfiguration of optical networks by using optical receivers and signal processing devices that can be programmed and adjusted without physical replacement. This allows network capacity to be increased by reconfiguring existing components rather than replacing them, thereby avoiding network downtime while maintaining adaptability.
4Ease of manufacture
If known network elements are used, then initial deployment is possible, but scaling during operation is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms fixed, non-scalable network elements into dynamically reconfigurable systems using optical receivers and programmable signal processing devices. This allows the network to be deployed initially and then scaled or reconfigured during operation without replacement, achieving both ease of initial deployment and operational scalability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates universal network elements that can perform multiple functions (channel selection, signal regeneration, capacity adjustment) through a single platform using optical receivers and signal processing. This multi-functionality enables both initial deployment and future scaling without requiring different hardware for different operations.
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 solution reduces insertion losses, improves signal quality, and enables easy scaling of the optical network by allowing selective channel manipulation and regeneration, thereby increasing capacity without the need for frequent replacements, reducing downtimes and enabling operational scalability.
Implementation Method 1
The part which is coupled out is converted into an electrical signal by means of an optical receiver
Data Source
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Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a network element, comprising at least one input, to which an optical signal can be fed, at least one output, which is equipped to emit an optical signal, a first coupler having an input and a first and a second output, wherein the first input of the network element is linked to the input of the first coupler, an optical receiver, which comprises at least one input and at least one output, wherein the second output of the first coupler is linked to the input of the optical receiver, an optical sender, the at least one input of which is linked to the output of the optical receiver, wherein a signal processing device is arranged in the signal path, a second coupler having a first input, which is linked to the first output of the first coupler, a second input, which is linked to the output of the optical sender, and an output, which is linked to the first output of the network element.