Optical Network Spectrum Allocation by Path Segment Processing

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

In elastic optical networks, the challenge lies in efficiently allocating spectrum resources due to varying modulation levels and dynamic frequency slot requirements, which complicates wavelength numbering and prolongs matrix operation times in existing spectrum allocation methods.

Innovation Solution

The method segments the service path into path segments and allocates service processing manners sequentially, avoiding wavelength numbering and matrix operations to reduce allocation time.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If matrix operations are used for spectrum allocation in elastic optical networks, then spectrum allocation can be performed systematically, but the allocation time increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespectrum allocation systematicityVSAvoidallocation time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the core function of spectrum allocation from the complex matrix operation system. By removing the matrix construction and operation steps, the invention retains only the essential path segment processing logic, thereby eliminating the time-consuming matrix computation while preserving systematic allocation capability through simplified sequential processing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical matrix operation system with a more efficient sequential processing mechanism. Instead of using matrix multiplication and inversion operations, the invention employs direct path segment evaluation and selection algorithms that achieve the same allocation objectives with significantly reduced computational complexity and time

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of manufacture

If wavelengths are numbered according to serial numbers of frequencies, then spectrum allocation can be simplified, but this approach becomes invalid in elastic optical networks with varying modulation levels and dynamic frequency slot requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespectrum allocation simplicityVSAvoidflexibility to varying modulation levels
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the service path into discrete path segments, each can be independently processed and evaluated. This segmentation allows the system to handle varying modulation levels and dynamic frequency requirements on a per-segment basis, maintaining adaptability while simplifying the overall allocation process through modular processing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic spectrum allocation that adapts to varying modulation levels and frequency slot requirements. The system dynamically determines the number of frequency slots and their distribution based on actual service needs rather than using fixed wavelength numbering, enabling flexible adaptation to different elastic optical network configurations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3823297B1Spectrum allocation method and device for optical network
Publication Date: 2025.09.10 ZTE CORP
  • EP3823297B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3823297B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3823297B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

Disclosed are a spectrum allocation method and device for an optical network and a computer storage medium. The method comprises: segmenting a service path of an optical network to obtain at least one path segment; trying to allocate, in sequence, for each path segment of the service path a service processing manner that satisfies a service spectrum requirement; and when the service processing manner satisfies the service spectrum requirement, allocating a frequency used by each path segment on the service path according to the currently allocated service processing manner of each path segment of the service path.