Programmable Optical Network Architecture Using OFDM Sub-Carrier Multiplexing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical networking technologies face limitations in flexibility and efficiency, particularly in resource sharing and partitioning, as well as in supporting diverse bit rates and communication services, due to rigid modulation and coding techniques and high hardware and software complexity.
Innovation Solution
A programmable optical mesh network architecture (PONIARD) employing two-level switching, optical orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM), and digital signal processing (DSP) for sub-wavelength bandwidth virtualization, which allows for flexible resource allocation and reduced complexity by using wavelength and sub-carrier multiplexing, and intelligent assignment of wavelengths and sub-carriers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional optical networking technologies are used, then network stability is maintained, but flexibility in resource sharing and partitioning deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the optical network into multiple wavelength channels and further divides each wavelength into multiple sub-carriers using OFDM. This hierarchical segmentation allows flexible resource allocation and partitioning without requiring complete reconfiguration of the entire network, thereby improving adaptability while managing complexity through modular organization
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic resource allocation where wavelengths and sub-carriers can be programmably assigned and reconfigured based on network demands. This dynamic switching capability allows the network to adapt to changing requirements while maintaining operational stability through controlled reconfiguration
2Adaptability or versatility
If rigid modulation and coding techniques are employed, then system simplicity is maintained, but support for diverse bit rates and communication services deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the modulation parameters by employing OFDM with multiple sub-carriers, each capable of different modulation schemes and coding rates. This allows the system to support diverse bit rates and communication services by adjusting parameters at the sub-carrier level while maintaining overall system manageability through standardized OFDM framework
3Quantity of substance
If wavelength division multiplexing is used, then bandwidth capacity is increased, but resource isolation and QoS control deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent further segments each wavelength channel into multiple orthogonal sub-carriers using OFDM. This additional segmentation layer provides finer granularity for resource allocation, enabling better isolation between different services and improved QoS control while maintaining the high bandwidth capacity provided by WDM
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds another dimension of resource division by introducing sub-carrier multiplexing within each wavelength. This creates a two-dimensional resource space (wavelength × sub-carrier) that enhances both bandwidth capacity and resource isolation, allowing independent QoS control for different service streams
Data Source
AI summary
A programmable optical network architecture and associated components employing a two-level orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM)/wavelength division multiplexed (WDM) mechanisms for bandwith virtualization.