Wavelength Division Multiplexing for Optical Path Extension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical communications networks, particularly those using digital transmission over fiber in RoF systems, do not effectively exploit the capacity offered by optical communications, and they lack a cost-effective configuration for extending the length of optical paths connecting remote nodes.
Innovation Solution
The network interconnects a main station with processing nodes in a configuration that groups non-adjacent nodes into sub-groups, generating a multiplexed optical signal with distinct carrier wavelengths to serve each sub-group, and includes optical-to-electrical and electrical-to-optical conversion at each node for processing, using passive optical links and time-division multiplexing for data streams.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional optical communications networks use digital transmission over fiber in RoF systems, then the network can transmit data between main station and processing nodes, but the capacity offered by optical communications is not effectively exploited and the optical path length is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the optical transmission system by dividing data streams into multiple wavelength channels. Each wavelength carries a portion of the total data capacity, allowing the network to fully exploit optical fiber bandwidth. This segmentation enables longer optical paths by distributing traffic across multiple wavelength divisions, preventing any single channel from being bottlenecked by distance limitations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from single-wavelength transmission to multi-wavelength transmission, adding a spectral dimension to the optical communication system. By utilizing multiple carrier wavelengths simultaneously, the system expands the capacity in the frequency domain, allowing longer optical paths to be served without requiring additional regeneration stations, as each wavelength can be independently optimized for different path lengths.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional systems use single wavelength per node configuration, then the network structure is simple, but the number of processing nodes that can be served is limited and cost-effective extension is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal wavelength-division multiplexing architecture where a single optical fiber infrastructure can serve multiple processing nodes simultaneously through different wavelength channels. Each node can be assigned specific wavelength(s), allowing the network to scale to serve more nodes without proportionally increasing infrastructure complexity. The main station acts as a universal controller that can dynamically allocate wavelengths to different nodes as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the transmission parameter from single wavelength to multi-wavelength operation. By varying the carrier wavelength parameter across different channels, the system can serve additional processing nodes along the same optical path. This parameter change allows cost-effective extension of the network to more nodes without requiring separate physical paths for each node, as multiple nodes share the same fiber infrastructure through wavelength differentiation.
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 enhances the efficient use of optical signal capacity, allows for longer optical paths without the need for additional regeneration stations, and provides a cost-effective solution for serving more processing nodes compared to conventional systems.
Implementation Method 1
generating a multiplexed optical signal comprising a plurality of optical channel signals having a respective plurality of distinct carrier wavelengths
Implementation Method 2
converting said first optical channel signal to a first electrical signal
Implementation Method 3
converting the second electrical signal in a second optical channel signal having the first carrier wavelength
Data Source
AI summary
Communications method between a main station and processing nodes includes interconnecting the main station and the nodes in an optical path defining adjacent nodes and non-adjacent nodes, operatively grouping the nodes in a plurality of distinct sub-groups, each formed by non-adjacent nodes, at least one of said sub-groups including at least two nodes generating at the main station a multiplexed optical signal propagating along the path for serving the nodes, the multiplexed optical signal including a plurality of optical channel signals having a respective plurality of distinct carrier wavelengths, each carrier wavelength being associated with a respective sub-group of nodes, and serving each node of each sub-group of nodes with a respective portion of the optical channel signal having the associated carrier wavelength.