Optical Transceiver Authentication Channel for Clear IP-Optical Boundaries
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication networks face challenges in managing optical transceivers within the IP domain due to the lack of direct access by the optical network management system, leading to blurred administration boundaries and inefficient configuration of optical transceivers.
Innovation Solution
Intelligent optical transceivers configured to operate in authentication and in-service modes, utilizing a dedicated management wavelength out of band with service channels to establish a transceiver management channel, enabling direct communication with the optical network management system without requiring a direct link between routers and optical network elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If optical transceivers are integrated into IP network elements (routers) to reduce hardware components, then device complexity is reduced, but the optical network management system loses direct access to configure and manage optical transceivers, blurring administration boundaries
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the optical transceiver functionality into two distinct operational modes: authentication mode (for initial configuration and authentication) and in-service mode (for operational traffic). This segmentation allows the optical network management system to maintain direct access and control during authentication mode, while the router handles traffic during in-service mode, thus preserving administration boundaries despite integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary authentication and configuration actions before the optical transceiver is fully integrated into the IP network. The optical network management system performs wavelength configuration, authentication, and parameter setup in advance during authentication mode, ensuring that all necessary configuration is completed before the transceiver transitions to in-service mode where it operates under IP network control.
2Device complexity
If a fixed wavelength transceiver is used in the IP domain, then the number of tunable components is reduced, but wavelength stability and precise wavelength definition are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic wavelength configuration mechanism where the optical transceiver can be configured with a target wavelength by the optical network management system during authentication mode. The transceiver then dynamically adjusts its operating wavelength to match the configured target, enabling precise wavelength control without requiring the transceiver to be pre-fabricated with fixed, stable wavelength characteristics. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between simplicity and precision.
3Ease of operation
If the optical network management system does not have direct access to optical transceivers in the IP domain, then administration boundaries remain clear, but configuration and management efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs all critical configuration actions, wavelength configuration, and authentication procedures during the authentication mode phase before the optical transceiver transitions to in-service mode. This preliminary action ensures that the optical network management system completes all necessary configuration tasks while maintaining clear administration boundaries, as the transceiver is configured and authenticated by the optical management system before IP network elements take over operational control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary authentication mode as a transitional state between the optical network management phase and the IP network operational phase. During this intermediary mode, the optical network management system maintains direct access to configure the transceiver, while the router's IP network management system can observe and verify the configuration. This intermediary phase allows both management systems to cooperate clearly without blurring boundaries, while enabling efficient configuration by the optical management system.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a communication network comprising an Internet protocol (IP) network and an optical network, wherein the IP network defines an IP domain and comprises a plurality of IP network elements, wherein the optical network defines an optical domain and comprises a plurality of optical network elements and an optical network management system, which takes over control functions in the optical domain, and wherein at least one IP network element comprises at least one optical transceiver which is connected, via an optical path, to a dedicated optical network element. In an in-service mode, the optical transceiver, is configured to convert downstream optical traffic included in a bidirectional optical service channel, which is received from the dedicated optical network element and destined for the IP domain, into IP traffic that is further processed by the at least one IP network element and to convert IP traffic, which is received from the at least one IP network element and destined for the optical domain, into upstream optical traffic included in the bidirectional optical service channel that is fed to and further processed by the dedicated optical network element. According to the invention, the at least one optical transceiver is configured to be switchable between an authentication mode and the in-service mode and to communicate with the optical network management system using a transceiver management channel. The at least one optical transceiver and the optical network are configured to establish the transceiver management channel, in the authentication mode, at least between the at least one optical transceiver and the dedicated optical network by using a dedicated management wavelength out of band with respect to service wavelengths reserved for all optical service channels in the optical network. Further, the invention relates to an optical transceiver which is configured to realize such a communication network.