Low Cost Optical Transport Layer Using Hot-Pluggable Interfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical network architectures face challenges such as high costs, vendor dependency, and complexity due to proprietary components and interfaces, which hinder network scalability and require time-consuming offline upgrades, while also necessitating frequent regeneration of signals and manual provisioning across disparate transport technologies.
Innovation Solution
A low-cost optical transport layer is achieved by standardizing interfaces and reducing the number of transponders through the use of long-reach hot-pluggable optical interfaces and a simplified photonic transport layer, enabling rapid capacity addition and provisioning without disrupting service, using standard components and a control plane for automated wavelength management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If proprietary components and interfaces are used in optical networks, then vendor-optimized performance is achieved, but network cost and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by implementing standardized interfaces (such as XFP, SFP, SFP+) that can work with multiple vendors' equipment and support various optical transport technologies (OTN, WDM, Ethernet). This allows a single interface type to perform multiple functions across different network scenarios, eliminating the need for proprietary vendor-specific interfaces and reducing overall network complexity while maintaining performance through vendor-agnostic compatibility.
2Reliability
If traditional optical network architecture with multiple transponders is used, then signal regeneration is achieved, but operational expenses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the transponder function from the network path by implementing direct optical transport where client signals are multiplexed onto optical carriers without intermediate transponder conversions. This removes the need for expensive transponder equipment at network nodes, reducing operational expenses while maintaining signal quality through direct optical transmission and regeneration only at terminal points.
3Reliability
If offline network building process is used to add capacity, then network reliability is maintained, but time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by implementing hot-pluggable optical interfaces that allow capacity to be pre-configured and added to the network without taking it offline. Network operators can insert or remove optical modules while the network remains operational, enabling capacity expansion during live operation rather than requiring scheduled offline maintenance windows, thus reducing time loss while maintaining reliability.
4Reliability
If vendor-specific proprietary solutions are deployed, then optimal vendor performance is achieved, but network scalability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by separating the optical interface layer from the protocol layer, allowing standardized physical interfaces (XFP, SFP, SFP+) to be used independently of specific vendor implementations or protocol requirements. This modular approach enables network operators to mix and match equipment from different vendors while maintaining interoperability, thereby enhancing network scalability without compromising performance through vendor-optimized interfaces.
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
This approach reduces operational and capital expenses, allows for scalable network growth without site visits, and simplifies provisioning across multiple vendors, enhancing network flexibility and reducing the need for complex manual interventions.
Implementation Method 1
a first plurality of long-reach hot-pluggable optical interfaces for converting between electrical signals from the electrical switch and wavelength band signals
Implementation Method 2
a WDM multiplexer directly connected to the first plurality of long-reach hot-pluggable optical interfaces for receiving the wavelength band signals from the optical interfaces and combining the wavelength band signals to form a multiplexed WDM signal
Implementation Method 3
an optical amplifier connected to the WDM multiplexer for amplifying the multiplexed WDM signal from the WDM multiplexer
Implementation Method 4
a WDM demultiplexer connected to the optical amplifier for receiving the multiplexed WDM signal from the optical amplifier and separating the multiplexed WDM signal into a plurality of wavelength band signals
Data Source
AI summary
This is a method for use in architecting low cost networks using a thin optical transport layer. A long reach hot pluggable interface is inserted onto an electrical switch resulting in a standardization of the optical layer. Standardized parts like the long reach hot pluggable interfaces and standard control planes form the logic that connects components of the low cost optical layer. After the components are in place, provisioning is done at end points only. This ensures an automatic and fast turn-up capacity without the need to visit intermediate sites in the network.