Multi-Rail SDM Switch Control for Dynamic Optical Rail Reassignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical networks with multi-rail configurations lack efficient reconfiguration and integration of SDM systems, leading to increased failure rates and reduced capacity due to the absence of programmable rail assignment methodologies and redundancy in optical equipment.
Innovation Solution
Implementing programmable multi-rail switches that dynamically assign and reassign optical components based on Quality of Service (QoS) ratings and failure detection, integrating optical amplifiers in a single module to manage redundancy and prioritize logical rails over physical ones, allowing for dynamic reconfiguration and resilience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional multi-rail configurations are used without programmable switching, then device complexity is reduced, but network reliability and capacity utilization deteriorate due to inability to dynamically reconfigure around failures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic reconfiguration capability in SDM network elements, allowing switches to programmatically realign optical rails and components based on real-time quality metrics and failure detection. This transforms static multi-rail configurations into dynamic systems that can adapt to changing network conditions, thereby improving reliability without permanent increases in complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of optical rails by programmatically adjusting switch configurations to realign failed or degraded rails with alternative optical components. This parameter change enables the network to maintain capacity utilization by dynamically reassigning logical rail paths rather than being constrained by fixed physical configurations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If optical components are statically assigned to rails, then ease of operation is improved, but adaptability deteriorates due to inability to respond to failures and quality changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service capabilities in SDM network elements through automated failure detection, quality metric evaluation, and programmable realignment of optical rails. The system monitors its own operational status and autonomously reconfigures switches to maintain optimal performance, reducing the need for manual intervention while enhancing adaptability to changing conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that continuously monitor optical rail quality metrics and failure states, using this information to dynamically adjust switch configurations. This closed-loop feedback enables the network to adapt to failures and quality degradation in real-time, improving versatility while maintaining ease of operation through automated control.
3Reliability
If redundancy is not implemented in optical equipment, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates due to higher failure rates in multi-rail networks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements prior cushioning by pre-configuring redundant optical paths and components in the multi-rail SDM network. Before failures occur, the system establishes alternative routes and backup components that can be rapidly activated through programmable switching, providing a cushion against potential failures and maintaining network reliability without requiring permanent complex redundant structures.
4Productivity
If physical rail assignment is used instead of logical rail prioritization, then device complexity is reduced, but capacity utilization deteriorates due to inability to optimize routes based on quality parameters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic logical rail prioritization that allows the network to programmatically optimize capacity utilization by evaluating quality metrics and reassigning logical rail paths in real-time. This dynamic approach enables the system to maximize productivity by routing traffic through the highest quality available paths rather than being constrained by fixed physical assignments.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters by programmatically adjusting the logical assignment of rails to optical components based on quality metrics. This parameter change enables optimization of capacity utilization through intelligent routing decisions that consider real-time network conditions, allowing the network to achieve higher productivity without increasing physical infrastructure complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are provided for configuring routes through a multi-rail system. A network element in a Space Division Multiplexed (SDM) optical network includes a first switch connected to a plurality of rails in a west direction relative to the network element; a second switch connected to the plurality of rails in an east direction relative to the network element; and a plurality of optical components, located between and connected to the first switch and the second switch, each optical component supporting a rail of the plurality of rails where each rail includes a fiber path being amplified in the SDM optical network, wherein each of the first switch and the second switch are configured to selectively switch individual rails of the plurality of rails to different optical components of the plurality of optical components.