Optical Network Element Adaptive Speed Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Optical access networks face high energy waste due to 'always on' state requirements for high bandwidth, especially with increasing demand and varying traffic loads, leading to inefficient power consumption.

Innovation Solution

A method for data processing in optical networks that analyzes traffic conditions to automatically switch between high-speed and low-speed modes of data transmission, reducing processing speed and power consumption when traffic is low, using a heterodyne optical receiver unit and undersampling techniques.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the CPE frontend operates in high-speed mode continuously to meet always-on requirements, then the reliability and service availability are improved, but the power consumption increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice availabilityVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically switches between high-speed mode and low-speed mode based on actual traffic conditions. The CPE frontend operates in high-speed mode when traffic is detected and switches to low-speed mode during idle periods, making the operational state adaptive rather than static. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining reliability when needed while reducing power consumption during idle times.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the operational parameters of the CPE frontend by adjusting the data rate between high-speed (e.g., 2.5Gbit/s or 10Gbit/s) and low-speed modes. This parameter change allows the system to maintain service availability when traffic requires high performance while consuming less power during low-traffic periods, directly addressing the energy-reliability trade-off.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If the CPE operates in high-speed mode to support multiple clients and applications, then the productivity and service capacity are improved, but the power waste increases when traffic load is low

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice capacityVSAvoidpower waste
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies partial action by operating at reduced speed (low-speed mode) when full capacity is not required. Instead of continuously running at maximum speed to support potential high traffic, the CPE frontend uses only the necessary processing capacity actually needed at each moment, thereby reducing energy waste while maintaining adequate service capacity when required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The CPE frontend alternates between high-speed operation periods (when traffic is present) and low-speed operation periods (when traffic is absent). This periodic switching between operational states allows the system to maintain high productivity when needed while minimizing energy loss during idle periods, effectively resolving the contradiction between service capacity and power waste.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

3Use of energy by moving object

If manual switching of CPE is implemented to save power, then the power consumption is reduced, but the ease of operation and service continuity are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidservice continuity
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The CPE frontend automatically monitors its own traffic conditions and autonomously switches between high-speed and low-speed modes without requiring user intervention. This self-service capability maintains service continuity by instantly responding to traffic demands while achieving power savings, eliminating the operational complexity and service disruption associated with manual switching.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements a feedback mechanism where the CPE frontend continuously monitors traffic conditions and uses this information to automatically adjust its operational mode. When traffic is detected, the system switches to high-speed mode; when idle, it switches to low-speed mode. This closed-loop control ensures service continuity while achieving power savings without user involvement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 significantly reduces power dissipation by adjusting data transmission modes based on traffic conditions, ensuring efficient power utilization while maintaining 'always-on' capabilities for applications like VoIP and IPTV, with minimal impact on user experience.

Implementation Method 1

providing by a heterodyne optical receiver unit received data with an intermediate frequency

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeterodyne detection: Heterodyne

Data Source

PatentEP2422465B1Method and device for data processing
Publication Date: 2016.08.24 XIEON NETWORKS SARL
  • EP2422465B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2422465B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

A method and a device for data processing in an optical network element are suggested, wherein the optical network element changes between a low-speed mode and a high-speed mode of data transmission.