Optical Subcarrier Service Channel for Direct Transceiver Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Optical communication systems lack direct communication paths between transceivers and central software, limiting the ability to monitor and control transceivers independently of node equipment, thereby restricting the use of transceivers from different vendors and preventing cost savings.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system with hub and edge transceivers that communicate directly over optical communications networks, enabling direct exchange of control information and resource allocation, and utilizing an optical gateway to manage and adjust signal attenuation, allowing independent monitoring and control of transceivers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If transceivers communicate through node equipment, then compatibility and control are ensured, but direct access and independent monitoring capabilities are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an optical service channel (OSC) as an intermediary communication path that enables direct control and monitoring between transceivers and central software without requiring node equipment involvement. The OSC carries control information independently alongside data traffic, allowing transceivers to be managed directly while maintaining system compatibility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If transceivers from different vendors are used, then cost savings are achieved, but direct communication and full capability utilization are restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal control mechanism where the optical service channel provides standardized control and monitoring functions that work across transceivers from different vendors. The OSC carries standardized control information that enables central software to manage any transceiver regardless of vendor, ensuring full capability utilization while maintaining multi-vendor compatibility.
3Productivity
If direct transceiver communication paths are established, then independent control is enabled, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the control information transmission with the existing optical infrastructure by utilizing the optical service channel that co-exists with data transmission channels. This integration allows control and monitoring functions to be added without creating entirely separate communication paths, thus enabling independent transceiver control while minimizing additional system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An example system includes a hub transceiver and a plurality of edge transceivers. The hub transceiver is operable to transmit, over a first communications channel, a first message to each of the edge transceivers concurrently, including an indication of available network resources on an optical communications network. The message may be transmitted through amplitude modulation of a plurality of optical subcarriers output from the hub. Each of the edge transceiver is operable to transmit, over a second communications channel, such as a subcarrier having a reduced spectral width and/or power than optical subcarriers carrying user data. The second communications channel carries a respective second message to the hub transceiver including an indication of a respective subset of the available network resources selected by the edge transceiver for use in communicating over the optical communications network. Further, the edge transceiver is operable to receive, from the hub transceiver, a third message acknowledging receipt of a selection and a fourth message confirming an assignment of the selected subset of the available network resources to the edge transceiver.