Optical Path Switching with Colorless Directionless ROADM
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical communication systems with ROADM devices lacking colorless and directionless functions require manual, on-site operations for path switching, leading to signal interruptions, increased costs, and longer downtimes, as they cannot perform remote-controlled path switching without instantaneous interruptions.
Innovation Solution
An optical communication apparatus equipped with a double-wavelength tunable transceiver and a switching controller, integrated with a ROADM device that supports colorless and directionless functions, enabling remote-controlled path switching with minimal signal interruption by using a transponder with a non-instantaneous-interruption switching part and a WDM transceiver.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual fiber rearrangement is performed for path switching in ROADM devices without colorless and directionless functions, then path switching can be achieved, but operational costs increase and downtime becomes longer
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical fiber rearrangement with automated optical switching using wavelength selective switches (WSS) and optical cross-connect devices (OXC). The system automatically configures optical paths by electronically controlling wavelength routing, eliminating the need for physical fiber reconnection by operators. This substitution of mechanical operations with automated optical control directly resolves the contradiction by enabling path switching without manual intervention, thereby reducing both operational complexity and downtime.
Solution Approach 2:
The ROADM device with colorless and directionless functions enables self-configuring optical paths through automated control mechanisms. The system can independently establish, modify, and terminate optical connections without external manual intervention by using tunable transponders and intelligent routing algorithms. This self-service capability eliminates dependency on operator actions for path switching, directly addressing the contradiction between ease of operation and time loss.
2Extent of automation
If ROADM devices without colorless function are used, then device complexity is reduced, but remote operation capability is lost and manual site visits are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements colorless and directionless functions in ROADM devices, enabling a single device to perform multiple routing functions for different wavelengths and directions. The wavelength selective switches (WSS) and optical cross-connect devices (OXC) provide universal connectivity options, allowing the same hardware to dynamically configure various path topologies. This multi-functionality enables remote operation capabilities while managing device complexity through standardized modular architectures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamically reconfigurable optical paths using tunable transponders and programmable wavelength selective switches. The ROADM device can adapt its configuration in real-time based on network demands, enabling remote operation and flexible path establishment. This dynamic capability allows the device to transition between different operational states remotely, achieving high automation extent while the complexity is managed through software-controlled parameter adjustments rather than hardware changes.
3Productivity
If path switching is performed in ROADM devices, then transmission efficiency can be improved, but signal interruption occurs during switching period
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary path preparation by establishing backup optical paths before primary path failures occur. The system pre-configures alternative routes through the optical network using wavelength selective switches and maintains them in standby状态. When switching is required, the pre-prepared paths can be activated immediately, enabling transmission efficiency improvements while minimizing signal interruption through advance preparation of replacement paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous optical signal transmission during path switching operations by using wavelength division multiplexing to carry multiple channels simultaneously. The optical cross-connect devices and tunable transponders enable seamless wavelength conversion and path switching without completely interrupting signal flow. This continuity approach allows transmission efficiency to be optimized through path reconfiguration while maintaining signal reliability through uninterrupted optical carrier presence.
Data Source
AI summary
An optical communication apparatus of a wavelength division multiplexing transmission system has a transponder having a double-wavelength tunable transceiver and a transceiver including a switching controller, and a ROADM device having a device that copes with a colorless function and a directionless function and can operate in cooperation with the transponder.