Self-Routing Optical Nodes via Embedded Switching Identifiers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional telecommunications networks require a centrally controlled control infrastructure for configuring optical switching elements, which complicates the establishment and switching of optical transmission paths and separates user plane data transport from control signals.
Innovation Solution
The method involves transmitting segment optical switching identifier information with the optical signal, allowing the segment destination optical node to detect and control the output port selection based on this information, enabling self-switching or self-routing of optical signals through the network without a separate control plane.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a centrally controlled control infrastructure is used to configure optical switching elements, then the optical transmission path can be established and switched, but the network complexity increases and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the control function from the centralized control infrastructure and embeds it directly into the optical signal itself through modulation. The control information is separated from the user data plane but transmitted within the same optical medium, eliminating the need for separate control connections and centralized control elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical signal serves dual functionality: it simultaneously carries both user data and control information for path establishment and switching. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate control plane infrastructure, reducing network complexity while maintaining reliable path management.
2Reliability
If a centrally controlled control infrastructure is used to configure optical switching elements, then the optical transmission path can be established and switched, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes expensive centralized control infrastructure by extracting control functionality and embedding it in the optical signal. This eliminates the need for separate control plane hardware, software, and maintenance, significantly reducing network deployment and operational costs.
Solution Approach 2:
By making the optical signal multi-functional (carrying both data and control information), the patent eliminates the need for duplicate infrastructure, reducing overall network cost while maintaining the ability to establish and switch optical transmission paths reliably.
3Adaptability or versatility
If control signals are separated from user plane data transport, then centralized control can be implemented, but the path between control signal and user data may differ
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the control signal and user data plane by transmitting both through the same optical medium. This ensures that control information and user data always follow the same physical path, eliminating path synchronization issues while still enabling centralized control through the modulated signal structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for establishing or switching an optical transmission path in order to transmit an optical signal includes the following steps: in a first step, segment optical switching identifier information is detected and determined by a segment destination optical node; and in a second step, the segment destination optical node is controlled such that—depending on determined content of the segment optical switching identifier information—either a first output port or a second output port is selected regarding establishing or switching the optical transmission path.