Optical Ring Node Using Wavelength Blocker and Dedicated Channels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical fiber networks for fast data transmission within limited areas require expensive equipment like fast tunable receivers, which are costly and unnecessary for applications with limited distance between base stations, such as neighboring cellular network base stations.
Innovation Solution
An optical node design for an optical ring network that uses a wavelength blocker with an isolator and Bragg grating, combined with non-coherent receivers and fast tunable lasers, eliminating the need for expensive equipment by dedicating specific wavelength channels to each node and using optical couplers and circulators for signal transmission and reception.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If fast tunable receivers based on coherent detection are used, then transmission speed and throughput are improved, but equipment cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The optical network is segmented into dedicated wavelength channels for different nodes. Each node receives signals on a specific wavelength channel that is dedicated to it, eliminating the need for fast tunable receivers at each node while maintaining fast transmission capabilities through the dedicated wavelength allocation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces expensive coherent detection equipment with simpler direct detection receivers. By using dedicated wavelength channels and simple receivers, the system achieves fast transmission without requiring costly coherent detection equipment at each node.
2Reliability
If dedicated wavelength channels are allocated to each node, then signal transmission reliability is improved, but wavelength channel management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical coupler and wavelength blocker components serve multiple functions: they route signals, filter wavelengths, and manage channel allocation simultaneously. This multi-functionality reduces the overall system complexity while maintaining reliable dedicated wavelength channel allocation.
Solution Approach 2:
The wavelength blocker acts as an intermediary component that automatically manages wavelength channel allocation. It blocks specific wavelengths from reaching nodes that don't need them, simplifying wavelength management without requiring complex control systems at each node.
3Ease of manufacture
If simple optical nodes are used, then equipment cost is reduced, but transmission throughput decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses dynamically allocated dedicated wavelength channels that can be reconfigured based on traffic demands. This dynamic wavelength allocation allows simple optical nodes to achieve high throughput by efficiently utilizing the available wavelength resources without requiring complex coherent detection equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters by allocating specific wavelength channels to specific nodes and using direct detection instead of coherent detection. This parameter change enables simple optical nodes to achieve high transmission throughput through efficient wavelength division multiplexing and dedicated channel allocation.
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 design enables cost-effective, fast data transmission within limited areas without requiring fast tunable receivers or coherent detection equipment, allowing for easy adaptation to traffic variations and reducing the need for amplifiers, thus lowering costs and ensuring efficient communication between neighboring base stations.
Implementation Method 1
a wavelength blocker configured for blocking the at least one wavelength of the signals targeted to the node
Implementation Method 2
a first optical coupler configured for transmitting the signals received from a previous node of the optical ring network both to the main branch of the node and to the reception unit
Implementation Method 3
the wavelength blocker comprises an isolator coupled with at least one Bragg grating
Implementation Method 4
the transmission unit comprises at least one fast tunable laser
Implementation Method 5
the receiving unit comprises at least one non-coherent receiver
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
The present invention refers to an optical node (N1) destined to be implemented in an optical ring network (1) comprising links (L1...L4) configured for transmitting a plurality of multiplexed wavelength channels (λ) wherein at least one wavelength channel (λ1) is dedicated to signals targeted to a particular node (N1) wherein the optical node (N1) comprises: - a main branch (9) with a wavelength blocker (11) configured for blocking the at least one wavelength of the signals targeted to the node and for letting the signals received on the other wavelength channels pass, - a reception unit (7) tuned to the at least one wavelength (λ1) dedicated to signals targeted to the node (N1), - a first optical coupler (5) configured for transmitting the signals received from a previous node (N4) of the optical ring network (1) both to the main branch (9) of the node and to the reception unit (7), - a transmission unit (19) combined with the reception unit (7) and configured for transmitting signals to a wavelength channel (λ2...λ4) according to their targeted node (N2...N4), - a second optical coupler (17) configured for receiving the signals received both from the main branch (9) and from the transmission unit (17) and for transmitting the received signals toward a next node (N2) of the optical ring network (1).