Optical Network Factory Assembly and Baseline Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
The deployment and monitoring of optical transport networks are inefficient, with traditional methods requiring lengthy on-site assembly and reactive troubleshooting, leading to inconsistent network quality and labor-intensive fault isolation.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method for constructing and monitoring optical transport networks in a specialized factory, where networks are racked, provisioned, and tested before shipment, and then continuously monitored against a performance baseline to proactively identify and isolate faults using a controller that communicates with network elements via various command sets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional on-site assembly methods are used for deploying optical transport networks, then flexibility in installation location is improved, but deployment timeline and project duration worsen (taking up to 12 months)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-assembling optical transport networks in specialized factories before deployment. Network elements are racked, patched, and tested in advance in a controlled factory environment, then shipped as complete systems to installation sites. This eliminates on-site assembly delays and reduces deployment time from 12 months to weeks, while maintaining installation flexibility through standardized rack units designed for various locations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional on-site assembly methods are used, then adaptability to different installation locations is improved, but manufacturing precision and network quality worsen (inconsistent quality due to non-ideal fiber lengths and particulates)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by performing all assembly operations in advance in controlled factory environments. Fibers are precisely cut and connected under clean room conditions, eliminating particulate contamination. Rack units are pre-configured with ideal fiber lengths determined during factory assembly, ensuring consistent network quality across all deployments regardless of installation location.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the optical transport network into modular rack units that can be independently assembled and tested in the factory. Each rack unit is a self-contained module with standardized interfaces, allowing precise manufacturing in controlled environments while maintaining adaptability for deployment at various locations through standardized mounting configurations.
3Ease of operation
If reactive monitoring methods are used for optical transport networks, then operational simplicity is improved, but fault detection time and troubleshooting efficiency worsen (labor-intensive individual equipment testing)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by deploying proactive monitoring systems that continuously collect performance data from network elements and compare it against baseline thresholds. The system automatically generates alerts when anomalies are detected, providing real-time feedback about network health. This eliminates the need for manual reactive testing and reduces fault isolation time from days to minutes by immediately identifying problematic elements through automated data analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The monitoring system applies self-service by automatically detecting, analyzing, and alerting on network faults without requiring manual intervention. The system autonomously collects performance metrics, compares them against baselines, identifies anomalies, and notifies operators of specific problematic network elements. This self-monitoring capability maintains operational simplicity while dramatically reducing fault detection and isolation time compared to manual reactive methods.
4Manufacturing precision
If specialized factory construction is used for optical transport networks, then manufacturing precision and network quality are improved (ideal fiber lengths, clean assembly), but device complexity and initial setup effort worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by segmenting the optical transport network into standardized modular rack units that can be manufactured in specialized factories. Each rack unit is a discrete, self-contained module with standardized interfaces and configurations. This modular segmentation enables precise factory assembly under controlled conditions while simplifying the overall system through standardization, reducing the complexity of managing individual components at deployment sites.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments providing improved systems and methods deploying, monitoring, and troubleshooting optical physical layer networks are needed. In one embodiment, networks are first constructed in a specialized network factory, where they are racked, provisioned, audited, and tested by relevant experts in each technology. Then the equipment is custom-crated—with all cards, patch cords, labels, and provisioning in place—before being shipped to field locations. A production network health baseline is captured that creates a set of norms that later performance data can be compared against. Once the network is operational, the network health is monitored and compared against the baseline. If there's a deviation sufficient to satisfy a user-defined rule, a remedial action can be triggered. In another embodiment, a method isolates a problem in an optical transport network.