Virtual Optical Edge Device Multi-Protocol Abstraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fiber-based access networks face challenges such as high power consumption, increased costs due to the need for more optical nodes, limited support for fiber-connected subscribers, and lack of flexibility in adopting newer equipment from different vendors, especially when upgrading to newer standards like 5G.
Innovation Solution
A virtual optical edge device with a virtual fiber abstraction component that provides a unified API to network controllers, allowing for the virtualization of southbound ports to operate under multiple fiber access protocols, decoupling the network controller from specific access technologies and enabling flexible management and provisioning across different protocols and technologies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the number of optical nodes is increased to extend fiber deeper into the network, then system capacity is enhanced, but cost and power consumption increase substantially
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a multi-protocol optical node that can operate with multiple fiber access protocols (GPON, EPON, XGS-PON, 10G-EPON) simultaneously through a single device. This universal design eliminates the need for separate protocol-specific nodes, reducing the total number of optical nodes required in the network while maintaining enhanced system capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple protocol handling capabilities into a single optical node device. By merging GPON, EPON, XGS-PON, and 10G-EPON protocol support into one unified node, the system reduces the quantity of nodes needed compared to having separate dedicated nodes for each protocol, thereby lowering overall power consumption and cost.
2Adaptability or versatility
If legacy fiber nodes are upgraded to support newer standards, then support for fiber-connected subscribers is enhanced, but complete forklifting of installed nodes is required, increasing cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamically reconfigurable protocol handling within the optical node. The device can adapt its protocol support based on subscription requirements, allowing legacy nodes to be upgraded in software/firmware rather than requiring complete hardware replacement. This dynamic adaptability enables cost-effective upgrades while maintaining support for fiber-connected subscribers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of existing optical nodes by enabling multi-protocol support through software configuration rather than hardware replacement. This parameter change approach allows legacy nodes to support newer standards like XGS-PON and 10G-EPON without complete forklifting, significantly reducing upgrade costs.
3Reliability
If protocol-specific nodes are used for each fiber access protocol, then protocol performance is optimized, but device complexity and vendor lock-in increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal optical node design that handles multiple fiber access protocols (GPON, EPON, XGS-PON, 10G-EPON) within a single device architecture. This multi-functional approach maintains protocol performance through dedicated protocol processing while eliminating the need for separate protocol-specific nodes, thereby reducing network architecture complexity and vendor lock-in.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple vendor equipment is integrated, then flexibility and interoperability are enhanced, but system compatibility and management complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a protocol abstraction layer within the optical node that acts as an intermediary between different fiber access protocols and the core network. This abstraction layer standardizes protocol handling and interface management, enabling integration of multi-vendor equipment while simplifying system management and reducing compatibility issues.
Data Source
AI summary
A framework for virtual network element of optical access networking has been designed to provide a cloud-residing core system (i.e., Mobile core controller or SDN controller) for running higher layers without requiring dedicated hardware at the edge of the network. In this framework, a service operator can create multiple optical access network connections for serving a single or multiple types of wired or wireless subscriber by programming (via software) optical ports of a Virtual Optical Edge Device to perform the desired MAC and/or PHY layer of a selected optical protocol. The Virtual Optical Edge Device in turn performs the desired PHY function or MAC and PHY function of selected protocol per each southbound port. The Virtual Optical Edge Device performs data abstraction function on all data associated with southbound ports and presents the core network a unified API via its northbound ports.