Quasi-Passive Optical Core Network Decoupling for Scalability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical transmission networks face challenges in scalability, cost-efficiency, and simplicity, particularly in achieving high network capacities exceeding 1 petabit/s, as they require complex and costly flexible components and frequent infrastructure changes to maintain performance.
Innovation Solution
A quasi-passive, fully meshed transparent optical network (TOR-NET) architecture that decouples the core network from edge functionalities, using passive components like glass fibers and optical amplifiers, with optical end-to-end channels that can be monitored independently, allowing for modular scaling without altering the core infrastructure, and employing AWGs for efficient bandwidth management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If flexible elastic optical networks with variable channel spacing and transmission components are used, then network capacity and adaptability are improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The network is divided into a quasi-passive core network and active edge nodes. The core network uses fixed passive components (optical fibers, amplifiers) while adaptability is achieved at the edge through active components (transceivers, switches). This segmentation allows high capacity without complex infrastructure throughout the entire network.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using flexible components throughout the entire network to achieve adaptability, the invention inverts the approach by using fixed passive components in the core and placing flexibility only where needed at the edges. This reduces overall complexity while maintaining capacity.
2Productivity
If flexible optical components are deployed to increase channel capacities, then network capacity is improved, but ease of manufacture and deployment deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The network architecture segments functionality between passive core infrastructure and active edge components. This allows the core to be manufactured and deployed once as a fixed structure, while capacity can be scaled by simply adding or upgrading edge nodes without redesigning the core infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The quasi-passive core network is built in advance with fixed infrastructure that is optimized for long-term stability and low cost. This preliminary construction creates a solid foundation that can support future capacity increases without requiring retrofits or complex reconfiguration during deployment.
3Productivity
If frequent infrastructure changes are made to maintain performance, then network capacity is maintained, but loss of time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The network has dynamic capabilities at the edge through programmable transceivers and switches that can adapt to changing traffic demands without physical infrastructure changes. The core remains static and stable, while the edges dynamically adjust to maintain performance, eliminating the need for frequent infrastructure modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of changing physical infrastructure, the network achieves capacity maintenance through parameter changes in the optical domain (modulation formats, channel spacing, spectral efficiency) at the edge nodes. These parameter adjustments can be made software-defined without touching the physical core infrastructure.
4Ease of operation
If passive components are used in the core network, then ease of operation and cost-efficiency are improved, but adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The network is segmented into a quasi-passive core and active edges. The passive core provides cost-efficient, stable infrastructure while the active edges provide adaptability. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by assigning different characteristics to different parts of the network based on functional requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The edge nodes act as intermediaries between the passive core network and the variable traffic demands. These intermediate components translate between the fixed passive infrastructure and the adaptive requirements, allowing the core to remain simple and cost-efficient while the edges handle adaptability.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method and a device or system for constructing and operating a preferably modular, highly scalable, very simple, cost-efficient and sustainable transparent optically-routed network for large network capacities, preferably network capacities of greater than 1 petabit(s). In particular, the invention allows a quasi-passive core network to be decoupled from the passive and/or active edge functionalities in or at the network nodes at the core network edge, such that the core network infrastructure does not need to be altered or tampered with for additional network scaling.