Tunable Optical Transceiver Automatic Provisioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current network infrastructures face challenges in managing increased bandwidth demands due to the cumbersome and costly process of manually configuring point-to-point physical connections in large networks, which limits scalability and efficiency in optical transport platforms.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with tunable optical transceivers and configuration circuitry that automatically provisions optical packet data transmission based on destination addresses, using a Transmit Table to map addresses to specific optical wavelengths, enabling dynamic configuration and efficient routing within an optical transport network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual configuration of point-to-point physical connections is used in large networks, then connection reliability is maintained, but network scalability and configuration efficiency deteriorate due to cumbersome and costly manual processes
Solution Approach 1:
The optical transceiver automatically performs configuration functions by reading destination addresses from incoming data frames and self-configuring its transmission wavelength based on pre-stored mappings, eliminating the need for manual configuration and enabling automatic adaptation to network changes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical configuration processes with an automated optical system that uses wavelength-division multiplexing and automatic address-wavelength mapping to dynamically configure connections without human intervention
2Productivity
If manual configuration processes are used for optical transport platforms, then configuration accuracy is maintained, but productivity and bandwidth provisioning speed deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-establishes mappings between destination addresses and optical wavelengths in lookup tables before operation, enabling instant configuration decisions without real-time computation or manual intervention, thus dramatically reducing provisioning time
Solution Approach 2:
Manual configuration processes are replaced with automated electronic control systems that instantly translate destination addresses into corresponding optical wavelengths using pre-programmed mappings, enabling rapid bandwidth provisioning
3Ease of operation
If tunable optical transceivers with automatic provisioning are deployed, then network efficiency and scalability improve, but device complexity and initial setup requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The optical transceiver is designed to perform multiple functions including data transmission, destination address reading, wavelength determination, and self-configuration within a single integrated device, simplifying overall network architecture despite increased individual device capability
Solution Approach 2:
Lookup tables serve as intermediaries that simplify the relationship between destination addresses and optical wavelengths, allowing the transceiver to automatically determine appropriate wavelengths without complex real-time calculations or manual intervention
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution enhances network scalability and efficiency by automating the configuration of optical packet data transmission, reducing manual intervention and costs associated with managing high-speed network connections, thereby supporting increased bandwidth demands.
Implementation Method 1
optical packet data transmitted by a given tunable optical transceiver represents a data frame that is transmitted at a specific characteristic optical wavelength corresponding to a particular destination address
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus that includes one or more electrical or optical I/O ports that interface to external communication equipment, one or more optical ports that interface to an optical transport network that carries wavelength-division-multiplexed (WDM) optical signals, one or more tunable optical transceivers, and packet switching logic. The apparatus is configured to perform packet processing operations for ingress and egress data frames or packets. The apparatus can further include control circuitry that can take part in an automatic provisioning process that configures the tunable optical transceiver units of the network device, specifically configuring the optical channels/wavelengths of the optical signals that are transmitted by the tunable optical transceivers. The apparatus can also implement a method of processing and/or managing the optical channels/wavelengths of the optical signals that are transmitted by the tunable optical transceivers based upon the destination address of ingress data frames or packets. Multiple units can interface to the optical transport network for communication of optical packet data between the units over the optical transport network as described herein.