Optical Network Node Dynamic Switching Allocation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical communications network nodes are inflexible and require significant capital expenditure when adding new nodes, as they are based on dedicated wavelength communication, which limits their ability to seamlessly transition between circuit switching and burst switching modes.
Innovation Solution
An optical communications network node with an optical transmitter module, optical receiver module, and an electrical cross-point switch, where optical sources and detectors are configurable for both circuit and burst switching, allowing dynamic allocation of wavelengths and separation of data traffic, enabling efficient reconfiguration and reduced capital expenditure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If dedicated wavelength communication is used in optical communications network nodes, then communication reliability is improved, but network flexibility and adaptability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic allocation of optical sources between circuit switching and burst switching modes. The optical sources can be rapidly reconfigured from fixed dedicated wavelength assignment to flexible dynamic assignment, allowing the system to adapt to varying traffic demands while maintaining communication reliability through controlled switching mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal optical network node that can operate in both circuit switching mode and burst switching mode using the same physical infrastructure. The optical sources serve multiple functions by being dynamically assignable to different switching modes, eliminating the need for separate dedicated infrastructure for each mode and improving overall network versatility.
2Productivity
If new nodes are added to the network with dedicated wavelength assignment, then network capacity is improved, but capital expenditure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges circuit switching and burst switching capabilities into a single unified network infrastructure. By combining both switching modes in one system with shared optical sources and dynamic allocation, the network can handle diverse traffic types without requiring separate dedicated hardware for each mode, thereby increasing network capacity while reducing capital expenditure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of optical sources from fixed dedicated wavelength assignment to dynamic flexible assignment. This parameter change allows the same physical resources to serve multiple purposes and support network expansion without proportional increases in capital expenditure, as resources are allocated based on actual traffic demands rather than predetermined assignments.
3Adaptability or versatility
If optical sources are rapidly tuned for burst switching, then network adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a control mechanism that acts as an intermediary between the optical sources and the switching modes. This control apparatus manages the rapid tuning and reconfiguration of optical sources, handling the complexity of coordinating wavelength changes and mode switching while presenting a simplified interface to the rest of the network, thereby maintaining adaptability without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.
4Reliability
If wavelengths are dedicated to specific nodes, then communication reliability is improved, but resource utilization efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic wavelength assignment where optical sources can be reassigned to different destinations based on real-time traffic demands. This dynamic approach ensures that wavelengths are not permanently dedicated but are instead allocated as needed, improving resource utilization efficiency while maintaining communication reliability through controlled switching and allocation protocols.
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 configuration allows for simultaneous operation in circuit and burst switching modes, minimizing capital expenditure and optimizing network resources by dynamically assigning bandwidth, reducing congestion and bandwidth wastage.
Implementation Method 1
The optical transmitter module comprises a plurality of optical sources each having a different substantially fixed operating wavelength
Implementation Method 2
The optical receiver module comprises a said plurality of optical detectors. Each optical detector is operable at one of said different substantially fixed operating wavelengths
Data Source
AI summary
An optical communications network node (10) comprising an optical transmitter module (16), an optical receiver module (12), an electrical cross-point switch (20) and control apparatus (24, 26). The optical transmitter module (16) comprises optical sources (18) each having a different operating wavelength and each being selectively assignable as an optical circuit switching channel source or an optical burst switching channel source. The optical receiver module (12) comprises a said plurality of optical detectors each operable at one of said operating wavelengths. The electrical cross-point switch (20) comprises switch paths (22) and is configurable to allocate a first set of switch paths for optical circuit switching and a second set of switch paths for optical burst switching. The control apparatus (24, 26) configures the switch paths (22), separates data traffic to be dropped from transit data traffic, and schedules data traffic for transmission on optical burst switching channels to the respective sources (18).