Optical Switch Bypass for WDM Add/Drop Multiplexer Power Failure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Add/drop multiplexers in WDM optical network systems are susceptible to power outages, which disrupt the operation of opto-electric components, leading to interruptions in through channels, and existing solutions either increase costs or restrict flexibility.
Innovation Solution
An add/drop multiplexer system with an optical switch connected in parallel to the add/drop multiplexer, which bypasses the input and output terminals during power loss to maintain through channels and reconnects when power is restored, ensuring continuous operation at affected nodes without significant cost or flexibility loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If opto-electric components are used in add/drop multiplexers to enable flexible channel selection and signal strength control, then adaptability and ease of operation are improved, but reliability deteriorates due to susceptibility to power outages
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two independent paths: an active path through the add/drop multiplexer with opto-electric components for flexible channel management, and a passive bypass path that remains operational during power outages. The optical switch segments the signal flow to route through the appropriate path based on power availability.
Solution Approach 2:
An optical switch serves as an intermediary device that monitors the operational status of the add/drop multiplexer and automatically routes optical signals either through the multiplexer (when operational) or through the bypass path (when power is lost), ensuring continuous service without manual intervention.
2Reliability
If uninterruptible power sources are provided to add/drop multiplexers to maintain operation during power outages, then reliability is improved, but cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The vulnerable opto-electric components are extracted from the main signal path and placed in a bypassable section. A passive optical bypass path is created that eliminates the need for power supply to the multiplexer during normal through-channel operation, removing the requirement for expensive uninterruptible power sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the operational parameter of the optical path by using the optical switch to alternate between the active multiplexer path and the passive bypass path based on power availability, allowing the system to maintain reliability without requiring continuous power supply capability.
3Reliability
If electrical components are completely avoided in add/drop multiplexers to eliminate power outage susceptibility, then reliability is improved, but adaptability deteriorates due to restricted operational flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the flexible but vulnerable opto-electric multiplexer section from the reliable passive optical path. The bypass path contains only passive optical components for through-channel transmission, while the multiplexer section with electroluminescent components is available when power is available, achieving both reliability and adaptability in different operational modes.
Data Source
AI summary
At a WDM add/drop node of an optical fiber, an add/drop multiplexer system with opto-electric components in the through channel path has an optical switch connected in parallel with an add/drop multiplexer. Upon a power loss to the add/drop multiplexer, the optical switch bypasses the add/drop multiplexer so that WDM channel signals pass through the WDM add/drop node without interference from the unpowered add/drop multiplexer. Loss of through channels at the node is prevented. Upon a return of power, the optical switch reroutes the WDM signals on the optical fiber to the add/drop multiplexer but after the add/drop multiplexer is fully operational.