WDM Control System for Premise-Level Data Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
In electrical power distribution systems, there is a need to control and manage the deployment of optical carrier signals in fiber optic networks, particularly to ensure that sensitive utility-related transmissions are isolated and properly utilized, as existing technologies lack effective methods for managing wavelength usage in wavelength-division multiplexing (WDM) systems.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for managing premise-level data communication in WDM fiber optic networks, which involves receiving messages from new devices with service provider and customer identifiers, transmitting configuration commands to specify usable wavelengths and message types, and charging service fees, while assigning and managing wavelengths on the equipment side to ensure secure and efficient transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If wavelength-division multiplexing is deployed to increase network capacity, then the number of optical carrier signals that can be transmitted simultaneously increases, but the complexity of managing and controlling which wavelengths should be used by which devices increases
Solution Approach 1:
A control system is introduced as an intermediary between the fiber optic network and the devices (smart meters, etc.). This control system receives identification information from devices, determines appropriate wavelengths, and sends configuration commands to assign specific wavelengths to specific devices. This mediator simplifies the management complexity by centralizing the wavelength assignment logic rather than requiring each device to autonomously manage wavelengths.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system performs preliminary actions by pre-determining which wavelengths should be assigned to which devices based on identification information received during device registration. This preliminary wavelength assignment occurs before actual data transmission begins, allowing the system to prepare wavelength configurations in advance and avoid real-time management complexity during operation.
2Productivity
If multiple optical carrier signals are transmitted on the same fiber optic network, then network capacity and utilization increase, but the ability to isolate and secure sensitive utility-related transmissions decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical network is segmented into dedicated wavelength channels, with each wavelength assigned to specific devices or purposes. Sensitive utility-related transmissions can be isolated to specific wavelengths that are exclusively assigned to utility equipment, while other wavelengths can be used for commercial services. This segmentation maintains high network utilization through multiplexing while ensuring transmission security through dedicated wavelength isolation.
Solution Approach 2:
Different wavelengths are assigned different qualities or characteristics based on security requirements. Sensitive transmissions receive dedicated wavelength assignments with enhanced security properties, while less sensitive traffic can share wavelengths. The control system applies local quality differentiation by tailoring wavelength assignments to the specific security and functional requirements of each device or transmission type.
3Productivity
If a control system assigns and manages wavelengths on the equipment side, then wavelength utilization efficiency improves, but the complexity of system configuration and device registration increases
Solution Approach 1:
Devices perform self-service by automatically providing their own identification information (customer ID, equipment ID, service provider ID) to the control system during registration. The control system automatically processes this information, determines appropriate wavelengths, and sends configuration commands without requiring manual configuration. This self-service approach improves wavelength utilization efficiency through automated assignment while reducing configuration complexity by eliminating manual setup requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, apparatuses, methods, and computer program products are disclosed for managing premise-level data communication in a wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) fiber optic network. An example method includes receiving, by a control system, a message from a new device connected to the WDM fiber optic network, the message including one or more service provider identifiers, a customer identifier, and a customer equipment identifier of the new device. The method further includes transmitting, by the control system, a configuration command to the new device, the configuration command including (i) an indication of which wavelengths the new device may utilize, and (ii) an indication of message types that may be transmitted using each wavelength the new device may utilize. The method further includes causing, by the control system, transmission of a service fee to each service provider associated with a service provider identifier of the one or more service provider identifiers.