Optical Spectrum Recovery via Dynamic Channel Rearrangement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Optical communication systems face inefficiencies due to stranded spectrum, where unallocated spectral portions are not contiguous, leading to wasted resources and reduced spectrum utilization, despite techniques like WDM and OFDM improving spectral efficiency without addressing stranded spectrum recovery.
Innovation Solution
Methods and systems are developed to rearrange optical spectrum allocations by moving channels to targeted spectral locations, aggregating unallocated spectrum into larger contiguous ranges without interrupting data transmission, using techniques such as shifting channels within reserved spectral ranges and temporarily utilizing secondary channels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If variable spectral width allocations are employed to improve spectral efficiency, then spectrum utilization is improved, but stranded spectrum fragmentation occurs reducing overall utilization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic spectrum allocation where channel spectral widths and positions can be adjusted in real-time. The system continuously monitors spectrum usage and reconfigures allocations to prevent fragmentation, transforming the static fixed-width allocation into a dynamic adaptive system that maintains optimality as traffic patterns change.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes spectral parameters (width, center frequency, position) of channels adaptively based on current network conditions. By modifying these parameters dynamically rather than maintaining fixed allocations, the system prevents stranded spectrum formation while preserving high spectral efficiency gains from variable width allocations.
2Productivity
If channels are moved to aggregate unallocated spectrum, then spectrum utilization is improved, but data transmission interruption occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-establishing backup paths and preparing spectrum aggregation plans before actual channel moves are needed. When spectrum fragmentation is detected, the system has already identified alternative routes and aggregation opportunities, enabling seamless reconfiguration without service interruption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary control plane that mediates between the data plane and spectrum management functions. This intermediary layer coordinates channel moves, manages temporary spectrum assignments, and ensures smooth transitions during reconfiguration, preventing data transmission interruptions while achieving spectrum aggregation.
3Ease of manufacture
If fixed spectral width allocations are used, then channel planning is simplified, but spectrum efficiency is reduced due to unused portions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the spectrum into flexible, dynamically adjustable channels rather than fixed-width allocations. Each channel can be divided or combined based on actual traffic requirements, allowing the system to maintain simple planning procedures while achieving high spectrum efficiency through granular control of spectral resources.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention is directed to systems and methods for re-arranging optical spectrum utilization so that unallocated portions of the spectrum may be made contiguous. Rearrangement of optical spectrum is accomplished by moving a channel from its initial spectral location to a targeted spectral location by reserving additional spectrum for that channel that at least includes the targeted spectral location, shifting the channel to the targeted location and then collapsing the reserved spectrum around the targeted location to cover the minimal required spectrum for the channel allocation of the channel. In some cases, a secondary channel can be used as an alternate source to carry user traffic while the first channel is shifted to the targeted location.