Super-channel Routing Spectrum Assignment Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
In optical communications networks, traditional routing and spectrum assignment methods often lead to frequency overlapping between super-channels, resulting in unnecessary resource over-reservation and increased blocking probabilities, which can limit the utilization of bandwidth and require more super-transponders than necessary.
Innovation Solution
The method involves checking for inactive sub-carriers in existing super-channels for reuse and, if not available, identifying and selecting paths for new super-channels that minimize frequency overlap, using bandwidth variable wavelength switching to optimize resource allocation and reduce the number of required super-transponders.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional routing and spectrum assignment methods are used, then super-channels can be established, but frequency overlapping occurs between super-channels resulting in resource over-reservation and increased blocking probabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by checking for inactive sub-carriers in existing super-channels before establishing new super-channels. The routing and spectrum assignment server first searches for available inactive sub-carriers that can be reused, and only establishes new super-channels when necessary. This preliminary check prevents frequency overlapping and unnecessary resource over-reservation, thereby reducing blocking probabilities and the number of super-transponders required.
2Quantity of substance
If inactive sub-carriers of existing super-channels are reused, then fewer super channels are needed reducing capital costs, but resource availability and allocation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling existing super-channels to serve themselves through the reuse of their inactive sub-carriers. When a new traffic request arrives, the system automatically checks which inactive sub-carriers in existing super-channels can be reused, eliminating the need to always allocate new super-channels. This self-service mechanism reduces the number of super-transponders required while the centralized routing and spectrum assignment server manages the allocation complexity through automated resource tracking and assignment.
3Device complexity
If new super-channels are established instead of reusing inactive sub-carriers, then resource allocation is simpler, but more super-transponders are needed increasing capital costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing a preliminary search for inactive sub-carriers in existing super-channels before proceeding with new super-channel establishment. The routing and spectrum assignment server first checks whether sufficient inactive sub-carriers are available for reuse, and only establishes new super-channels when the preliminary check fails to find adequate resources. This approach minimizes the number of super-transponders required while maintaining manageable resource allocation complexity through structured decision-making.
Data Source
AI summary
In an optical communications network using bandwidth variable wavelength switching, routing and spectrum assignment for a traffic request for x sub-carriers of a super-channel, involves checking for an existing super-channel having sufficient potential sub-carriers not currently active. If not found, then possible paths for a new super-channel are identified and a path is selected and sub-carriers assigned. By trying first to use inactive potential sub-carriers of an existing super-channel, fewer super channels overall are needed, and thus fewer super transponders are needed. This can reduce blocking probabilities and can reduce capital costs. The search for possible paths can try to avoid or reduce overlap with spectrum of existing super channels, or compare possible paths by weighting according to amounts of overlap.