Optical Wireless Network Separation Using Wavelength And Identifier Codes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical wireless communication (OWC) networks face challenges in physically separating multiple networks for different classification levels, as conventional methods are inadequate for ensuring secure isolation without physical access.
Innovation Solution
The use of distinct optical wavelengths, identifier codes, and reference frequencies in OWC networks to enhance isolation, preventing cross-talk and ensuring secure communication by configuring apparatuses to recognize and filter signals based on these unique parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If different physical networks are used for different classification levels, then security is improved, but device complexity and infrastructure cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the communication spectrum by assigning different optical wavelengths to different security domains (trusted and untrusted). This allows logical separation of networks without physical isolation, achieving security segmentation while sharing common infrastructure. The primary apparatus filters signals based on wavelength to enforce domain boundaries.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes a single shared infrastructure serve multiple security domains by implementing wavelength-based multiplexing. The same physical medium (optical channel) carries multiple networks with different security classifications simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate physical infrastructures for each security domain.
2Measurement precision
If optical filters are used to separate wavelengths, then signal to noise ratio is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies optical filtering selectively only at the primary OWC apparatus where wavelength-based security enforcement is needed, rather than requiring filters at every receiver. This localized application of filtering maintains SNR where critical while minimizing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces wavelength-based signal tagging as an intermediary mechanism that enables security domain identification without requiring complex filtering at each endpoint. The wavelength serves as a mediator that carries security classification information through the shared medium.
3Ease of manufacture
If identical infrastructure is shared between trusted and untrusted domains, then cost is reduced, but security risk increases due to potential cross-talk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the wavelength parameter of optical signals to encode security domain information. By assigning distinct wavelength ranges to trusted and untrusted domains, the system enables cost-effective shared infrastructure while preventing cross-talk through wavelength-based signal differentiation and filtering.
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 effectively isolates OWC networks, reducing the likelihood of data leakage between networks, allowing for secure communication even in the absence of physical separation, and enabling the use of broader spectral filters for cost-effective receivers.
Implementation Method 1
an optical filter may be used in conjunction with one or more photodetectors to optically separate light at a desired wavelength from light in the rest of the received spectrum
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3
AI summary
An optical wireless communication (OWC) system comprises an OWC network and a further OWC network. The OWC network comprises a primary OWC apparatus configured for connection to an electronic network and one or more secondary OWC apparatuses, each secondary OWC apparatus configured for incorporation into, or connection to, or comprising, a corresponding user device. The further OWC network comprises a further primary OWC apparatus configured for connection to a further electronic network and one or more further secondary OWC apparatuses, each further secondary OWC apparatus configured for incorporation into, or connection to, a corresponding user device. The primary OWC apparatus and each of the one or more secondary OWC apparatuses are configured for communication of one or more OWC signals therebetween on one or more optical wavelengths, each OWC signal comprising corresponding data and a corresponding identifier code. The further primary OWC apparatus and each of the one or more further secondary OWC apparatuses are configured for communication of one or more further OWC signals therebetween on one or more further optical wavelengths, each further OWC signal comprising corresponding further data and a corresponding further identifier code. At least one of the one or more further optical wavelengths is different to at least one of the one or more optical wavelengths and wherein at least one of the one or more further identifier codes is different to at least one of the one or more identifier codes.