Pluggable Module Bidirectional Data Transport

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional optical network systems require complex domain conversions and separate transport systems, leading to increased technical complexity, space occupation, power consumption, and limited scalability and flexibility in communication protocol bandwidths.

Innovation Solution

A pluggable module with integrated bandwidth adaptation and traffic management capabilities, allowing for bidirectional data transport via optical fibers between host devices, which reduces domain conversions and provides flexible communication protocol bandwidths by integrating traffic management within the module.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate transport systems and host devices are used for data aggregation/switching and data transport, then data transport functionality is provided, but device complexity and system complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transport functionalityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the transport system and host device into a single integrated device. The pluggable module integrates optical transceiver functionality, electrical interface, and host device capabilities into one unit, eliminating the need for separate transport systems and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining data transport functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated device performs multiple functions including data aggregation, switching, and optical transport within a single device. The pluggable module provides universal functionality that replaces both the transport system and host device operations, reducing the number of separate components needed in the network architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If pluggable transceivers are used to shift electrical-to-optical conversion functionality into the host device, then data port density increases, but domain conversions and technical complexity remain

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata port densityVSAvoiddomain conversions
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the pluggable transceiver with the host device to create an integrated unit. This combination eliminates the need for separate electrical-to-optical conversion stages by integrating the conversion functionality directly into the host device, reducing the number of domain conversions required while maintaining high data port density.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If conventional network architecture with separate transport systems is used, then data transport is achieved, but space occupation and power consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transportVSAvoidspace occupation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges separate transport systems and host devices into a single integrated device, thereby reducing the physical space required for network equipment. By combining multiple functional components into one device, the overall footprint and space occupation in the network infrastructure are minimized while maintaining full data transport capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Reliability

If separate transport systems are used, then data transport functionality is provided, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transport functionalityVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines separate transport systems and host devices into a single integrated device, reducing the total power consumption by eliminating redundant components and operations. The integration allows for more efficient power utilization by consolidating electrical-to-optical conversion and data processing functions into one device, thereby reducing overall energy requirements while maintaining data transport functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

5Reliability

If conventional network architecture is used, then data transport is achieved, but scalability and flexibility in communication protocol bandwidths are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transportVSAvoidscalability and flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic bandwidth allocation and protocol adaptation capabilities within the integrated device. The system can dynamically adjust communication protocol bandwidths and allocate resources flexibly based on network conditions and requirements, thereby improving scalability and adaptability while maintaining reliable data transport.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated device enables dynamic parameter changes in communication protocols, including adjustable bandwidth allocation and protocol configuration. This allows the system to adapt to different network requirements and scale efficiently by modifying operational parameters without requiring separate transport systems for different protocols.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP2071861B1A method and a network for bidirectional transport of data
Publication Date: 2014.10.22 ADVA OPTICAL NETWORKING SP ZOO
  • EP2071861B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2071861B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2071861B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention provides a network and a method for bidirectional transport of data and in particular a pluggable module (1) for bidirectional transport of data via at least one optical fibre (3) between host devices (2) providing an add/drop functionality by means of an integrated bandwidth adaption unit 32. The network comprises at least one host device (2) having an interface card (4) connected to a backplane (5) of the host device (2), wherein the interface card (4) comprises at least one cage (6) for receiving a pluggable module (1) which provides the add/drop functionality between an optical interface (34) and the electrical host interface (8).