Optical Wavelength Selective Switch Multidirectional Signal Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical communication networks face challenges in flexibility and cost due to the high number of Wavelength Selective Switch (WSS) elements and ports required for re-configurability, especially with the increasing demand for broadband access and bandwidth-hungry applications.
Innovation Solution
An optical Wavelength Selective Switch (WSS) with a reflective element allows for multidirectional switching of optical signals between tributary ports by adjusting the reflective element to equalize angles of incident and reflected beams, utilizing additional reflections for switching capabilities, thereby reducing the number of WSSs and ports needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple WSS devices are interconnected to create flexible wavelength routed switching, then re-configurability and flexibility are improved, but device complexity and cost increase rapidly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the common port serve multiple functions by enabling it to communicate with multiple tributary ports simultaneously through different wavelength channels. The same common port can switch different wavelength channels to different tributary ports, allowing one port to perform the work of multiple ports in traditional architectures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of multiple WSS devices into a single WSS by utilizing the reflective element's ability to direct different wavelength channels to different tributary ports. This consolidation reduces the total number of WSS elements and ports required in the system.
2Productivity
If the number of WSS ports is increased to handle more directions, then switching capacity is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The common port is designed to handle multiple wavelength channels simultaneously, each channel capable of being switched to different tributary ports. This multi-functionality allows a single port to replace what would traditionally require multiple ports, maintaining switching capacity while reducing port count.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes wavelength as a distinguishing parameter to enable multiple independent communication paths through a single common port. By assigning different wavelength channels to different tributary ports, the system achieves high switching capacity without proportionally increasing the number of physical ports.
3Productivity
If wavelength channels are reused between different port pairs, then efficiency is improved, but signal isolation becomes challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different optical path configurations for different wavelength channels within the same WSS device. Each wavelength channel has its specific reflection angle and path optimized for its target tributary port, ensuring that signals at different wavelengths remain isolated despite sharing the same common port and physical infrastructure.
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 enables more complex network switching functions with fewer WSSs, reducing control signaling and costs, while allowing the reuse of wavelength channels for multiple connections within a single WSS, enhancing flexibility and efficiency in optical network operations.
Implementation Method 1
adjusting the reflective element, causing a first angle, defined by an incident beam of the optical signal, incident on the reflective element, and the normal of an effective reflective plane of the reflective element, to equal a second angle, defined by the normal and a reflected beam of the optical signal, reflected from the reflective element
Data Source
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AI summary
A method in an optical Wavelength Selective Switch, WSS, for multidirectional switching of optical signals. The optical WSS comprises a reflective element, a first tributary port and a second tributary port. The optical WSS switches (304) an optical signal between the first tributary port and the second tributary port with the reflective element.