Single Transmitter Intelligent Splitter Multipath Network Fault Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
The high cost of transmitters in optical networks for implementing high-speed data networks with redundancy, such as SONET ring-in-ring architectures, is a significant drawback due to the need for two transmitters at each node for primary and backup paths.
Innovation Solution
A single transmitter at each node, in conjunction with an intelligent splitter, is used to simultaneously transmit data streams over redundant paths, allowing the intelligent splitter to manage the data stream and reroute it around faults, eliminating the need for duplicate transmitters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If two transmitters are deployed at each node for primary and backup paths in SONET ring-in-ring architecture, then network redundancy and fault protection are improved, but the cost of implementing high-speed data networks increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of two separate transmitters (primary and backup) into a single transmitter that serves both paths. The intelligent splitter device receives data from a single transmitter and distributes it to both the primary and backup SONET rings, eliminating the need for duplicate transmitter hardware at each node while maintaining full redundancy capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The single transmitter is designed to perform multiple functions by transmitting data that will be distributed to both primary and backup paths. The intelligent splitter enables this single transmitter to universally serve both the clockwise primary ring and the counter-clockwise backup ring, making the transmitter multi-functional rather than requiring dedicated transmitters for each path
2Ease of manufacture
If a single transmitter is used to transmit data over both primary and backup paths, then the cost of implementing high-speed data networks is reduced, but the complexity of managing data stream distribution and fault rerouting increases
Solution Approach 1:
The intelligent splitter acts as an intermediary device between the single transmitter and the two SONET rings. It receives the data stream from the transmitter, parses control information embedded in the data, determines fault conditions, and automatically reroutes data appropriately. This intermediary handles the complexity of dual-path management, keeping the transmitter simple while ensuring reliable fault protection
Solution Approach 2:
The intelligent splitter monitors the status of both primary and backup paths by parsing control streams for fault indicators. When a fault is detected in one path, the splitter receives feedback about the fault condition and automatically switches data routing to the backup path. This feedback mechanism enables automatic fault management without requiring complex control logic in the transmitter itself
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and methods are provided for the communication of a data stream and management of faults in a multipath data network having a protected ring-in-ring network architecture. The data stream is communicated over redundant paths between various nodes located throughout the network. Each node is capable of dropping and inserting data from the data stream before passing it on to the next node. A single transmitter in communication with an intelligent splitter at each node is utilized to simultaneously transmit the data stream over the redundant paths. In the event of a fault over one of the paths in the network, the intelligent splitter manages the operation of the single transmitter so that the data stream is communicated over an alternate path to circumvent the fault.