Out-of-Band Optical Transceiver Control for Dynamic Resource Allocation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Optical communication systems lack direct communication paths for transceivers to exchange control information independently of node equipment, limiting the ability to monitor and control transceivers from different vendors, thereby preventing customers from realizing cost savings and full capability utilization.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system with hub and edge transceivers that communicate over optical communications networks using out-of-band channels, enabling direct communication and management of transceivers without node equipment intervention, allowing for dynamic resource allocation and optimization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If transceivers communicate through node equipment, then system compatibility and integration are improved, but transceiver independence and direct control capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the communication path by creating a dedicated out-of-band channel that bypasses the node equipment. This allows control information to be transmitted directly between transceivers and the optical network unit, separating the control plane from the data plane and enabling transceiver independence while maintaining system integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary out-of-band communication channel that mediates between transceivers and the optical network unit. This intermediary channel enables direct control communication without requiring node equipment as an intermediary, thus improving transceiver independence while preserving system compatibility through standardized interfaces.
2Adaptability or versatility
If transceivers use standardized out-of-band channels, then direct communication capability is improved, but implementation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal out-of-band communication channel that can carry multiple types of control information (monitoring, status, control) simultaneously. This multi-functional channel provides direct communication capability for various transceiver operations while using standardized protocols to minimize implementation complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes existing optical carrier parameters (wavelength, modulation format) for out-of-band communication, changing only the functional parameters (control vs. data traffic) rather than the physical layer parameters. This approach enables direct communication capability while leveraging existing infrastructure to reduce implementation complexity.
Data Source
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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. Each of the edge transceiver is operable to transmit, transmit, over a second communications channel, 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.