Optical Network Outstation Setup via Reduced-Rate Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
In optical networks, the introduction of a new outstation often results in undesirable downtime due to the need for existing outstations to refrain from transmitting data, which can lead to data overlap and interference during the setup phase, especially in long-reach networks where signal corruption and distortion are significant.
Innovation Solution
The method involves transmitting initial set-up data from the new outstation at a reduced rate relative to the normal operating rate, using a pulse lengthening technique to minimize distortion and error, allowing for quicker synchronization and identification, and subsequent transition to normal data transmission once the outstation is fully integrated.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If existing outstations continue to transmit data at normal rate during outstation introduction, then data transmission productivity is maintained, but data overlap and interference occur causing network reliability degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the data transmission process into two distinct phases: a setup phase where the new outstation transmits at a reduced rate to avoid interference, and a normal operation phase where all outstations transmit at full rate. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by isolating the reliability issue to a limited time period while maintaining overall productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The transmission rate is made dynamic rather than static. The system automatically adjusts the transmission rate based on the operational state - reduced rate during setup phase for reliability, then full rate for productivity. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize for different requirements at different times.
2Speed
If new outstation transmits set-up data at normal rate, then setup operation speed is improved, but signal distortion and error increase in long-reach networks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the transmission rate parameter during the setup phase to a reduced rate, which directly addresses the signal distortion problem in long-reach networks. This parameter change slows down the setup operation temporarily but ensures accurate signal reception at the central station, preventing errors that would require retransmission.
3Reliability
If existing outstations refrain from transmitting during outstation introduction, then data interference is avoided, but network downtime increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the transmission access by identifying new outstations and allowing them exclusive access during setup phase. This segmentation enables the new outstation to complete its initialization without blocking existing outstations from operating, thereby minimizing network downtime while ensuring reliable setup.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary identification and setup of the new outstation before fully integrating it into normal operation. By preparing the new outstation in advance with reduced-rate transmission, the network can switch to normal operation faster, reducing the overall downtime impact.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to the introduction of an outstation into an optical network. The optical network has a central station, and a plurality of previously introduced outstations which are optically connected to the central station. The network is operable in: a normal operating state in which data traffic is received from previously introduced outstations at a normal data rate; and, a set-up state in which the transmission of data traffic from the previously introduced outstations is restricted relative to the normal state, the method including the step of: when the network is in the set-up state, performing a set-up operation for introducing the outstation into the optical network, the set-up operation involving the transmission of set-up data from the outstation being introduced, wherein the set-up data is transmitted at a reduced rate relative to the normal operating rate.