Optical Network Topology Determination via Pulse Pattern Matching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining the topology of optical networks require complex and expensive hardware to demodulate wavelength-modulated optical signals, making it costly and inefficient for all devices to generate accurate topology data.
Innovation Solution
A method where a computing device receives optical pulse patterns and generates topology data by matching these patterns with pre-defined patterns sent by other devices, allowing for the determination of physical connections within the optical network without the need for demodulation hardware, using a separate data communication network to report these connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If wavelength-modulated optical signals are used to determine topology, then topology determination accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase due to required demodulation hardware
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/optical demodulation system with an electronic pattern recognition system. Instead of using complex hardware to demodulate wavelength-modulated signals, the invention uses simple optical pulse transmission followed by electronic pattern matching at the receiving end, substituting complex optical processing with simpler electronic processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the signal parameter from wavelength modulation to temporal pulse pattern modulation. By encoding topology information in the timing and pattern of optical pulses rather than in wavelength variations, the system eliminates the need for wavelength demodulation hardware while maintaining topology determination accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If wavelength-modulated optical signals are used for topology determination, then topology data accuracy is improved, but manufacturing cost increases due to specialized hardware requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs inexpensive optical pulse transmission and simple detection hardware instead of expensive wavelength-modulated signal generation and demodulation equipment. The system uses basic optical components that are cheaper to manufacture and deploy, making topology determination accessible to a broader range of network devices.
3Adaptability or versatility
If demodulation hardware is installed in all devices, then topology determination capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase across the network
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal topology determination method that works with standard optical communication hardware already present in network devices. The optical pulse transmission and pattern recognition approach can be implemented in any device with basic optical interfaces, eliminating the need for specialized demodulation hardware and enabling widespread deployment across diverse network equipment.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques are described for determining the topology of an optical network. A computing device receives a message on a data communication network after a first device in an optical network receives an optical pulse pattern on an optical fiber in the optical network. The computing device generates topology data using the message. The topology data indicates that a second device is physically connected in the optical network to the first device when the received optical pulse pattern matches an optical pulse pattern sent by the second device.