Wavelength Selection in Optical Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for selecting wavelengths in optical networks do not consider the impact on future connection attempts, leading to potential blockages due to the wavelength continuity constraint, where all nodes along a path must use the same wavelength, resulting in underutilization of network capacity.
Innovation Solution
A method that identifies available wavelengths end-to-end and on each link, selecting a wavelength that is more widely available on the nodes' links, ensuring better decision-making for path setup and reducing the likelihood of future blockages by choosing a wavelength that is widely available on the network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If current sequential wavelength selection methods are used, then the implementation is simple, but future connection attempts may be blocked due to lack of wavelength availability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by proactively selecting wavelengths that will be available for future connections. The system looks ahead and reserves wavelengths on adjacent links that are likely to be needed soon, preventing future blockages before they occur. This is achieved by identifying links with high connection demand and pre-allocating wavelengths that satisfy the continuity constraint for potential future paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making wavelength selection adaptive rather than static. The system dynamically adjusts wavelength choices based on predicted future network states, connection patterns, and wavelength availability. This dynamic approach allows the network to respond to changing conditions and optimize wavelength allocation for both current and future connections.
2Speed
If wavelength selection considers only current path availability, then the selection process is fast, but network capacity utilization decreases due to blocked future connections
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary analysis of future wavelength needs and makes proactive allocation decisions. By predicting which wavelengths will be required for future connections and reserving them in advance, the system prevents future blockages without requiring complex real-time optimization, thus maintaining fast selection speeds while improving capacity utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor network usage patterns, connection demands, and wavelength availability. This feedback information is used to continuously refine wavelength selection decisions, allowing the system to adapt to changing network conditions and optimize capacity utilization while maintaining efficient selection processes.
Data Source
AI summary
A wavelength is selected for use in transmitting optical data along a path in an optical network. Wavelengths that are available for use end-to-end along the path are found, the wavelengths that are available on each link attached to each node on the path are found and a wavelength that is available end-to-end and that is more available on the links attached to the nodes is selected.