Software Programmable ROADM for Flexible Optical Node Construction
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing bandwidth demands of end customers require new optical processing equipment that can provide high levels of optical bandwidth manipulation at lower cost points, necessitating advanced levels of optical signal processing integration closer to the end customers in provider networks.
Innovation Solution
The development of field programmable photonics (FPP) integrated with software programmable Reconfigurable Optical Add Drop Multiplexers (ROADMs) to create application-specific optical nodes, utilizing field programmable photonic devices and application-specific photonic devices, which include wavelength equalizing arrays, optical amplifiers, and broadband optical switches, allowing for software-driven reconfiguration of optical signal processors to emulate various ROADM functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional optical processing equipment is used, then optical bandwidth manipulation can be performed, but the cost is high and the equipment cannot be easily reconfigured for different applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal optical node design where a single optical signal processor can be software-programmed to perform multiple ROADM functions (e.g., degree 2, 3, 4, or 5 nodes). The field programmable photonic device with configurable optical switches allows the same hardware platform to emulate different optical node configurations based on software instructions, eliminating the need for multiple dedicated hardware devices for different network degrees.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical signal processor incorporates dynamic reconfiguration capabilities through field programmable photonic devices and software-controlled optical switches. The system can change its functionality and topology in real-time based on network requirements, allowing transitions between different optical node degrees and configurations without physical hardware changes, thus achieving adaptive versatility.
2Reliability
If multiple dedicated optical nodes are deployed for different network degrees, then specific optical functions are optimized, but the overall system cost and redundancy increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a multi-functional optical signal processor that can serve as different types of optical nodes (degree 2, 3, 4, or 5) depending on software configuration. This universal platform maintains reliability by ensuring each configuration meets its specific functional requirements while providing versatility through software-driven reconfiguration, eliminating the need for multiple dedicated hardware nodes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves different optical node configurations by changing software parameters and control settings rather than physical hardware parameters. The field programmable photonic device allows dynamic adjustment of optical switch configurations, wavelength routing, and node topology through software, enabling the same hardware to reliably perform different functions based on parameter changes.
3Productivity
If optical equipment is placed closer to end customers to meet bandwidth demands, then bandwidth manipulation capability improves, but the cost point increases
Solution Approach 1:
By deploying a universal optical signal processor that can function as multiple types of optical nodes, the system provides high-level optical bandwidth manipulation capability at each network location without requiring multiple specialized expensive devices. The software-programmable nature allows a single device type to serve different network degrees, reducing equipment costs while maintaining productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple optical node functions into a single integrated optical signal processor. By combining the functionality of what would traditionally require separate degree 2, 3, 4, and 5 node equipment into one reconfigurable platform, the system reduces overall equipment costs while maintaining full bandwidth manipulation capabilities needed for serving end customers.
Data Source
AI summary
Example embodiments of the present invention relate to a software programmable reconfigurable optical add drop multiplexer (ROADM) comprising of a plurality of wavelength switches and a plurality of waveguide switches, wherein when the plurality of waveguide switches are set to a first switch configuration, the software programmable ROADM provides n degrees of an n-degree optical node, and wherein when the waveguide switches are set to a second switch configuration, the software programmable ROADM provides k degrees of an m-degree optical node.