WSS-Based Wavelength Add/Drop Pooling for Multi-CO Rings
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing optical communication networks require a large number of wavelength adding/dropping units and optical subracks, leading to large and complex communication devices that occupy excessive space and incur high costs.
Innovation Solution
A communication device is designed with a first wavelength adding/dropping unit connected to a wavelength selective switch (WSS), allowing for a shared wavelength adding resource pool signal to be distributed to multiple CO rings, reducing the number of units and improving integration and flexibility in wavelength allocation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a large quantity of CO rings are supported with dedicated wavelength adding/dropping units, then wavelength adding/dropping functionality is ensured, but the cabinet size and occupied space increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple CO rings share a common wavelength adding/dropping unit through the WSS, consolidating what would traditionally require separate dedicated units. The WSS multiplexes wavelength signals from multiple CO rings through a shared optical path, reducing the total number of discrete adding/dropping units needed in the cabinet.
Solution Approach 2:
The wavelength selective switch (WSS) serves as a universal component that handles wavelength adding/dropping for multiple CO rings simultaneously. Instead of each CO ring having its own specialized unit, the WSS provides multi-functional capability to manage wavelengths across all connected CO rings through a single integrated device.
2Ease of operation
If dedicated wavelength adding/dropping units are used for each CO ring, then signal routing is simplified, but device complexity and quantity of components increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple dedicated wavelength adding/dropping units into a single shared unit with WSS. The WSS integrates the routing functionality that would otherwise be distributed across multiple separate components, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining routing capability through its wavelength-selective switching mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The WSS acts as an intermediary component between the optical subrack and multiple CO rings. It mediates the wavelength routing function, receiving signals from the optical subrack and directing them to appropriate CO rings based on wavelength, thereby simplifying the overall system architecture by eliminating the need for multiple intermediate dedicated units.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple wavelength adding/dropping units are deployed, then coverage for multiple CO rings is achieved, but integration and space efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The WSS provides universal wavelength adding/dropping capability that supports multiple CO rings through a single integrated unit. It maintains adaptability to serve different CO rings with different wavelength requirements while consolidating the integration architecture, allowing flexible configuration for various network topologies and CO ring arrangements.
Solution Approach 2:
The WSS enables dynamic wavelength routing and configuration, allowing the system to adapt to different CO ring coverage requirements through reconfigurable wavelength paths. This dynamic capability replaces static dedicated units, providing versatility in supporting multiple CO rings while maintaining a compact, integrated form factor that can be reconfigured as network needs change.
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 reduces the physical space required for wavelength adding/dropping units, simplifies the network structure, and enhances flexibility in wavelength configuration, thereby optimizing device integration and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
the first WSS is configured to schedule different add wavelength signals in the wavelength adding resource pool signal to corresponding branch ports based on a configuration
Data Source
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AI summary
A communication device and an optical communication network are provided. The communication device includes a first wavelength adding/dropping unit and a first wavelength selective switch WSS. The first wavelength adding/dropping unit is connected to a first common port of the first WSS, and a wavelength adding resource pool signal from the first wavelength adding/dropping unit is input to the first WSS through the first common port. The first WSS includes a plurality of branch ports, and the first WSS is configured to schedule different add wavelength signals in the wavelength adding resource pool signal to corresponding branch ports based on a configuration. The plurality of branch ports are in one-to-one correspondence with a plurality of central office CO site rings, and are configured to transmit corresponding add wavelength signals to the corresponding CO rings.