Wavelength Cross-Connect Device for Multiband Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
In existing multiband transmission systems, the separation of S-band, C-band, and L-band WDM networks prevents optical signals from being transmitted between different bands, leading to potential wavelength collisions and increased device size and power consumption.
Innovation Solution
A wavelength cross-connect device that performs a relay process using optical amplifiers and WSSs, with input-side and output-side conversion units to convert optical signals between different wavelength bands, allowing for transmission through different optical paths without wavelength collisions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If S-band, C-band, and L-band WDM networks are separated from one another, then wavelength collision is avoided within each band, but optical signals cannot be transmitted between different bands and device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges previously separated S-band, C-band, and L-band WDM networks into a unified multiband transmission system. By combining these separate networks and introducing wavelength conversion functionality, the system enables optical signals to be transmitted across different wavelength bands while maintaining wavelength collision avoidance through coordinated wavelength management.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces wavelength conversion units as intermediary components between different wavelength bands. These conversion units act as mediators that transform optical signals from one wavelength band to another, enabling inter-band transmission without direct interference between bands, thus resolving the contradiction between band separation and inter-band connectivity.
2Reliability
If separate WDM networks for each band are used, then wavelength collision is prevented, but device size and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates multiple separate WDM network infrastructures into a single multiband transmission system. By merging the physical and logical layers of S-band, C-band, and L-band networks and implementing shared wavelength conversion resources, the system reduces overall device size while maintaining wavelength collision prevention through intelligent wavelength allocation.
3Reliability
If separate WDM networks for each band are used, then wavelength collision is avoided, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges separate band-specific WDM networks into an integrated multiband system with shared power resources. By consolidating network infrastructure and implementing efficient wavelength conversion that leverages existing optical signals rather than generating new ones, the system reduces overall power consumption while maintaining wavelength collision avoidance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs wavelength conversion that changes the wavelength parameter of optical signals between bands without requiring full signal regeneration. This parameter change approach consumes less power compared to complete signal reconstruction, as it utilizes the existing optical signal energy while merely adjusting its wavelength characteristics through non-linear optical processes.
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 configuration reduces the device size and power consumption of the wavelength cross-connect device while enabling the transmission of optical signals of the same wavelength through different paths without wavelength collisions.
Implementation Method 1
M optical amplifiers 24a to 24m, and M WSSs 25a to 25m on the input side
Implementation Method 2
Each of the WSSs 25a to 25m has one input end and M output ends (1×M)
Data Source
AI summary
A wavelength cross-connect device is formed by connecting a plurality of wavelength cross-connect devices in a ring-like form with WDM networks for each band of a plurality of bands on the input/output sides of the wavelength cross-connect devices, and includes a link wavelength allocation control unit. The link wavelength allocation control unit performs control to set different optical paths through which optical signals of the same wavelength are transmitted in the same zone between wavelength cross-connect devices, in the WDM networks of different bands in the same zone.