WDM Optical Network Skew Management via Node Bypass Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Optical transport networks face challenges in managing skew across wave division multiplexed networks, leading to compromised timing properties and quality of service due to varying latencies and path lengths, especially when routing signals on different paths.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves routing signals as portions over multiple paths in an optical network, considering skew characteristics, and selecting paths to bypass processing in the electrical or optical domain, or both, to optimize signal reassembly and quality of service by adjusting skew through wavelength reassignment and fiber selection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If signals are routed on alternative or longer paths to accommodate increasing traffic data rates, then network capacity and traffic handling capability are improved, but timing properties and latency are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The signal is divided into multiple wavelength components that can be routed independently through different network paths. This segmentation allows each wavelength to take an optimal route, balancing network capacity utilization with timing requirements, rather than forcing all traffic through a single congested path.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces wavelength division multiplexing as an additional dimension for signal routing. By distributing signal portions across multiple wavelengths, the system can simultaneously utilize multiple physical paths, effectively transforming a single-dimension routing problem into a multi-dimensional solution that optimizes both capacity and latency.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple communication paths with different latencies are used to transport signal portions, then network flexibility and bandwidth are improved, but skew management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements skew monitoring and measurement mechanisms that provide feedback about the timing characteristics of different paths. This feedback enables dynamic adjustment of routing decisions and wavelength assignments to maintain acceptable skew levels, transforming skew management from a static complexity into a controllable parameter through continuous monitoring and adaptation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes wavelength as a controllable parameter to manage skew. By assigning different wavelengths to different signal portions and adjusting wavelength assignments based on path characteristics, the system can compensate for timing differences and maintain synchronization without requiring complex hardware modifications.
3Quantity of substance
If signal portions are co-routed on multiple wavelengths, then bandwidth utilization and communication capacity are improved, but path selection and skew analysis requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary skew analysis and path characterization before actual signal routing. By pre-measuring and storing skew characteristics of different network paths, the system can make rapid routing decisions without performing complex real-time analysis, reducing the difficulty of path selection while maintaining optimal bandwidth utilization.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention route a wavelength division multiplexed signal across multiple communication paths using skew characteristics of at least some of the communication paths. The network is a wavelength division multiplexed optical transport network. The plurality of communication paths involves different signal and path attributes such as a plurality of carrier wavelengths, optical carrier groups, physical communication paths (different nodes, different fibers along a same path, or any combination of the foregoing), or any other differentiating factors between two paths.