WSS-Based Reconfigurable Branching Unit for Submarine Networks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing submarine networks lack reconfigurability and security due to fixed wavelength arrangements, leading to inefficiencies in dynamic traffic management and potential data breaches through broadcasting.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a Wavelength Selective Switch (WSS)-based reconfigurable Branching Unit (BU) that separates channels using WSSs and optical couplers, eliminating broadcasting and allowing per-channel independent control for secure, full reconfigurability with reduced hardware costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If fixed wavelength arrangements are used in submarine networks, then device complexity is reduced and ease of manufacture is improved, but adaptability to dynamic traffic conditions deteriorates and reconfigurability is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of manufactureVSAvoidadaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements reconfigurable wavelength selective switches (WSS) that allow dynamic adjustment of wavelength routing after deployment. The system transitions from fixed wavelength arrangements to dynamically reconfigurable ones, enabling the network to adapt to changing traffic patterns while maintaining manageable complexity through standardized WSS components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If broadcasting is used for signal distribution in branching units, then ease of operation is improved and device complexity is reduced, but data security deteriorates due to potential data breaches

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of operationVSAvoiddata security

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the optical signal into separate wavelength channels using wavelength selective switches. Instead of broadcasting all signals to all ports, each wavelength is independently routed to its intended destination, eliminating the security vulnerability of broadcasting while maintaining operational simplicity through automated wavelength-based routing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If reconfigurability is added to branching units using tunable optical filters, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases and full reconfigurability is not achieved

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovereconfigurabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs wavelength selective switches (WSS) that provide universal reconfigurability across all wavelength channels simultaneously. Unlike tunable optical filters that require multiple components for full reconfigurability, the WSS achieves complete wavelength routing flexibility through a single integrated device, reducing overall system complexity while enabling full adaptability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Adaptability or versatility

If multiple optical filters are used instead of a single filter, then reconfigurability is improved, but device complexity increases and hardware costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovereconfigurabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the functions of multiple optical filters into a single wavelength selective switch (WSS) device. The WSS integrates wavelength selection, routing, and switching capabilities that would otherwise require separate filter components, thereby achieving full reconfigurability while reducing device complexity and hardware costs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

The solution provides secure, full reconfigurability with reduced hardware costs and power consumption, ensuring only intended channels reach their destinations, enhancing data security and adaptability in dynamic traffic conditions.

Implementation Method 1

separates channels using WSSs and optical couplers

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWavelength selective switching: Filter (optical)

Implementation Method 2

sending the two or more sections to an optical coupler

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical coupling:

Data Source

PatentUS9414134B2Secure wavelength selective switch-based reconfigurable branching unit for submarine network

Publication Date: 2016.08.09 NEC CORP

AI summary

Systems and methods for method for data transport using secure reconfigurable branching units, including receiving signals from a first trunk terminal and a second trunk terminal by branching units. Broadcasting is prevented for secure information delivery by dividing, within the branching units, the one or more signals from the first trunk terminal and the second trunk terminal into two or more sections, and sending the two or more sections to an optical coupler. Signals may be received from a branch terminal by one or more branching units using two fiber pairs, and the signals from the branch terminals may be divided into two or more groups of optical sections, wherein one of the sections includes dummy light. The divided signals from the first trunk terminal, the second trunk terminal, and dummy light from the branch terminal may be merged, and the merged signal sent to the branch terminal.