ROADM Cluster Node Architecture for Scalable Optical Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing reconfigurable optical add-drop multiplexers (ROADMs) have limited degrees of directionality and add-drop rates, which are insufficient to meet increasing network demands, and are costly with long lifespans, making them inflexible and expensive to upgrade.
Innovation Solution
A high-degree ROADM cluster node architecture that separates line and add-drop functionalities into distinct chassis, with interconnect chassis for connectivity, allowing for scalable and flexible add-drop rates while reusing existing equipment to minimize investment loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing ROADMs are used to meet current network demands, then network functionality is maintained, but the system cannot meet increasing network capacity demands and has limited scalability
Solution Approach 1:
The ROADM system is divided into separate functional modules: line functionality is performed by line chassis while add-drop functionality is performed by add-drop chassis. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized independently and enables scalable expansion of network capacity by adding more chassis or cards without redesigning the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
The line chassis and add-drop chassis are designed with universal interconnect capabilities through standardized interconnect cards and interfaces. This multi-functionality allows the same chassis types to serve different purposes depending on configuration, enabling flexible scaling and adaptation to various network demands without requiring specialized hardware for each function.
2Productivity
If existing ROADMs are upgraded to increase add-drop rates, then network capacity increases, but the cost of upgrading is high and existing equipment cannot be fully utilized
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges existing ROADM equipment into a cluster architecture where multiple line chassis and add-drop chassis work together. By combining existing resources with new modular components, the system achieves higher add-drop rates and network capacity while maximizing the utilization of previously deployed equipment, thereby reducing investment loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The ROADM cluster architecture provides dynamic scalability where add-drop capacity can be adjusted by configuring different numbers of add-drop chassis or by dynamically allocating resources through software control. This dynamic capability allows the system to adapt to varying network demands and optimize the use of existing equipment investments.
3Adaptability or versatility
If ROADMs are designed with high degree of directionality, then network flexibility increases, but the device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
Directionality functionality is segmented across multiple chassis rather than concentrated in a single complex device. Each line chassis handles specific directional line functions while add-drop chassis handle add-drop operations, distributing the complexity and enabling high degree of directionality through modular composition rather than monolithic design.
Solution Approach 2:
Interconnect chassis serve as intermediary components that bridge line chassis and add-drop chassis, enabling complex directional routing through a series of simpler intermediate steps. This intermediary architecture achieves high adaptability through multiple routing stages rather than requiring direct complex connectivity between all components.
4Productivity
If existing ROADMs are replaced with new high-capacity systems, then network capacity demands are met, but substantial investment is lost due to long lifespan of existing equipment
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of discarding existing ROADM equipment, the system recovers and integrates it into the new cluster architecture. Existing line cards, add-drop cards, and chassis are retained and repurposed within the modular cluster, maximizing the utilization of existing equipment investment while achieving the required network capacity through additive rather than replacement expansion.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus for a reconfigurable optical add-drop multiplexer (ROADM) cluster node are provided. In some embodiments, the ROADM cluster node includes a set of g line chassis for performing line functionality. In some embodiments, the ROADM cluster node further includes a set of h add-drop chassis for performing add-drop functionality. In some embodiments, each of the g line chassis includes a set of N line cards and a set of M interconnect cards. In some embodiments, the ROADM cluster node further includes a set of M interconnect chassis configured for interconnecting each line chassis to each other line chassis. In some embodiments, the set of M interconnect chassis is further configured for interconnecting each line chassis to each of the h add-drop chassis. In some embodiments, the ROADM cluster node separates the line functionality and add-drop functionality. In some embodiments, 1.15N≤M≤1.5N.