Optical Patch Unit for Shuffle Topology Migration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Optical telecommunications systems face challenges in maintenance and migration due to the static configuration of optical shuffles, which require extensive manual intervention and downtime for replacement, leading to potential misconnections and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of optical patch units, both passive and active, that facilitate the migration from one optical shuffle box or topology to another, minimizing downtime and reducing human intervention through modular designs and optical crossbar arrays, allowing for phased migration and flexible interconnect management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual replacement of optical shuffle boxes is performed, then system maintenance is achieved, but downtime increases and misconnection errors occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an optical patch panel as an intermediary component between optical cables and equipment. This patch panel with pre-terminated connectors allows technicians to quickly swap connections by simply plugging in different patch cords, eliminating the need for complex manual reconnection and reducing both downtime and misconnection errors during maintenance operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements pre-terminated optical patch panels with connectors already prepared and configured. This preliminary preparation of connection interfaces allows for rapid deployment and switching during maintenance, as the physical layer connections are ready in advance and require only simple plug-and-play operations rather than complex manual termination procedures.
2Adaptability or versatility
If extensive manual intervention is used for optical shuffle replacement, then configuration changes are achieved, but human errors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The optical patch panel serves as a mediator that simplifies the complexity of optical shuffle configuration changes. By providing a standardized interface with pre-arranged connector positions, it guides technicians through the reconfiguration process, reducing the cognitive load and potential for human error while maintaining the flexibility to implement different network topologies.
3Reliability
If optical shuffles are replaced with identical units, then system continuity is maintained, but migration to new topologies is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The optical patch panel provides a universal platform that can support multiple optical shuffle configurations and topology types. The standardized connector interfaces and modular design allow the same patch panel infrastructure to accommodate different optical shuffle units with varying topologies, enabling both system continuity through identical replacements and flexibility for migration to new topologies using the same physical infrastructure.
Data Source
AI summary
An optical patch unit is adapted for mounting in or on an optical equipment rack and facilitates a migration from one optical shuffle box or topology to another. The optical patch unit simplifies the replacement of an optical shuffle box, in some cases allowing a phased migration that minimizes system down-time. The optical patch units described herein include passive optical patch panels. Chassis card and optical shuffle connections are terminated at the passive optical patch panel, making it possible to simplify the cabling between the chassis cards and the optical shuffle box. Once installed, chassis card cables do not need to be manipulated at all during subsequent optical shuffle maintenance procedures. Other optical patch units described herein include active optical patch units, which make the migration process less dependent on human intervention and can further reduce system down-time.