Optical Node Routing Module for Packet Contention Resolution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Metro Ethernet and optical access networks face bottlenecks due to electronic switching requirements for optical signals, which necessitate optical-to-electrical conversion and result in packet contention and loss, as optical buffers and schedulers are difficult to realize with limited processing capability and lack of optical random access memory.
Innovation Solution
A module for routing optical signals using optical switching means and a correlator module that generates control signals to prioritize and direct packets based on destination data, avoiding the need for synchronization and scheduling, with optical switches and correlators that compare destination data to expected bit patterns to manage overlapping packets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If optical-to-electrical conversion is used for routing optical signals, then electronic switching can be implemented, but transmission delays increase and the network bottleneck worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electronic switching mechanisms with optical switching mechanisms. The optical switch uses optical fields to control optical signals directly, eliminating the need for optical-to-electrical conversion. This substitution of the switching domain from electronic to optical directly resolves the contradiction by maintaining high routing speed while eliminating conversion delays.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an optical field as an intermediary to control the optical switch. The control signal in the optical field modulates the switching state, enabling direct optical routing without electronic conversion. This intermediary approach allows the system to achieve electronic-level control precision while maintaining optical signal integrity and speed.
2Reliability
If optical buffers and schedulers are implemented to avoid packet contention, then packet loss can be reduced, but device complexity increases due to limited processing capability and lack of optical random access memory
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the complex buffer and scheduler components from the optical switching system. Instead of implementing optical buffers and schedulers that would require complex processing and optical memory, the design achieves packet contention resolution through simpler optical switching mechanisms, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs simple, fast optical switching elements that operate on the timescale of packet transmission rather than requiring complex, expensive optical memory systems. The switching decision is made and executed in real-time without needing to store packets, effectively using transient optical control rather than persistent optical storage, thereby reducing complexity.
3Reliability
If synchronisation and scheduling of optical packets are implemented, then packet contention can be avoided, but device complexity and processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service optical switching mechanism where the optical switch automatically routes packets based on real-time optical field interactions. The system does not require external synchronisation or scheduling control mechanisms; instead, the switching decision is made autonomously by the optical components themselves based on the inherent timing and phase characteristics of the optical signals, thereby eliminating the need for complex synchronisation infrastructure.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution reduces delays and avoids packet contention by prioritizing the first received packet and potentially blocking or redirecting overlapping packets, eliminating the need for electronic conversion and reducing packet loss without requiring complex synchronization or scheduling.
Implementation Method 1
a correlator module comprising at least two optical correlators, the correlator module arranged to generate control signals for controlling the switching means based on destination data in packets of the first and second signals
Implementation Method 2
optical switching means for switching the first optical signal and the second optical signal to either one of the two outputs
Data Source
AI summary
A module for routing packets of first and second optical signals comprising first and second inputs (A,B) for receiving the first and second optical signals and first and second outputs (C,D) for the optical signals. The module comprises optical switching means (8) for switching the first optical signal and the second optical signal to either one of the two outputs (C,D), and a correlator module (7). The correlator module comprises at least two optical correlators (9,10,11,12). The correlator module (7) is arranged to generate control signals for controlling the switching means (8) based on destination data in packets of the first and second signals such that if packets of the first and second optical signals overlap, the switching means directs the packet that was received first to the output (C,D) indicated by the destination data of that packet and the overlapping subsequent packet is directed to the other output (C,D) or blocked. A module is advantageous because there is no need to convert the optical signal to the electronic domain and packet contention is avoided without synchronisation or scheduling of the packets of the optical signals because, for overlapping packets, the packet that is received first is given priority with the later packet either sent to the other output, whether or not this is the correct output for the packet, or blocked.