Optical Network Station Void Filling Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
In optical networks, the existing void-filling protocol for managing packet transmission in DWDM ring networks leads to an increase in small voids downstream, causing inefficiencies as packets are inserted without being attached to sufficient voids, resulting in increased waiting times and reduced link occupancy rates, especially for stations further downstream.
Innovation Solution
A station device is implemented that generates a transmission control signal to ensure packets are inserted between voids, either attached to the preceding or succeeding packet, reducing void size and preventing the creation of small voids, thereby optimizing packet insertion and reducing waiting times.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If packets are inserted into voids using the existing void-filling protocol, then packet transmission is enabled, but small voids are created downstream leading to increased waiting times and reduced link occupancy rates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where downstream stations send acknowledgment signals upstream to confirm packet insertion and void utilization. This feedback loop enables upstream stations to adjust their insertion strategies, ensuring packets are only inserted when sufficient void space is available, thereby preventing the creation of small voids and reducing waiting times downstream.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs preliminary action by having stations reserve void space in advance before packet insertion. Upstream stations proactively identify and reserve adequate voids downstream, ensuring that when packets are inserted, sufficient space is already prepared, preventing the creation of small voids and reducing waiting times for subsequent packets.
2Speed
If packets are inserted without ensuring sufficient void size, then insertion speed is increased, but small voids are formed causing inefficiencies downstream
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses feedback signals from downstream stations to validate void size before insertion. Upstream stations receive confirmation that the targeted void is sufficient for packet insertion, ensuring both speed and reliability. This feedback loop prevents premature or incorrect insertions that would create small voids downstream.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/physical concept of void space with an information-based validation system. Instead of relying on physical timing margins, the system uses digital acknowledgment signals and void size validation to ensure packets are only inserted when adequate space is confirmed, combining speed with reliability.
3Manufacturing precision
If downstream stations wait for sufficient voids to form, then packet insertion accuracy is improved, but waiting times increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by having upstream stations proactively identify and reserve sufficient voids before downstream stations need to insert packets. This advance preparation ensures that when insertion occurs, adequate void space is already in place, eliminating the need for downstream stations to wait for void formation while maintaining insertion accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The feedback mechanism enables upstream stations to confirm void availability before insertion, allowing downstream stations to proceed with immediate insertion rather than waiting for void formation. This feedback loop eliminates waiting time while ensuring insertion accuracy by validating void size beforehand.
Data Source
AI summary
In a network including an optical link transporting packet streams of successive optical packets separated by voids, the station includes a transmission device (13) coupled to the link at an insertion point in order to inject optical packets into the link. At a detection point on the link, upstream of the insertion point, a detection device (11) observes the packet streams transported to this detection point. As a function of this observation each packet awaiting transmission and transmitted by the transmission device (13) causes the formation at the insertion point of a downstream packet stream containing the transmitted packet interposed between first and second packets delimiting a void of the upstream stream. The detection device (11) forms a transmission control signal (ACK) such that in the event of transmission as a function of this control signal, any transmitted packet is attached to at least one of the first and second packets.