{"schema_version":"1.0","canonical_url":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9853728","patent":{"patent_number":"US-9853728","title":"Method for determining numbers of bits allocated to subcarriers and optical transmission system","assignee":null,"inventors":[],"filing_date":"2016-08-31T00:00:00.000Z","publication_date":"2017-12-26T00:00:00.000Z","cpc_codes":["H04B","H04B","H04B","H04J","H04J"],"num_claims":7,"abstract":"A bit allocation method is used in an optical transmission system that transmits multicarrier signals of different wavelengths in wavelength division multiplexing. Frequency characteristics of subcarriers included in the multicarrier signals are different between the respective multicarrier signals. The method includes: measuring transmission characteristics of the subcarriers included in corresponding multicarrier signals at different subcarrier frequencies; and determining a number of bits to be allocated to each of the subcarriers included in each of the multicarrier signals based on the transmission characteristics measured at the different subcarrier frequencies."},"analysis":{"summary":"The Method for Determining Numbers of Bits Allocated to Subcarriers and Optical Transmission System patent addresses the challenge of optimizing bit allocation in multicarrier optical transmission, particularly in wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) systems. The core innovation lies in dynamically allocating bits to subcarriers based on their individual transmission characteristics. This approach solves the problem of inefficient bandwidth utilization in optical networks, where subcarriers may have varying transmission capabilities. The key technical approach involves measuring the transmission characteristics of subcarriers at different frequencies and then using a sophisticated algorithm to determine the optimal number of bits to allocate to each subcarrier.\n\nThe business value of this technology lies in its ability to enhance data throughput, spectral efficiency, and overall system performance without requiring major hardware upgrades. This translates to cost savings for telecommunications companies and data centers, as well as improved service quality for end-users. The market opportunity is significant, driven by the ever-increasing demand for bandwidth and the growing adoption of technologies like 5G and the Internet of Things (IoT), which rely on robust and efficient optical transmission systems. This innovative method allows existing infrastructure to be optimized, providing a cost-effective solution for increasing network capacity and improving performance. This technology is particularly relevant for organizations looking to maximize the value of their current investments in optical networking equipment while preparing for future bandwidth demands.","layman_explanation":"The Method for Determining Numbers of Bits Allocated to Subcarriers and Optical Transmission System addresses a critical challenge in modern telecommunications: how to maximize the efficiency of optical networks. These networks, which use light to transmit data through fiber optic cables, are the backbone of the internet and other high-speed communication systems.\n\n**What Problem Does This Solve?**\n\nOptical networks often suffer from inefficiencies because not all data channels (subcarriers) are created equal. Some channels may have better transmission quality than others due to various factors, such as distance, interference, or equipment limitations. Traditional systems treat all channels the same, leading to wasted bandwidth and reduced overall performance. Existing solutions often involve expensive hardware upgrades or complex network reconfigurations.\n\n**How Does It Work?**\n\nThis patent introduces a smart system that continuously monitors the quality of each data channel in the optical network. It's like having a team of inspectors checking each lane on a highway to see how smoothly traffic is flowing. Based on this information, the system dynamically adjusts the amount of data sent through each channel. Channels with better quality get more data, while those with lower quality get less. This ensures that the network is always operating at its maximum potential.\n\nThink of it like loading a truck. Instead of evenly distributing the weight, you would put the heaviest items over the strongest part of the truck bed. This patent does the same thing for data, ensuring that the most data is sent through the most reliable channels.\n\n**Why Does This Matter?**\n\nThis innovation has significant implications for the telecommunications industry. By optimizing the use of existing infrastructure, service providers can increase network capacity without investing in costly upgrades. This can lead to lower costs, improved service quality, and a competitive advantage in the marketplace. The market opportunity is substantial, as the demand for bandwidth continues to grow exponentially.\n\n**What's Next?**\n\nThe technology described in this patent is likely to be further refined and integrated into next-generation optical networking equipment. Future applications may involve the use of artificial intelligence to predict network conditions and proactively adjust data allocation. Market adoption is expected to accelerate as service providers seek to meet the growing demand for bandwidth and improve network efficiency. Investment implications are positive, as this technology has the potential to generate significant returns for companies that develop and deploy it.","technical_analysis":"The Method for Determining Numbers of Bits Allocated to Subcarriers and Optical Transmission System patent presents a detailed approach to optimizing data transmission in optical networks. The technical architecture involves a sophisticated system for measuring the transmission characteristics of individual subcarriers within a multicarrier signal. This measurement process typically involves analyzing the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and other relevant parameters at different subcarrier frequencies. The data collected is then fed into a bit allocation algorithm, which dynamically adjusts the number of bits assigned to each subcarrier based on its measured performance.\n\nThe implementation details of this technology require specialized hardware and software components. High-speed analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) and digital signal processors (DSPs) are essential for capturing and processing the optical signals. The bit allocation algorithm can be implemented using either dedicated hardware or software running on a general-purpose processor. The algorithm itself may employ various optimization techniques, such as water-filling or other iterative methods, to converge on the optimal bit allocation scheme.\n\nIntegration patterns for this technology involve seamless interfacing with existing optical transceivers and network management systems. Standardized protocols and interfaces are crucial to ensure interoperability and facilitate widespread adoption. Performance characteristics of the system are significantly influenced by the accuracy of the subcarrier transmission characteristic measurements and the efficiency of the bit allocation algorithm. Code-level implications include the need for highly optimized signal processing routines and efficient memory management to handle the large volumes of data involved in real-time bit allocation. The system's performance is also affected by the latency of the measurement and allocation processes, which must be minimized to avoid delays in data transmission.","business_analysis":"The Method for Determining Numbers of Bits Allocated to Subcarriers and Optical Transmission System patent presents a significant business opportunity in the telecommunications and data center industries. The market opportunity size is substantial, driven by the ever-increasing demand for bandwidth and the growing adoption of technologies like 5G and the Internet of Things (IoT). These trends are fueling the need for more efficient and cost-effective optical transmission systems.\n\nThe competitive advantages of this technology lie in its ability to enhance data throughput, spectral efficiency, and overall system performance without requiring major hardware upgrades. This translates to significant cost savings for telecommunications companies and data centers, as they can maximize the value of their existing infrastructure. The revenue potential is substantial, as service providers can offer higher bandwidth services and attract more customers.\n\nPotential business models include licensing the technology to optical equipment vendors, offering it as a managed service, or integrating it into the company's own optical networking products. Strategic positioning involves targeting telecommunications companies, data centers, and other organizations that rely on high-speed optical networks. ROI projections are favorable, as the technology can significantly reduce capital expenditures and operating expenses while increasing revenue. The ability to optimize existing infrastructure and dynamically adapt to changing network conditions provides a compelling value proposition for potential customers.","faqs":null,"topics":["optical transmission","bit allocation","subcarriers","wavelength division multiplexing","spectral efficiency"],"tech_cluster":null},"seo":{"title":"Method for Determining Numbers of Bits Allocated to Subcarriers and Optical Transmission System - Patent US-9853728","description":"Explore the Method for Determining Numbers of Bits Allocated to Subcarriers and Optical Transmission System for optimized optical transmission. Full patent analysis and technical details.","keywords":["optical transmission","bit allocation","subcarriers","wavelength division multiplexing","spectral efficiency","optical networks","patent","patent US-9853728","telecommunications","data centers"]},"attribution":{"source":"Patentable","source_url":"https://patentable.app","canonical_url":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9853728","license":"CC-BY-4.0-like","license_terms":"AI-generated analysis on this page (summary, layman_explanation, technical_analysis, business_analysis, faqs) may be reused with attribution and a visible link back to the canonical URL above. Patent abstracts, claims, and bibliographic data are USPTO public domain.","required_link":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9853728","citation_suggestion":"Patentable. \"Method for determining numbers of bits allocated to subcarriers and optical transmission system\" (US-9853728). https://patentable.app/patents/US-9853728","copyright_holder":"Nomic Interactive Technology LLC"},"links":{"html":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9853728","json":"https://patentable.app/api/llm-context/US-9853728","site":"https://patentable.app","llms_txt":"https://patentable.app/llms.txt"},"generated_at":"2026-06-06T09:27:45.957Z"}