Optical Network Node Chromatic Dispersion Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Optical ring networks face challenges with chromatic dispersion causing time delays and overlap of optical data packets from different wavelengths, leading to inefficiencies and power gaps that affect amplifiers and signal quality.
Innovation Solution
An optical network node that detects and terminates optical data packets at specific wavelengths, replacing them with new packets containing transmission data or dummy data to maintain synchronization and prevent power gaps, thereby avoiding the need for costly hub nodes and minimizing ASE noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If optical data packets are transmitted at different wavelengths without regeneration, then transmission distance is extended and hub nodes are avoided, but chromatic dispersion causes time delays and packet overlap
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the optical ring network into segments with individual wavelength regeneration points at regular intervals. Instead of requiring a single hub node to regenerate all wavelengths, each segment independently regenerates packets at its assigned wavelengths, breaking the long transmission distance into manageable segments that maintain synchronization.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention performs preliminary wavelength assignment and packet regeneration at designated nodes before packets travel long distances. By pre-configuring which nodes regenerate which wavelengths and inserting synchronization markers in advance, the system prevents chromatic dispersion-induced overlap before it occurs.
2Reliability
If optical data packets are terminated and replaced at each node, then packet overlap is prevented, but power gaps affect amplifiers and signal quality
Solution Approach 1:
The invention maintains continuous optical power by ensuring that when one data packet is terminated, another packet (or dummy data) immediately fills the time slot. This continuous transmission prevents power gaps that would otherwise cause amplifier instability and signal quality degradation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses dummy data packets as intermediaries to fill time slots when actual data packets are terminated. These dummy packets maintain the optical power continuity required by amplifiers while allowing legitimate data packets to be dropped at their destination nodes without causing power gaps.
3Reliability
If hub nodes are used to regenerate all wavelengths, then packet synchronization is maintained, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the wavelength regeneration function across multiple distributed nodes rather than concentrating it in a single hub node. Each node handles regeneration for specific wavelengths in its segment, reducing the complexity and cost of individual nodes while maintaining overall synchronization.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention makes regular optical network nodes multi-functional by enabling them to perform wavelength-specific packet regeneration in addition to their standard routing functions. This eliminates the need for dedicated hub nodes, as regular nodes can serve multiple purposes including regeneration, routing, and monitoring.
Data Source
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AI summary
Proposed is an optical network node for an optical ring network, which counteracts the effects of different chromatic dispersions at different time delays affecting different optical TSM signals of different respective wavelengths in an improved manner.