Wavelength Conversion Apparatus Reducing WSS Port Complexity
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Solution Overview
Problem
The high cost and complexity of network expansion in optical networks using L-band expansion, which requires optical amplifiers and switches at all nodes, limit the scalability and efficiency of wavelength conversion from C-band to L-band, leading to increased costs and limited capacity expansion.
Innovation Solution
A wavelength conversion apparatus that demultiplexes C-band signals into multiple drop signals, wavelength-converts specific wavelengths to L-band, and multiplexes them back, reducing the number of expensive WSS ports and enabling efficient wavelength conversion with a simpler configuration, allowing for flexible expansion of wavelengths without the need for extensive node upgrades.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If L-band expansion is applied to the entire network, then network capacity is improved, but device complexity and cost increase due to requiring optical amplifiers and switches at all nodes
Solution Approach 1:
The network is segmented into C-band nodes and L-band nodes, allowing wavelength conversion to occur only at specific boundary points rather than requiring full L-band infrastructure across all nodes. This segmentation enables capacity expansion while limiting the scope of complex device deployment to only where wavelength conversion is needed.
Solution Approach 2:
A wavelength conversion device acts as an intermediary between C-band and L-band networks. This intermediary converts C-band wavelengths to L-band wavelengths at specific nodes, enabling L-band capacity expansion without requiring every node to support both bands simultaneously, thereby reducing overall device complexity.
2Quantity of substance
If L-band expansion is applied to the entire network, then network capacity is improved, but cost increases due to requiring optical amplifiers and switches at all nodes
Solution Approach 1:
The network infrastructure is segmented such that only specific nodes require wavelength conversion capabilities. This allows capacity expansion while limiting expensive equipment deployment to minimal necessary locations, reducing overall network expansion cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses existing C-band infrastructure and devices, copying proven technologies rather than deploying new L-band equipment across the entire network. This approach leverages existing assets to reduce manufacturing and deployment costs while achieving capacity expansion goals.
3Adaptability or versatility
If wavelength conversion is performed using conventional methods, then wavelength conversion is achieved, but the number of WSS ports increases leading to higher cost and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple WSS ports into a single WSS by implementing wavelength conversion that consolidates traffic handling. This reduces the number of separate wavelength selective switches needed, thereby reducing device complexity and cost while maintaining wavelength conversion capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The wavelength conversion device is designed to handle multiple wavelengths and functions through a single WSS interface, making the device universal rather than requiring dedicated ports for each wavelength. This multi-functionality reduces the overall number of WSS ports needed in the network.
4Adaptability or versatility
If more WSS ports are added to handle wavelength conversion, then wavelength conversion capability is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple wavelength conversion functions are merged into a single WSS device, eliminating the need for multiple separate ports and associated equipment. This consolidation maintains full wavelength conversion capability while significantly reducing the cost of hardware deployment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent copies and reuses existing WSS hardware for wavelength conversion purposes rather than adding new dedicated conversion equipment. This approach leverages existing investments in WSS technology to achieve wavelength conversion capability without additional port costs.
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 approach reduces the cost and complexity of wavelength conversion, enabling efficient capacity expansion by reducing the number of WSS ports and allowing for easy addition of new wavelengths, while maintaining low delay and low optical loss, thus enhancing network capacity without the need for extensive node upgrades.
Implementation Method 1
n wavelength converters configured to wavelength-convert first optical signals of wavelengths included in the plurality of optical signals demultiplexed by the n second demultiplexers into a plurality of second optical signals of the second band
Data Source
AI summary
A wavelength conversion apparatus includes: a first demultiplexer wavelength-separating an optical signal having wavelengths of a first band wavelength-multiplexed into n drop signals acquired by wavelength-multiplexing optical signals of predetermined wavelengths and a through signal acquired by wavelength-multiplexing an optical signal of a wavelength being not a target of wavelength conversion; a second demultiplexer demultiplexing optical signals of the predetermined wavelengths included in the n drop signals into optical signals; n wavelength converters wavelength-converting first optical signals of wavelengths included in the optical signals into second optical signals of the second band; n first multiplexers multiplexing the wavelength-converted second optical signals, and outputting n third optical signals; and a multiplexing unit multiplexing and outputting the n third optical signals, an optical signal acquired by wavelength-multiplexing wavelengths of a second band previously wavelength-separated from the wavelength-multiplexed optical signal, and the through signal.