Optical Signal Splitting for Network Path Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Managing complex network connections in large data centers is challenging due to the difficulty in tracing and maintaining records of numerous network devices and cables, especially in optical networking environments, where disrupting network traffic is unacceptable and manual methods are inefficient and prone to errors.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a network management system that remotely monitors and maps connection nodes, uses a patch panel assembly to split and measure optical signals, and dynamically updates routing tables to identify data paths and reroute traffic without disrupting service, allowing for accurate identification of cable connections and maintenance without service interruption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual methods are used to trace and maintain records of network connections, then human effort and time are required for management, but human error increases and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automatic self-service through optical signal monitoring and analysis. The network management system automatically traces connections by analyzing optical signals at patch panels, generates connection records without human intervention, and identifies cable issues autonomously, eliminating manual tracing and record-keeping tasks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical tracing methods with optical signal-based automated detection. Instead of physically following cables through infrastructure, the system uses optical signal characteristics (timing, power, wavelength) to automatically identify connection paths and maintain digital records of network topology.
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If network traffic is disrupted to identify cable connections, then connection identification becomes possible, but network availability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by continuously monitoring optical signal characteristics and pre-identifying connection paths before any maintenance is needed. The network management system maintains an up-to-date digital map of network topology through ongoing optical signal analysis, enabling connection identification without disrupting traffic during actual maintenance operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary optical monitoring system between the optical signals and the network management process. Optical taps or couplers intercept copies of optical signals to analyze connection characteristics without interrupting the primary data flow, enabling non-intrusive connection identification and topology mapping.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the number of network devices and cables increases to support growing data centers, then network capacity improves, but the complexity of managing connections increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback through continuous optical signal monitoring and automatic updating of connection records. The network management system receives feedback from optical signal analysis, automatically updates the digital network topology map, and maintains accurate connection records, enabling scalable network management without increasing operational complexity proportional to network size.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal optical signal monitoring system that can manage connections across diverse network devices and cable types. The system uses standardized optical signal characteristics (timing, power, wavelength) to identify connections regardless of specific device types or cable configurations, enabling centralized management of scalable networks with heterogeneous equipment.
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
Enables efficient management and maintenance of network connections, reduces human error, and improves network efficiency by dynamically updating routing and identifying contaminated cables, ensuring high system availability and scalability.
Implementation Method 1
a patch panel assembly to split and measure optical signals
Implementation Method 2
uses a patch panel assembly to split and measure optical signals
Data Source
AI summary
An active patch panel assembly splits an optical signal of a fiber optic cable into two signals: a first signal directed to a patch panel port and a second signal measured by an optical sensor unit. A network management service of a computing services resource provider receives signal information from the optical sensor unit regarding the optical signal. The network management server may compare the signal information with signal information received from another patch panel assembly. Based on a correspondence between the signal information of the different patch panels, the network management service may determine a data path association between the optical signals. The data path association may be recorded in a database that stores data path associations of a service provider.