Reconfigurable Optical Switch Matrix for Colorless Directionless ROADMs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical communication networks based on ROADMs require manual reconfiguration of unidirectional 1×N WSS for wavelength and direction changes, leading to increased costs, footprint, and power consumption due to the need for multiple devices and amplifiers, limiting flexibility and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A reconfigurable optical switch apparatus with m input ports, m output ports, k add ports, and k drop ports, utilizing a switch matrix of m×k wavelength selective optical switches that can route optical signals in a colorless, directionless, and contentionless manner by configuring a single switch for simultaneous adding and dropping of signals at any wavelength, reducing the need for multiple devices and amplifiers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple add/drop optical switches, splitters and tunable filters are interconnected to implement colorless, directionless and contentionless ROADMs, then the routing flexibility and adaptability are improved, but the device complexity, footprint and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple optical switching elements into a single integrated optical switch matrix that can perform add, drop, and cross-connect functions simultaneously. The switch matrix integrates the functionality of multiple separate devices (add/drop switches, splitters, tunable filters) into one unified structure, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining colorless, directionless, and contentionless routing capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical switch matrix is designed as a universal switching element that can perform multiple functions (add, drop, cross-connect, wavelength selection) through a single device. Each switch within the matrix can be configured to handle different routing scenarios, making the system adaptable without requiring additional specialized components for each function.
2Reliability
If multiple optical amplifiers are added to compensate for high signal loss in distributed switching, then the signal reliability is improved, but the power consumption and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the need for multiple optical amplifiers by redesigning the switching architecture. The integrated optical switch matrix is configured to minimize signal loss through optimized light paths, allowing the system to maintain signal reliability without requiring additional amplification stages that would increase power consumption.
3Adaptability or versatility
If manually reconfiguring WSS is performed to change wavelength and direction, then the adaptability is improved, but the loss of time and productivity decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical reconfiguration of WSS with an electronically controlled optical switch matrix. The switching elements are actuated by electrical control signals that can rapidly change the routing configuration, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual adjustments while maintaining full wavelength and direction reconfiguration capability.
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
Enables flexible, efficient, and cost-effective all-optical routing with reduced manual intervention, supporting re-routing functions and optimizing resource utilization by allowing optical signals to be routed across the network with minimal equipment, thus lowering costs and power consumption.
Implementation Method 1
The switch matrix comprises m×k wavelength selective optical switches, which are arranged in m rows and k columns
Data Source
AI summary
A reconfigurable optical switch apparatus comprising m input ports, m output ports, k add ports, k drop ports and a switch matrix comprising m×k wavelength selective optical switches arranged in m rows and k columns. Each switch comprises first, second, third and fourth ports. The columns are grouped in adjacent pairs, in each pair a first column being connected to a respective drop port on a first side of the switch matrix and each wavelength selective switch in said first column having the fourth port arranged on said first side and a second column, adjacent the first column, being connected to a respective drop port on a second side, opposite the first side, of the switch matrix and each wavelength selective switch in said second column having the fourth port arranged on said second side.