Out-of-band Control Channel for Optical Transceiver Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Optical communication systems lack direct communication and control capabilities for transceivers, limiting their independent monitoring and management, and compatibility issues arise when transceivers from different vendors are used, preventing customers from achieving cost savings by purchasing equipment from different vendors.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a transmitter and receiver system that includes digital signal processors, modulators, and optical components, enabling direct communication and control of transceivers through amplitude modulation of optical subcarriers, allowing for independent management and compatibility with various vendor equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If transceivers communicate control information through node equipment, then control information can be transmitted, but transceivers cannot be independently managed and vendor-specific compatibility issues arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments control information into two distinct types: data path control information transmitted through the optical carrier, and out-of-band control information transmitted through a separate control channel. This segmentation allows transceivers to be independently managed while maintaining compatibility across different vendors, as the out-of-band channel provides direct access to transceiver control without requiring node equipment mediation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an out-of-band control channel as an intermediary mechanism that enables direct communication between transceivers and management systems. This intermediary channel bypasses the need for node equipment mediation, allowing transceivers from different vendors to be independently managed while maintaining system-wide control coordination.
2Ease of manufacture
If transceivers use separate vendor-specific control paths, then node equipment can be controlled, but cost savings from multi-vendor procurement are prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal out-of-band control channel that can interface with transceivers from different vendors through a standardized protocol. This multi-functional control path enables customers to procure equipment from multiple vendors while maintaining unified management and control, thereby achieving cost efficiency without sacrificing vendor interoperability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the control parameter from vendor-specific proprietary protocols to a standardized out-of-band control protocol. This parameter change enables multi-vendor interoperability while maintaining individual transceiver controllability, allowing customers to optimize costs through competitive procurement while preserving system manageability.
3Loss of information
If control information is transmitted through optical carriers, then data path control is achieved, but separate transceiver control and monitoring is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments control information transmission into two independent channels: in-band control through optical carriers for data path management, and out-of-band control through a separate control channel for direct transceiver access. This segmentation enables both data path control and independent transceiver monitoring without interference, allowing comprehensive control information transmission while maintaining independent access capability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables bi-directional communication of control information between transceivers and node equipment, facilitating independent management and optimization of transceivers from different vendors, thereby enhancing system performance and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
The optical modulator is operable to supply first and second modulated optical signals based on the third electrical signals. The first modulated optical signal includes a plurality of first optical subcarriers carrying user data. The second modulated optical signal includes a second optical subcarrier.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques are described for implementing an out-of-band communication channel used to exchange control channel information in sub-carrier-based optical communication systems. In an example implementation, a transmitter includes a laser operable to supply an optical signal, a digital signal processor operable to supply first electrical signals based on first data input to the digital signal processor and second data input to the digital signal processor, digital-to-analog conversion circuitry operable to output second electrical signals based on the first electrical signals, modulator driver circuitry is operable to output third electrical signals based on the second electrical signals, and an optical modulator operable to supply first and second modulated optical signals based on the third electrical signals. The first modulated optical signal includes a plurality of optical subcarriers carrying user data. The plurality of optical subcarriers also being amplitude modulated to carry control information.