Spectrum Allocation in Flexible Bandwidth Optical Networks

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing communication technologies face inefficiencies in spectrum resource utilization due to bandwidth fragments, leading to increased blocking rates and reduced network resource utilization, especially in flexible bandwidth optical networks.

Innovation Solution

A spectrum allocation method and device that classify spectrum resources into occupied, released, and unused states, allowing for the allocation of continuous available spectrum resources to newly added services based on pre-classified bands, ensuring that services of the same type occupy only their corresponding spectrum bands, thereby minimizing bandwidth fragments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If flexible bandwidth optical network allocates bandwidth according to service baud rate, then network bandwidth utilization is improved, but bandwidth fragments are formed that cannot be allocated to any service

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork bandwidth utilizationVSAvoidbandwidth fragments
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the spectrum resource into multiple spectrum slots, where each slot corresponds to a minimum bandwidth unit. This segmentation allows the system to allocate bandwidth in discrete units rather than continuous ranges, enabling more precise matching of allocated bandwidth to service requirements and reducing bandwidth fragmentation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the allocation parameter from continuous bandwidth ranges to discrete spectrum slot units. By defining a minimum bandwidth unit and allocating resources in multiples of this unit, the system transforms the allocation problem from a continuous resource distribution to a discrete unit allocation, which reduces fragmentation and improves utilization efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If unused spectrum band is arranged for newly added service according to existing service spectrum band, then spectrum allocation is simplified, but bandwidth fragments increase and blocking rate increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespectrum allocation simplicityVSAvoidblocking rate
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary classification of spectrum resources into occupied, released, and unused states before allocation. This preliminary organization allows the allocation algorithm to efficiently identify suitable spectrum slots for new services while maintaining simple operation. The pre-classified states enable quick decision-making without complex real-time analysis.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a dynamic spectrum allocation mechanism where the state of spectrum resources changes from occupied to released to unused based on service termination and allocation. This dynamic state transition allows the system to adapt to changing network conditions while maintaining operational simplicity through automated state management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3057353B1Frequency spectrum allocation method and device
Publication Date: 2018.02.14 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP3057353B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3057353B1 patent drawingFigure 4
  • EP3057353B1 patent drawingFigure 5~7

AI summary

Embodiments of the present invention relate to the field of communications application technologies, and disclose a spectrum allocation method and device, which resolve a problem that a spectrum resource is not fully used due to bandwidth fragments. The method includes: allocating a corresponding continuous available spectrum resource to a newly added service according to a pre-classified spectrum resource, where the pre-classified spectrum resource includes: a spectrum band M in a first state, a spectrum band M' in a second state, and a spectrum band N in a third state; and updating status information of the spectrum resource occupied by the newly added service. The embodiments of the present invention are applicable to a flexible bandwidth network.