Optical Network Switching for Fiber Damage Recovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical networks face challenges in maintaining performance due to fiber damage or degradation over time, leading to asymmetries in signal-to-noise ratios and data rates between upstream and downstream transmissions.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that dynamically reconfigure an optical network by changing the state of a switching system, allowing for the reversal of optical signal transmission directions between two nodes, thereby optimizing signal-to-noise ratios and data rates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the optical network uses fixed fiber assignments for upstream and downstream transmissions, then the initial network capacity is maximized, but the network performance deteriorates when fiber damage or degradation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic reconfiguration of optical networks by enabling the switching system to change between different states, allowing the assignment of fibers for upstream and downstream transmissions to be modified in response to fiber damage or degradation. This dynamic capability allows the network to adapt to changing conditions and maintain performance without fixed assignments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the configuration parameters of the optical network by switching between different states that define different fiber assignment configurations. This allows the system to modify which fibers are assigned to upstream or downstream transmissions based on real-time conditions, thereby maintaining network reliability.
2Reliability
If manual site visits and fiber replacements are performed to repair damaged fibers, then the network reliability is restored, but the time required for repair increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the optical network to self-diagnose and self-reconfigure by detecting fiber damage or degradation and automatically switching to alternative configurations through the switching system. This eliminates the need for manual site visits and accelerates the repair process by reducing downtime while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms that monitor the health of optical fibers and trigger automatic reconfiguration when damage or degradation is detected. This closed-loop system continuously monitors network conditions and responds automatically, reducing the time required for repairs compared to manual monitoring and response.
3Productivity
If the optical network configuration is changed to compensate for fiber damage, then the network capacity is maintained, but the complexity of network management increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the switching system with multi-functionality to handle various network configurations and fiber assignment scenarios. This universal capability allows the same switching infrastructure to manage different states and configurations, maintaining network capacity while reducing the operational complexity of managing multiple specialized systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of configuring an optical network comprising a switching system, a first node, a second node, and an optical link between the first node and the second node. The optical link includes a first optical connection and a second optical connection. The method includes changing a state of the switching system from a first state to a second state. In the first state, the optical network is configured to use the first and second optical connection to transmit first and second optical signals in first and second directions, respectively. In the second state the optical network is configured to use the second and first optical connections to transmit the first and second optical signals in the first and second directions, respectively.