Passive Optical Multiplexer Bandwidth Aggregation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Warehouse-scale computers require efficient, low-cost, and low-power interconnects with compact size to manage the large number of interconnected computers and networking equipment, which existing technologies struggle to provide effectively.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a bandwidth aggregation and de-aggregation apparatus using a top-of-rack (TOR) aggregation box with integrated wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) transceivers and passive optical multiplexers/demultiplexers, which eliminates the need for electrical power and reduces component count, enabling scalable and fault-tolerant fiber interconnections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If active optical components are used for bandwidth aggregation, then signal processing capability is improved, but power consumption and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces active electrical signal processing with passive optical signal processing. Instead of using electrical amplifiers and processors to aggregate bandwidth, the system uses optical components (optical amplifiers, optical switches) that operate directly on optical signals, eliminating the need for electrical-to-optical conversion and reducing power consumption while maintaining aggregation efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The passive optical components perform signal aggregation and routing functions without requiring external electrical power or control signals. The optical amplifiers automatically amplify signals based on their inherent properties, and optical switches route signals based on wavelength or spatial characteristics, enabling self-service operation that reduces overall system power consumption
2Adaptability or versatility
If more networking equipment is interconnected, then system capability is improved, but facility size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces wavelength as an additional dimension for signal multiplexing. Instead of expanding facility size to accommodate more individual connections, the system aggregates multiple signals onto a single optical fiber by distributing them across different wavelengths (colors of light). This allows thousands of connections to share the same physical infrastructure, maintaining compact facility size while improving interconnection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The optical fiber infrastructure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it carries multiple wavelengths, supports both aggregation and de-aggregation operations, and enables bidirectional communication. This multi-functionality allows a single fiber to replace what would traditionally require multiple dedicated cables, reducing facility size while maintaining system capability
3Productivity
If wavelength division multiplexing is implemented, then bandwidth aggregation efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the optical spectrum into discrete wavelength channels, each carrying independent data streams. By dividing the total bandwidth into manageable wavelength segments, the system can process and aggregate signals more efficiently. The wavelength division multiplexer and demultiplexer separately handle different wavelength ranges, simplifying the overall device architecture compared to processing all signals simultaneously
4Use of energy by moving object
If passive optical components are used, then power consumption is reduced, but signal processing capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes electrical signal processing with optical signal processing at the aggregation point. Optical amplifiers and optical switches perform signal enhancement and routing functions directly in the optical domain, eliminating the need for electrical-to-optical conversion and reducing power consumption while maintaining or improving signal processing capability through optical domain operations
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 solution achieves efficient bandwidth aggregation and de-aggregation with reduced fiber count and patch panel size, allowing for scalable system upgrades without altering the underlying fiber infrastructure, while providing high fault tolerance and low power consumption.
Implementation Method 1
integrated wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) transceivers and passive optical multiplexers/demultiplexers
Implementation Method 2
integrated wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) transceivers and passive optical multiplexers/demultiplexers
Data Source
AI summary
The specification describes an apparatus including a plurality of communication ports, each communication port coupled to a corresponding networking element, and a plurality of optical transceivers, each optical transceiver coupled to a corresponding communication port and including an optical receiver and an optical transmitter, wherein the optical transmitter can transmit an optical data signal having a carrier wavelength different than any other of the plurality of optical transmitters. A passive optical multiplexer/demultiplexer module is coupled to the transceivers and includes an optical multiplexer including a wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) output and a plurality of inputs, each input coupled to one of the plurality of transmitters, and an optical demultiplexer including a WDM input and a plurality of outputs, each output coupled to one of the plurality of receivers. Placing the passive optical multiplexer and demultiplexer external to the optical transceivers creates an aggregation/de-aggregation point with extremely low fault probability.