Optical Network Skew Determination via Synchronization Markers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Optical transport networks face challenges in maintaining signal quality due to skew, which arises from varying latencies and path lengths, leading to compromised timing properties and potential network failures.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves determining skew characteristics using synchronization markers, either through prediction based on latency information or empirical measurement, and using this data to select communication paths with minimal skew, allowing for efficient routing and reassembly of signals across the network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If signals are routed on alternative and/or relatively higher latency paths to increase traffic data rates, then bandwidth capacity is improved, but timing properties and skew are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The signal is divided into multiple signal portions that can be routed on different communication paths. Each portion is transmitted separately and then reassembled at the receiver, allowing the system to utilize multiple paths for increased capacity while managing timing through controlled reassembly
Solution Approach 2:
Skew characteristics are determined in advance (a priori) using prediction based on latency information stored in look-up tables, or measured empirically before signal transmission. This preliminary determination allows the system to pre-calculate optimal routing and compensation strategies, ensuring timing accuracy is maintained even when using longer paths for higher bandwidth
2Adaptability or versatility
If longer paths with more nodes are used to transport signals, then routing flexibility and bandwidth are improved, but skew increases and timing properties are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system determines skew characteristics for available communication paths and uses this information to select optimal paths for signal transmission. This feedback mechanism ensures that routing decisions are based on actual skew measurements or predictions, maintaining timing accuracy while utilizing routing flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts routing parameters based on determined skew characteristics. By changing the selection criteria for communication paths based on measured or predicted skew values, the system can optimize both routing flexibility and timing accuracy for different network conditions
3Measurement precision
If skew is determined empirically by measuring skew or latency information using synchronization markers, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and measurement time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses synchronization markers that are inherently part of the signal transmission to determine skew characteristics. The markers serve dual purposes: synchronizing signal portions and providing timing reference for skew measurement, eliminating the need for separate complex measurement equipment
Solution Approach 2:
Skew characteristics are determined in advance using the synchronization markers before actual signal transmission. By pre-measuring or pre-calculating skew values and storing them in look-up tables, the system avoids complex real-time measurements during data transmission, reducing operational complexity
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention determine skew relative to a plurality of communication paths on a network system. The network is a wavelength division multiplexed optical transport network. The plurality of communication paths involves different signal and path attributes such as a plurality of carrier wavelengths, optical carrier groups, physical communication paths (different nodes, different fibers along a same path, or any combination of the foregoing), or any other differentiating factors between two paths.