Optical Network Node Direct Communication via Selective Coupling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional WDM optical networks have a hierarchical structure that restricts direct communication between add/drop nodes, requiring all communication to go through a hub node, which limits network flexibility and increases costs due to the need for multiple devices at each node.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of an optical network node with a first optical add-drop multiplexer (OADM) and an optical configuration unit that can selectively couple transceivers to the OADM to add or drop optical signals, allowing direct communication between nodes without a hub node.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a hierarchical structure with hub nodes is used in WDM optical networks, then wavelength management and signal routing are simplified, but direct communication between add/drop nodes is prevented and network flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network into distributed intelligent nodes, each capable of independent wavelength selection and switching operations. This eliminates the need for a central hub while maintaining manageable complexity through modular node design, enabling direct peer-to-peer communication.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic wavelength selection and switching capabilities at each node, allowing the network to reconfigure connections in real-time based on demand. This dynamic behavior enables flexible communication paths between any nodes without requiring hierarchical routing through hub nodes.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple devices are deployed at each add/drop node to enable direct communication, then network flexibility is improved, but device complexity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs each node with universal functionality to perform both wavelength selection and switching operations. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate dedicated devices, reducing overall component count while maintaining direct communication capability between nodes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the wavelength selection function and switching function into a single integrated node design. By combining these functions that were previously separated in hierarchical architectures, the patent reduces device complexity while enabling direct peer-to-peer communication.
3Ease of operation
If all communication must pass through hub nodes, then network management is simplified, but latency increases and bandwidth efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the communication function from the central hub and distributes it to individual nodes. Each node can independently establish direct communication paths, eliminating the mandatory transit through hub nodes and reducing latency while maintaining manageable network operation through distributed intelligence.
Data Source
AI summary
The present application relates to a first optical network node (400, 700, 800) that comprises: a first optical add-drop multiplexer, OADM (410) coupled to a first optical fibre (401); a transceiver (420) comprising a receiver (422) and a transmitter (424); and an optical configuration unit (430) 5 coupled between the transceiver (420) and the first OADM (410), wherein the optical configuration unit (430) is operable to selectively couple the receiver (422) to the first OADM (410) so as to receive a first optical signal dropped from the first optical fibre (401) or to selectively couple the transmitter (424) to the first OADM (410) so as to add a second optical signal to the first optical fibre (401).