Spectrum Assignment for Flexible Optical Network Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical communication systems lack efficient spectrum assignment methods in flexible networks, particularly for WSS-based contentionless and colorless add/drop devices, which restrict bandwidth allocation and lead to suboptimal spectral utilization.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a spectrum management controller that allocates distinct spectrum assignments for line devices and add/drop devices, allowing flexible bandwidth allocation and enabling each Network Media Channel to operate on its own Media Channel, with pre-combiners accommodating multiple NMCs in a single MC while maintaining resolution and deadband requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional fixed-grid add/drop devices are used, then device simplicity is maintained, but spectral efficiency deteriorates due to rigid bandwidth allocation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic spectrum assignment where the bandwidth allocation is no longer fixed but can be adjusted based on actual network conditions and requirements. The system allows flexible configuration of media channels with variable bandwidths, enabling optimal spectral utilization while maintaining manageable complexity through automated management
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the fundamental parameter of fixed grid bandwidth allocation to flexible variable bandwidth allocation. By allowing media channels to have different bandwidths based on actual needs rather than being constrained to fixed grid slots, the system achieves superior spectral efficiency while the controller manages the complexity of parameter variation
2Productivity
If flexible channel configuration is implemented, then spectral utilization improves, but device complexity increases due to multiple resolution and deadband requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the spectrum management function by introducing separate resolution and deadband parameters that can be independently configured for different media channels. This segmentation allows the system to handle complex spectral requirements by breaking down the configuration into manageable components, each with its own resolution and deadband characteristics
Solution Approach 2:
The spectrum management controller acts as an intermediary that mediates between the flexible spectral requirements and the actual device implementations. It handles the complexity of coordinating multiple resolutions and deadband constraints by providing a centralized management layer that translates high-level spectral goals into device-specific configurations
3Productivity
If distinct spectrum assignments are allocated for line devices and add/drop devices, then spectral efficiency improves, but control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the spectrum assignment control by maintaining separate media channel configurations for line devices and add/drop devices. This segmentation allows independent optimization of spectral parameters for each device type, with line devices having one set of spectral constraints and add/drop devices having another, thereby improving overall spectral efficiency while managing control complexity through structured organization
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for creating a spectrum assignment for use by an optical network element are provided. In one implementation, an optical network element may include line devices configured to communicate optical signals with external network elements along one or more degrees. The optical network element may also include add/drop devices configured to perform at least one of adding one or more optical channels to the optical signals and removing one or more optical channels to the optical signals. The line devices and add/drop devices are configured to receive control signals from a spectrum management controller, the control signals being configured to allocate a first spectrum assignment for routing the optical signals through the line devices and further configured to allocate a second spectrum assignment for routing the optical signals through the add/drop devices. For example, the second spectrum assignment may be different from the first spectrum assignment.