{"schema_version":"1.0","canonical_url":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854337","patent":{"patent_number":"US-9854337","title":"Method for constructing an AWG based N×N non-blocking optical multicast switching network","assignee":null,"inventors":[],"filing_date":"2016-11-07T00:00:00.000Z","publication_date":"2017-12-26T00:00:00.000Z","cpc_codes":["H04Q","H04Q","H04Q","H04Q","H04Q","H04Q"],"num_claims":8,"abstract":"A method for constructing an AWG based non-blocking optical multicast switching network, comprising constructing a non-blocking optical copy network via a wavelength replication module and an arrayed waveguide grating recursively and constructing a non-blocking optical multicast switching network via cascading a data copy network with a point-to-point switching network. The number of active optical devices required for constructing an N×N optical switching network with r input/output ports and with each port carrying m wavelengths is just O(N logm N), realizing system scalability and saving hardware cost and power consumption. By splitting the routing path of the multicast network into a routing path with O(1) complexity in the copy network and a routing path in a point-to-point unicast switching network, the routing complexity of the multicast switching network is equivalent to that of a unicast switching network."},"analysis":{"summary":"The Method for Constructing an Awg Based N×n Non-blocking Optical Multicast Switching Network patent addresses the increasing demands for bandwidth and efficient data routing in modern communication networks. The core innovation involves constructing a non-blocking optical multicast switching network using arrayed waveguide gratings (AWGs) and wavelength replication modules. This approach splits the routing path into a low-complexity copy network and a unicast switching network, simplifying the routing process and reducing hardware complexity. The problem being solved is the limited scalability and high hardware costs of traditional optical switching networks. The key technical approach involves recursively constructing a non-blocking optical copy network and cascading it with a point-to-point switching network. This reduces the number of active optical devices required, scaling at O(N logm N), making it a viable solution for large-scale optical networks. The business value lies in the potential to disrupt the optical networking industry by providing a scalable and cost-effective alternative to existing solutions. This technology has applications in data centers, telecommunications infrastructure, and high-performance computing environments. The market opportunity is significant, as the demand for high-bandwidth communication networks continues to grow.","layman_explanation":"The Method for Constructing an Awg Based N×n Non-blocking Optical Multicast Switching Network patent addresses a critical issue in modern data communication: the efficient transmission of data to multiple recipients simultaneously. This is particularly relevant in environments like data centers and telecommunications networks where large volumes of data need to be distributed quickly and reliably.\n\nWhat Problem Does This Solve? Existing solutions for data transmission often struggle with scalability and cost-effectiveness. As the number of users and the volume of data increase, traditional networks can become congested and expensive to maintain. The patent aims to solve this problem by providing a more efficient and scalable method for constructing optical multicast switching networks. These networks allow data to be sent to multiple destinations simultaneously, without slowing down the overall network performance. \n\nHow Does It Work? Instead of sending individual copies of the data to each recipient, the Method for Constructing an Awg Based N×n Non-blocking Optical Multicast Switching Network uses a technique called wavelength replication and arrayed waveguide gratings (AWGs) to efficiently copy and distribute the data. Think of it like a water pipe that splits into multiple smaller pipes, allowing water to flow to many different locations at the same time. The patent essentially creates a similar system for light signals, which are used to transmit data in optical networks. By splitting the routing path into a copy network and a point-to-point switching network, the complexity of the routing process is greatly reduced. \n\nWhy Does This Matter? This technology matters because it has the potential to significantly improve the performance and reduce the cost of data communication networks. By making it easier and cheaper to send data to multiple recipients simultaneously, the Method for Constructing an Awg Based N×n Non-blocking Optical Multicast Switching Network can enable new applications and services that require high bandwidth and low latency. The market impact is considerable, as the demand for efficient data communication continues to grow. \n\nWhat's Next? Future applications of this technology could include improved video streaming, faster data downloads, and more efficient cloud computing services. The market adoption timeline will depend on the availability of compatible hardware and the willingness of network operators to invest in new infrastructure. However, the potential benefits of this technology make it a promising area for future development and investment.","technical_analysis":"The Method for Constructing an Awg Based N×n Non-blocking Optical Multicast Switching Network patent presents a detailed technical architecture for a scalable optical switching network. The core of the system is the use of arrayed waveguide gratings (AWGs) and wavelength replication modules to construct a non-blocking optical multicast switching network. The implementation details focus on recursively building a non-blocking optical copy network and cascading it with a point-to-point switching network. The algorithm specifics involve splitting the routing path of the multicast network into a routing path with O(1) complexity in the copy network and a routing path in a point-to-point unicast switching network. This simplifies the routing complexity and makes it comparable to that of a unicast switching network. The integration patterns involve seamless integration of the AWG-based copy network with the point-to-point switching network. The performance characteristics show a hardware complexity of O(N logm N), where N is the number of input/output ports and m is the number of wavelengths per port. This represents a significant improvement over traditional architectures. The code-level implications would involve developing efficient control algorithms for managing the AWGs and wavelength replication modules. Overall, this patent provides a solid technical foundation for building scalable and cost-effective optical switching networks.","business_analysis":"The Method for Constructing an Awg Based N×n Non-blocking Optical Multicast Switching Network patent offers significant business implications for the optical networking industry. The market opportunity size is substantial, as the demand for high-bandwidth communication networks continues to grow. The competitive advantages of this technology include improved scalability, reduced hardware costs, and lower power consumption. The revenue potential lies in the ability to offer more efficient and cost-effective optical switching solutions to data centers, telecommunications providers, and high-performance computing environments. The business models could include licensing the technology to equipment manufacturers or offering it as a service. The strategic positioning involves becoming a leader in the development of scalable and cost-effective optical switching solutions. ROI projections indicate that this technology has the potential to generate significant returns on investment, as it addresses a critical need in the market. This technology enables businesses to reduce costs, improve performance, and stay ahead of the competition.","faqs":null,"topics":["optical switching network","AWG","multicast","non-blocking","wavelength replication"],"tech_cluster":null},"seo":{"title":"Method for Constructing an Awg Based N×n Non-blocking Optical Multicast Switching Network - Patent US-9854337","description":"Discover how the Method for Constructing an Awg Based N×n Non-blocking Optical Multicast Switching Network reduces hardware costs and improves scalability in optical networks. Full patent analysis and claims.","keywords":["optical switching network","AWG","multicast","non-blocking","wavelength replication","data center"]},"attribution":{"source":"Patentable","source_url":"https://patentable.app","canonical_url":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854337","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-9854337","citation_suggestion":"Patentable. \"Method for constructing an AWG based N×N non-blocking optical multicast switching network\" (US-9854337). https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854337","copyright_holder":"Nomic Interactive Technology LLC"},"links":{"html":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854337","json":"https://patentable.app/api/llm-context/US-9854337","site":"https://patentable.app","llms_txt":"https://patentable.app/llms.txt"},"generated_at":"2026-05-30T10:29:44.005Z"}