Optical TDM Signal Dummy Data Insertion
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Solution Overview
Problem
In optical networks, empty timeslots in TDM signals can lead to reduced optical transmission power below a minimum threshold, causing issues with optical amplifier operation and potentially reducing network transmission capacity, as existing methods do not effectively manage these empty slots.
Innovation Solution
Inserting dummy data frames into empty timeslots of new synchronous TDM data signals, accompanied by control information frames indicating their status, ensures that optical transmission power remains above a minimum level and prevents amplifier overload, while allowing other network elements to properly manage and transmit data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If empty timeslots are left unfilled in TDM signals, then network transmission capacity is improved by allowing flexible data routing, but optical transmission power drops below minimum threshold causing amplifier operation issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dummy data frames as temporary, disposable fillers for empty timeslots. These dummy frames serve only to maintain optical power levels during transit and are explicitly marked with control information frames so that subsequent network elements can identify and overwrite them with actual data frames. This resolves the contradiction by providing a low-cost, temporary solution that maintains power without permanently reducing network capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the state of empty timeslots by inserting dummy data frames with specific power characteristics. Control information frames are used to mark these timeslots, enabling network elements to distinguish between dummy and real data. This parameter change allows the system to maintain minimum optical power levels while preserving the ability to dynamically allocate timeslots for actual data transmission.
2Power
If dummy data frames are inserted into empty timeslots, then optical transmission power is maintained above minimum level, but network transmission capacity may be reduced due to occupied timeslots
Solution Approach 1:
Dummy data frames are designed as temporary placeholders with limited lifespan. They are inserted to maintain power levels during signal transit but are immediately marked with control information frames indicating their dummy status. Subsequent network elements can identify these marked frames and overwrite them with actual data frames, ensuring that the dummy frames do not permanently occupy transmission capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
Control information frames act as intermediaries between the dummy data frames and network elements. These control frames carry metadata that identifies the associated data frames as containing dummy data, enabling network elements to make informed decisions about whether to overwrite the dummy frames. This intermediary mechanism resolves the contradiction by making the temporary nature of dummy frames explicit to the network.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If optical amplifiers amplify signals with empty timeslots, then signal transmission is maintained, but amplifier load becomes unbalanced causing operational problems
Solution Approach 1:
Dummy data frames serve as temporary power maintainers during signal transit through optical amplifiers. They ensure that the optical signal maintains sufficient power levels for amplifier operation without requiring permanent allocation of transmission resources. After serving their power-maintenance function, network elements can overwrite these dummy frames with actual data.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a copy of the data frame structure filled with dummy data rather than leaving timeslots completely empty. This copied structure maintains the expected signal characteristics and power levels that optical amplifiers require for proper operation, while the control information frames enable identification and replacement of these dummy copies with real data.
Data Source
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AI summary
Proposed is a method and a device for optical data transmission. The device receives a set of TDM data signals in the form of optical signals at different wavelengths. The devices generates a new set of TDM data signals, using at least one data frame from one of the received TDM data signals. The device inserts into empty time slots of the received TDM data signals dummy data. The device generates new optical signals using the new TDM data signals.