Optical Node Auto-Configuration via Control Wavelength
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical communication systems lack an efficient method for automatically configuring remote optical nodes without a dedicated control channel, particularly when new nodes are added, which complicates wavelength tuning and network management.
Innovation Solution
An optical communication system that uses a core router to transmit a control optical signal, allowing remote optical nodes to send an attach request and receive assignments of data wavelengths and modes, enabling automatic configuration and operation without the need for wavelength filters or additional expensive equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If WDM is used to multiplex optical signals on a single fiber, then signal transmission capacity is improved, but additional expensive equipment is required
Solution Approach 1:
The optical nodes are designed to perform multiple functions: they serve as both data transmission endpoints and configuration management interfaces. The same optical interface used for data communication also handles configuration exchanges, eliminating the need for separate dedicated control channels and reducing overall system equipment requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables automatic configuration where optical nodes self-configure through exchange of configuration parameters over existing data channels. The nodes autonomously manage their own configuration without requiring external dedicated control equipment, reducing system complexity while maintaining transmission capacity.
2Ease of operation
If a dedicated control channel is used for configuration, then configuration management is simplified, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the control function with the data communication function by exchanging configuration parameters over the same optical interface and wavelength channels used for data transmission. This consolidation eliminates dedicated control infrastructure while maintaining configuration management capabilities through integrated parameter exchange protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical communication interface is designed to universally handle both data transmission and configuration management tasks. The same physical layer and protocol stack serve dual purposes, allowing configuration exchanges to occur alongside data traffic without requiring separate dedicated control equipment.
3Manufacturing precision
If manual configuration is performed for new optical nodes, then configuration accuracy is maintained, but deployment time and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Configuration parameters are pre-defined and stored in the system, allowing automatic assignment and configuration of new optical nodes without manual intervention. The system prepares configuration templates and parameter sets in advance, enabling rapid automated deployment while maintaining configuration accuracy through predefined standards and protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements automatic feedback mechanisms where configuration parameters are exchanged, validated, and confirmed through structured protocol interactions. New optical nodes receive configuration data, acknowledge receipt, and confirm proper configuration status, ensuring accuracy while eliminating manual configuration steps and reducing deployment time.
Data Source
AI summary
An optical Internet Protocol (IP) router serves a cell-site over an optical communication network. The optical IP router transmits a network attach request having an optical node name over a control optical wavelength. The optical communication node receives an assignment of a data optical wavelength, a cell-site mode, and an Internet Protocol (IP) address over the control optical wavelength based on the optical node name. The optical communication node operates in the cell-site mode and responsively exchanges cell-site data having the IP address over the data optical wavelength.