Optical Switch Control Circuit for Network Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Optical networks lack flexibility and performance in routing signals during network failures or power outages due to automatic switching by physical protection mechanisms that cannot adjust light paths according to new requirements during upgrades or power loss.
Innovation Solution
A novel optical switch control circuit that provides user-controlled latching and non-latching switch operations, along with a backup power supply, to implement logical protection modes and re-route signals, offering enhanced flexibility and protection beyond conventional physical protection modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If physical protection mechanisms automatically switch to bypass mode when power is removed, then network protection is provided, but flexibility and performance are lost because the light path cannot be adjusted according to new requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by enabling the optical switch to transition between different operational modes (latching and non-latching) based on real-time network conditions and user requirements. The switch control circuit dynamically adjusts the switch behavior: in normal operation mode, the switch operates in non-latching mode allowing flexible reconfiguration, while in protection mode, it switches to latching mode to maintain the last good configuration during power failures. This dynamic adaptability resolves the contradiction between reliability and flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameter of the optical switch from a fixed physical protection mode to a controllable mode that can switch between latching and non-latching behavior. By modifying the switch control parameters through the switch control circuit, the system can adapt the light path configuration based on network requirements while maintaining protection capabilities. This parameter change enables both reliability and flexibility to coexist.
2Reliability
If latching optical switch maintains light path when power is lost, then protection is achieved, but the switch cannot adjust to new routing requirements during upgrades or maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the optical switch behavior based on operational context. During normal operations and maintenance, the switch operates in non-latching mode allowing easy reconfiguration and routing adjustments. When protection mode is activated, the switch transitions to latching mode to maintain the light path during power loss. This dynamic mode switching resolves the contradiction between protection capability and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical switch is designed to perform multiple functions through a single device: it can operate in both latching and non-latching modes, and can switch between normal operation mode and protection mode. The switch control circuit provides universal control capability, enabling the switch to adapt to different operational requirements (maintenance, upgrades, protection) without requiring separate specialized switches for each function.
3Reliability
If optical switch automatically changes light path to protection mode, then network protection is provided, but performance and flexibility are reduced due to lack of user control
Solution Approach 1:
The switch control circuit implements feedback by continuously monitoring the operational state and user requirements, then adjusting the optical switch mode accordingly. The system receives feedback about network conditions and maintenance requirements, and uses this information to determine whether to operate in latching or non-latching mode. This feedback mechanism enables both automatic protection and user-controlled flexibility to coexist.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides self-service by automatically detecting failure conditions and switching to protection mode without requiring user intervention. However, it also allows user override and configuration through the switch control circuit, enabling users to set preferred operational modes and routing preferences. This self-service capability with user oversight resolves the contradiction between automatic protection and user control.
Data Source
AI summary
Optical switch control circuit for optical network protection. In an exemplary embodiment, an apparatus includes a latching optical switch that routes signals in an optical network. The apparatus also includes a switch control circuit coupled to the latching optical switch. The switch control circuit controls the latching optical switch to selectively operate in a latching mode or in a non-latching mode based on a received command and a network power state. A method is disclosed that includes receiving a command that indicates how optical signals are to be routed by a latching optical switch, and determining a resulting routing state based on a current routing state, the command, and a power state. The method also includes controlling the latching optical switch to operates in the resulting routing state such that the latching optical switch selectively operates in a latching mode or in a non-latching mode.