Signal processing device and optical network

Abstract

The invention provides a signal processing device and an optical network, relates to the field of optical communication, and can reduce the transmission loss of the optical network. The signal processing device comprises a control circuit and a first optical distributor. The first optical distributor comprises a public port and a plurality of branch ports; wherein the common port of the first optical distributor is used for connecting a first optical line terminal, the first branch port of the plurality of branch ports of the first optical distributor is used for connecting a first optical network unit, and the second branch port of the plurality of branch ports of the first optical distributor is used for connecting a second optical network unit. The control circuit sends a first control signal to the first optical distributor so as to control the first optical distributor to communicate the public port with the first branch port; and the control circuit sends a second control signal to the first optical distributor so as to control the first optical distributor to communicate the public port with the second branch port. The embodiment of the invention is applied to the field of optical communication.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of optical communication, and particularly to a signal processing device and an optical network. Background Art

[0002] Fiber access technology refers to the technology that uses optical fibers as the transmission medium to achieve signal transmission. For example, in a fiber to the x (FTTx) network, signals are transmitted between the central office (such as a central control station) and users through optical fibers. Due to its advantages such as small size, low price, and long transmission distance, it has been widely used in various scenarios. Among them, fiber access technology includes active optical access technology and passive optical access technology.

[0003] Specifically, a passive optical network (PON) is a typical point-to-multipoint (PTMP) network, which includes an optical line terminal (OLT) located at the central office, an optical network terminal (ONT) or an optical network unit (ONU) located at the user end, and an optical distribution network (ODN) connecting the OLT and the ONU (or ONT). Usually, PON realizes signal transmission through broadcast (downlink direction) and time division multiple access (TDMA) (uplink direction). Among them, the ODN can realize the broadcast of signals in the downlink direction, and the ODN is mostly implemented by a passive splitter (such as a 1:N passive splitter, where N is a positive integer greater than or equal to 2). Since the signals in the downlink direction will be split 1:N by the ODN, the transmission loss cannot be ignored. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a signal processing device and an optical network, and the signal processing device can reduce the transmission loss of the optical network.

[0005] In a first aspect, a signal processing device is provided. Structurally, the signal processing device includes: a control circuit and a first optical splitter; the first optical splitter includes a common port and a plurality of branch ports; wherein, the common port of the first optical splitter is used to connect to a first OLT, the first branch port among the plurality of branch ports of the first optical splitter is used to connect to a first ONU, and the second branch port among the plurality of branch ports of the first optical splitter is used to connect to a second ONU. Functionally, the control circuit is configured to send a first control signal to the first optical splitter; the first optical splitter is configured to connect the common port of the first optical splitter to the first branch port of the first optical splitter in response to the first control signal; the control circuit is further configured to send a second control signal to the first optical splitter; the first optical splitter is configured to connect the common port of the first optical splitter to the second branch port of the first optical splitter in response to the second control signal.

[0006] Then, through the above solution, the optical splitter can connect the common port to the first branch port or switch to connect the common port to the second branch port in response to the control signal sent by the control circuit. Specifically, taking the downstream direction as an example, the optical splitter receives the optical signal transmitted by the first OLT through the common port. Further, in response to the first control signal sent by the control circuit, the optical splitter outputs the optical signal received at the common port to the first ONU through the first branch port connected to the common port within a period of time; in response to the second control signal sent by the control circuit, the optical splitter outputs the optical signal received at the common port to the second ONU through the second branch port connected to the common port within another period of time. In a possible implementation, the optical splitter further includes more branch ports, and any branch port is used to connect to an ONU. In this way, the optical splitter can output the optical signal received at the common port to the ONU connected to the branch port through a certain branch port connected to the common port within a certain period of time. It is not difficult to understand that the control signals (including the first control signal and the second control signal) sent by the control circuit can be generated by the OLT, or can be generated by other devices or apparatuses and then transmitted to the control circuit through the OLT. The present application does not limit this. Then, the above solution does not need to split the optical signal transmitted by the OLT, and can output all the optical signals received from the OLT to the ONU through a certain branch port connected to the common port within different periods of time, and at this time, the other branch ports of the optical splitter are all disconnected from its common port, so that point-to-point transmission between the OLT and the ONU is realized, and the transmission loss is greatly reduced. In addition, in the upstream direction, within a certain period of time, the above solution can receive the optical signal output by the ONU connected to the branch port through a certain branch port, and then transmit the optical signal to the OLT through the common port connected to the branch port, and at this time, the other branch ports of the optical splitter are all disconnected from its common port. Then, through the above solution, it is possible to avoid the appearance of rogue ONUs during the process of signal upstream transmission, thereby effectively improving the transmission quality.

[0007] In a possible implementation, the above signal processing device further includes: a receiving circuit; the receiving circuit is used to connect to the first OLT. Functionally, the receiving circuit is configured to receive the first optical signal sent by the first OLT, and the first optical signal carries port allocation information; the receiving circuit is further configured to obtain the port allocation information from the first optical signal and send the port allocation information to the control circuit; the control circuit is specifically configured to generate the first control signal and the second control signal according to the port allocation information.

[0008] Then, in the above solution, the control circuit can be connected to the OLT through the receiving circuit. Specifically, the receiving circuit receives the optical signal (the first optical signal) transmitted by the OLT, obtains the port allocation information therefrom and sends it to the control circuit; the control circuit generates a control signal according to the port allocation information. Based on the above solution, the port configuration information can be obtained based on the optical signal transmitted by the OLT, and the control circuit can be connected to the OLT through the receiving circuit and receive the port allocation information for generating control information. Among them, the receiving circuit can be an ONU or an ONT, or other devices or equipment that can implement its functions, and the present application does not make any limitations in this regard. Usually, optical fibers are used as the transmission medium in communication networks, and communication is achieved by transmitting optical signals through optical fibers. Then, through the above solution, the signal processing device provided by the present application can be compatible with the architecture of the existing communication network, the compatibility of the solution is higher, and the complexity and deployment cost of the communication network are effectively reduced.

[0009] In a possible implementation manner, the above signal processing device further includes: a transmitting circuit; the transmitting circuit is used to connect to the first OLT. Functionally, the first optical splitter is further used to send the detection results of the optical signals of multiple branch ports to the control circuit; the control circuit is further used to send port status information to the transmitting circuit according to the detection results; the transmitting circuit is further used to send the port status information to the first OLT.

[0010] Then, the above solution can send the port status information of the optical splitter to the OLT through the sending circuit. Specifically, the optical splitter sends the detection results of the optical signals of multiple branch ports to the control circuit, and the control circuit sends the port status information to the sending circuit according to the detection results; wherein, the port status information is used to indicate the status of multiple branch ports. For example, the port status information can indicate whether the connection between a certain branch port and the common port is abnormal. For another example, the port status information can also indicate whether a certain branch port transmits optical signals within the time period indicated by the port allocation information. In a possible implementation manner, the detection results sent by the optical splitter to the control circuit can be the parameters of the optical signals detected at each branch port of the optical splitter (such as the power of the optical signal, the intensity of the optical signal). Optionally, the detection circuit (for example, an optoelectronic conversion circuit including a photo-diode (PD)) provided at each branch port of the optical splitter is used to detect the optical signals of the branch ports, so as to obtain the detection results of the optical signals of multiple branch ports of the optical splitter. It should be noted that the above-mentioned sending circuit and the receiving circuit included in the signal processing device described in other solutions of this application can be independent circuits or integrated into a transceiver circuit with transceiver functions. Then, through the above solution, the OLT can timely understand the connection status of multiple branch ports included in the optical splitter based on the received port status information, so as to adjust the signal transmission between the OLT and the ONU, thereby improving the transmission quality.

[0011] In a possible implementation manner, the first optical splitter is specifically configured to connect the common port to the first branch port in the first time slot in response to the first control signal; and connect the common port to the second branch port in the second time slot indicated by the port allocation information in response to the second control signal.

[0012] Then, through the above solution, the optical splitter can connect the common port to the first branch port within the indicated first time slot according to the control signal, and connect the common port to the second branch port within the indicated second time slot. Generally, the optical splitter includes multiple branch ports. In a possible implementation, the port allocation information includes time slot indication information for indicating that the optical splitter connects the common port to the branch port. In this way, the optical splitter can connect the common port to a certain branch port within a certain period of time (for example, within the allocated time slot of a certain branch port) according to the time slot indication information. Specifically, taking the downstream direction as an example, the optical splitter receives an optical signal through the common port. Further, the optical splitter outputs the received optical signal through the first branch port connected to the common port within the corresponding period of time (for example, the first time slot) according to the time slot indication information included in the control signal; within another period of time (for example, the second time slot), the received optical signal is output through the second branch port connected to the common port. Optionally, the port allocation information may include multiple time slot indication information, where any time slot indication information only indicates one time slot (for example, the first time slot or the second time slot). Or, the port allocation information may further include one time slot indication information, and this time slot indication information can indicate multiple time slots (for example, the first time slot and the second time slot), and the present application does not limit this. Then, through the above solution, the optical splitter can connect the common port to a certain branch port within the indicated time slot according to the time slot indication information included in the control signal, so that the optical signal transmitted by the OLT can be transmitted to the connected ONU through a branch port within this time slot, and the OLT is disconnected from other ONUs within this time slot, thereby effectively reducing the transmission loss.

[0013] In a possible implementation, the common port of the first optical splitter is used to connect to the first OLT through the first optical multiplexer / demultiplexer device; the first optical multiplexer / demultiplexer device includes a common port, a first branch port, and a second branch port; wherein, the common port of the first optical multiplexer / demultiplexer device is used to connect to the first OLT, the first branch port of the first optical multiplexer / demultiplexer device is used to connect to the common port of the first optical splitter, and the second branch port of the first optical multiplexer / demultiplexer device is used to connect to the receiving circuit.

[0014] Then, in the above solution, the optical signal transmitted by the OLT can be respectively transmitted to the optical splitter and the receiving circuit through the optical multiplexer / demultiplexer. Specifically, the optical multiplexer / demultiplexer receives the optical signal transmitted by the OLT through the common port, transmits the optical signal transmitted by the OLT to the optical splitter through the first branch port, and transmits the optical signal transmitted by the OLT to the receiving circuit through the second branch port. Among them, the receiving circuit can obtain the port allocation information from the received optical signal and send it to the control circuit, and the control circuit generates and sends a control signal. Further, according to the received control signal, the optical splitter can control to connect its common port with the corresponding branch port to transmit the optical signal. In a possible implementation manner, the optical multiplexer / demultiplexer can also split the optical signal received from the OLT. The specific splitting method or steps of this application are not limited. Then, the above solution can respectively transmit the optical signal transmitted by the OLT to the receiving circuit and the optical splitter, and realize the control of the optical splitter through the port allocation information obtained by the receiving circuit, and the time consumed to connect its common port with the branch port is less, ensuring the transmission quality.

[0015] In a possible implementation manner, the splitting ratio of the first branch port of the first optical multiplexer / demultiplexer is greater than the splitting ratio of the second branch port of the first optical multiplexer / demultiplexer.

[0016] Then, in the above solution, through the optical multiplexer / demultiplexer, a relatively large part of the optical signal transmitted by the OLT can be transmitted to the optical splitter, and another relatively small part of the optical signal transmitted by the OLT can be transmitted to the receiving circuit. Optionally, the optical multiplexer / demultiplexer can split the optical signal transmitted by the OLT according to a splitting ratio of 1:99, transmit 1% of the optical signal transmitted by the OLT to the optical splitter, and transmit 99% of the optical signal transmitted by the OLT to the receiving circuit. In this way, the control signal sent by the control circuit is obtained based on an optical signal with a relatively low optical power (e.g., 1%) transmitted by the OLT; in response to this control signal, the optical splitter can output another optical signal with a relatively high optical power (e.g., 99%) transmitted by the OLT through a certain branch port. Then, the above solution can split the optical signal transmitted by the OLT according to a certain splitting ratio, into a relatively large part of the optical signal and another relatively small part of the optical signal. Among them, a relatively small part of the optical signal can be used to generate a control signal, and then control the transmission of another relatively large part of the optical signal through this control signal.

[0017] In a possible implementation manner, the first optical multiplexer / demultiplexer includes an optical switch or an optical multiplexer / demultiplexer.

[0018] Then, in the above solution, the optical signals transmitted by the OLT can be split by an optical switch or a multiplexer / demultiplexer, so that the optical signals can be respectively transmitted to the optical distributor and the receiving circuit. Of course, the multiplexing / demultiplexing device can also be other devices or apparatuses capable of realizing its functions, and the present application does not limit this.

[0019] In a possible implementation manner, in terms of structure, the above signal processing device further includes: a second optical distributor; the common port of the first optical distributor is used to connect to the first OLT through a second multiplexing / demultiplexing device; the common port of the second optical distributor is used to connect to the first OLT through a second multiplexing / demultiplexing device; wherein, the common port of the second multiplexing / demultiplexing device is used to connect to the first OLT; the first branch port of the second multiplexing / demultiplexing device is used to connect to the common port of the first optical distributor; the second branch port of the second multiplexing / demultiplexing device is used to connect to the common port of the second optical distributor; the first branch port of the first optical distributor is used to connect to the first branch port of a third multiplexing / demultiplexing device; the first branch port of the second optical distributor is used to connect to the second branch port of the third multiplexing / demultiplexing device; the second branch port of the first optical distributor is used to connect to the first branch port of a fourth multiplexing / demultiplexing device; the second branch port of the second optical distributor is used to connect to the second branch port of the fourth multiplexing / demultiplexing device; the common port of the third multiplexing / demultiplexing device is used to connect to the first ONU; the common port of the fourth multiplexing / demultiplexing device is used to connect to the second ONU. In terms of function, the control circuit is further configured to send a third control signal to the second optical distributor; the second optical distributor is configured to, in response to the third control signal, connect the common port of the second optical distributor to the first branch port of the second optical distributor; the control circuit is further configured to send a fourth control signal to the second optical distributor; the second optical distributor is configured to, in response to the fourth control signal, connect the common port of the second optical distributor to the second branch port of the second optical distributor; the first band of optical signals is transmitted between the common port and the first branch port of the second multiplexing / demultiplexing device; the second band of optical signals is transmitted between the common port and the second branch port of the second multiplexing / demultiplexing device; the first band and the second band do not intersect.

[0020] Then, in the above solution, the second optical splitting / combining device can split the optical signal transmitted by the OLT into optical signals of two non-overlapping bands, and then transmit the optical signal of one band (the first band) to the ONU through the first optical distributor and the third optical splitting / combining device, and transmit the optical signal of the other band (the second band) to the ONU through the second optical distributor and the fourth optical splitting / combining device. Specifically, the optical signal output by the OLT will be split by the second optical splitting / combining device into optical signals of two non-overlapping bands (i.e., the first band and the second band). Among them, the optical signal of the first band is transmitted to the first optical distributor through the first branch port of the second optical splitting / combining device, and the optical signal of the second band is transmitted to the second optical distributor through the second branch port of the second optical splitting / combining device. Further, the first optical distributor transmits the optical signal of the first band to the ONU (the first ONU) through the third optical splitting / combining device connected to its first branch port; the first optical distributor transmits the optical signal of the first band to the ONU (the second ONU) through the fourth optical splitting / combining device connected to its second branch port. In a possible implementation manner, the above optical signal of the first band may be the optical signal transmitted by the OLT in the downlink direction, and the optical signal of the second band may be the optical signal transmitted by the OLT in the uplink direction. Among them, the transmission process of the optical signal in the uplink direction (i.e., the transmission process of the optical signal of the second band) may refer to the above process and will not be elaborated here. In this way, one optical distributor can realize the signal transmission between the OLT and the ONU in one direction (such as the uplink direction or the downlink direction). Of course, the optical signal of the first band may also be a part of the optical signal transmitted by the OLT, and the optical signal of the second band may also be another part of the optical signal transmitted by the OLT. This application does not make any limitations in this regard. Then, through the above solution, the optical signal transmission between the OLT and any ONU (or ONT) can be controlled in different directions (the uplink direction and the downlink direction), so as to adapt to different scenario requirements.

[0021] In a possible implementation manner, the first optical distributor includes an optical switch.

[0022] In a possible implementation manner, the second optical distributor includes an optical switch.

[0023] Then, the first optical splitter can be implemented by an optical switch, and / or, the second optical splitter can be implemented by an optical switch. Optionally, the above optical switch includes 1 common port and at least N (N≥4) branch ports, that is, the optical switch has a 1:N architecture. Among them, the time delay for the optical switch to perform port configuration (i.e., connecting the common port to a certain branch port) does not exceed 10 milliseconds (ms). Since the time delay for port configuration is the unavailable time of the optical switch port, if the unavailable time of the optical switch port is too high, the availability and usability of the signal processing device will be reduced. Further, the time delay of the control module (such as a control circuit) for controlling the optical switch to implement port configuration also needs to be less than 10 ms, so as to ensure matching with the time delay requirement (not exceeding 10 ms) of the optical switch port configuration. In some other examples, the above optical switch is a waveguide-type optical switch, for example, it can be an optical switch structure and network composed of waveguide structures prepared based on common semiconductor process platforms such as silicon, silicon nitride, silicon dioxide, and lithium niobate. Generally, the optical fibers connected to the common port and branch ports of the optical switch are all single-mode optical fibers, not polarization-maintaining optical fibers. Therefore, the optical switch needs to be polarization-independent. In addition, when the response of the optical switch itself has polarization-sensitive characteristics, a polarization controller needs to be connected in front of the optical switch to counteract the time-varying polarization state in the optical fiber. Among them, the polarization controller can be integrated with the optical switch on a chip based on the same semiconductor material platform, or can be realized by an external discrete controller connected through an optical fiber. The above examples are only possible implementation methods of the optical switch, and the present application does not limit the specific structure of the optical switch, device structure, etc.

[0024] In a possible implementation manner, the second optical multiplexer / demultiplexer device includes an optical switch or an optical multiplexer / demultiplexer.

[0025] In a possible implementation manner, the third optical multiplexer / demultiplexer device includes an optical switch or an optical multiplexer / demultiplexer.

[0026] In a possible implementation manner, the fourth optical multiplexer / demultiplexer device includes an optical switch or an optical multiplexer / demultiplexer.

[0027] It should be noted that the above optical multiplexer / demultiplexer devices (including the first optical multiplexer / demultiplexer device, the second optical multiplexer / demultiplexer device, the third optical multiplexer / demultiplexer device, and the fourth optical multiplexer / demultiplexer device) can be integrated on-chip (i.e., an integrated circuit integrated inside the chip), and the above optical multiplexer / demultiplexer devices can also be integrated off-chip (i.e., an integrated circuit integrated outside the chip), for example, integrated in a certain external device. The present application does not limit the implementation manner, product form, etc. of the above optical multiplexer / demultiplexer devices.

[0028] In a second aspect, an optical network is provided. The optical network includes: a first OLT, a first ONU, a second ONU, and a signal processing device as described in the first aspect.

[0029] In a possible implementation, the optical network further includes: a second optical splitter / combiner device, a third optical splitter / combiner device, and a fourth optical splitter / combiner device.

[0030] In a possible implementation, the above optical network further includes: a second OLT and a fifth optical splitter / combiner device; wherein, the first branch port of the fifth optical splitter / combiner device is used to connect to the first OLT; the second branch port of the fifth optical splitter / combiner device is used to connect to the second OLT; the common port of the fifth optical splitter / combiner device is used to connect to the signal processing device.

[0031] Then, in the above solution, the optical splitter / combiner device can receive the optical signals transmitted by two OLTs through two branch ports respectively, and then combine them into one optical signal and transmit it to the signal processing device. Specifically, the fifth optical splitter / combiner device receives the optical signal transmitted by the first OLT through the first branch port, and the fifth optical splitter / combiner device receives the optical signal transmitted by the second OLT through the second branch port, and outputs the received optical signal to the signal processing device through the common port. In a possible implementation, the optical network may further include more optical splitter / combiner devices for connecting more OLTs. In a possible implementation, the optical splitter / combiner device may further include more branch ports to connect to more OLTs. Then, the above solution can enable the signal processing device to be connected to more OLTs by increasing the deployed optical splitter / combiner devices, so that the signal processing device provided in this application can adapt to more application scenarios, and the deployment scheme of the optical network is more flexible.

[0032] In a possible implementation, the above optical network further includes: a ranging device and a sixth optical splitter / combiner device; wherein, the first branch port of the sixth optical splitter / combiner device is used to connect to the first OLT; the second branch port of the sixth optical splitter / combiner device is used to connect to the ranging device; the common port of the sixth optical splitter / combiner device is used to connect to the signal processing device.

[0033] Then, in the above solution, the optical splitter / combiner device is connected to the OLT and the ranging device respectively through the branch ports. Specifically, the sixth optical splitter / combiner device can receive the optical signal transmitted by the first OLT through the first branch port, and the fifth optical splitter / combiner device can receive the optical signal transmitted by the ranging device through the second branch port, and output the received optical signal to the signal processing device through the common port. For example, the ranging device can be implemented by an optical time domain reflectometer. Of course, the ranging device can also be implemented by other possible devices or apparatuses, and this application does not make any limitations in this regard. In a possible implementation, the optical splitter / combiner device may further include more branch ports to connect to more communication devices or apparatuses. Then, the above solution enables the signal processing device to be connected to more devices or apparatuses by increasing the deployed optical splitter / combiner devices, further enriching the application scenarios of the signal processing device.

[0034] In a third aspect, a signal processing method is provided. The signal processing method includes: sending a first control signal to a first optical splitter; in response to the first control signal, connecting a common port of the first optical splitter to a first branch port of the first optical splitter; sending a second control signal to the first optical splitter; in response to the second control signal, connecting the common port of the first optical splitter to a second branch port of the first optical splitter.

[0035] In a possible implementation, a first optical signal sent by a first OLT is received, where the first optical signal carries port allocation information; the port allocation information is obtained from the first optical signal; and a first control signal and a second control signal are generated according to the port allocation information.

[0036] In a possible implementation, in response to the first control signal, the common port of the first optical splitter is connected to the first branch port of the first optical splitter within a first time slot indicated by the port allocation information; and in response to the second control signal, the common port of the first optical splitter is connected to the second branch port of the first optical splitter within a second time slot indicated by the port allocation information.

[0037] Wherein, for the technical effects brought by any of the design manners in the above second aspect and third aspect, reference may be made to the technical effects brought by different design manners in the above first aspect, which will not be elaborated herein. Description of the Drawings

[0038] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a passive optical network provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0039] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a passive optical splitter provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0040] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a passive optical network provided by another embodiment of the present application;

[0041] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a signal processing device provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0042] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of a signal processing device provided by another embodiment of the present application;

[0043] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of signal transmission provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0044] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of a communication network provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0045] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of signal transmission provided by another embodiment of the present application;

[0046] Figure 9 A schematic diagram of a communication network provided for another embodiment of the present application;

[0047] Figure 10 A schematic diagram of signal transmission provided for another embodiment of the present application;

[0048] Figure 11 A schematic diagram of a communication network provided for another embodiment of the present application;

[0049] Figure 12 A schematic diagram of signal transmission provided for yet another embodiment of the present application;

[0050] Figure 13 A schematic diagram of a communication network provided for yet another embodiment of the present application;

[0051] Figure 14 A schematic diagram of a communication network provided for another embodiment of the present application;

[0052] Figure 15 A schematic diagram of a communication network provided for another embodiment of the present application;

[0053] Figure 16 A schematic diagram of a communication network provided for yet another embodiment of the present application;

[0054] Figure 17 A schematic diagram of a communication network provided for another embodiment of the present application. Detailed implementation manners

[0055] The present application will present various aspects, embodiments or features around a system that may include multiple devices, components, modules, etc. It should be understood and appreciated that each system may include additional devices, components, modules, etc., and / or may not include all the devices, components, modules, etc. discussed in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. In addition, combinations of these solutions may also be used. It should be noted that in the embodiments of the present application, words such as "exemplary" or "for example" are used to represent examples, illustrations or explanations. Any embodiment or design solution described as "exemplary" or "for example" in the embodiments of the present application should not be construed as being more preferred or more advantageous than other embodiments or design solutions. Rather, the use of words such as "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present relevant concepts in a specific manner.

[0056] Next, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0057] Fiber access technology uses optical fibers as the transmission medium to achieve signal transmission, including active optical access and passive optical access. Among them, in a fiber to the x (FTTx) network, signals are transmitted between the central office (such as a central control station) and users through optical fibers. Due to its advantages such as small size, low price, and long transmission distance, it has been widely used in various scenarios.

[0058] Passive optical network PON is a typical point-to-multipoint (PTMP) network, which includes an optical line terminal (OLT) located at the central office, an optical network terminal (ONT) or an optical network unit (ONU) located at the user end, and an optical distribution network (ODN) connecting the OLT and the ONU. Exemplarily, referring to Figure 1 as shown, an embodiment of the present application provides a schematic diagram of a passive optical network. Among them, for the convenience of description, the Figure 1 shown passive optical network is denoted as PON 10. Combining Figure 1 as shown, PON 10 includes: OLT 101, ODN 102, and ONU 103. Among them, the OLT is usually set on the network side (for example, it can be a central control station at the central office), and the ONU 103 includes one or more ONUs set therein.

[0059] In the embodiments of the present application, the ONU is taken as an example for illustration on the user side. It is not difficult to understand that the ONT or ONU is usually set at different positions on the user side (which can also be called the terminal side), and the functions realized by the ONT and the ONU are similar and are usually regarded as components of the ONU. For the convenience of description, Figure 1 in the shown PON 10, only the ONU 103 is taken as an example on the user side, and it should not be used to limit the types and quantities of devices included in the PON.

[0060] Among them, in the downstream direction of the PON, signals are usually transmitted by broadcasting. Among them, the ODN is usually implemented by a passive optical splitter (such as a 1:N passive optical splitter). Specifically, the OLT 101 located at the central office outputs an optical signal, and the optical signal is transmitted along the optical fiber to the ODN 102. The passive optical splitter ODN 102 distributes the optical signal to multiple ONUs in the ONU 103 respectively. Any ONU in the ONU 103, based on the received optical signal and according to the logical identifier assigned by the OLT 101, selectively receives the data frame sent to itself from the received optical signal by making a judgment at the physical layer, and discards the data frames transmitted to other ONUs.

[0061] In the upstream direction, PON usually transmits signals by means of time division multiple access (TDMA). Specifically, each ONU in the ONU 103 outputs an optical signal in the allocated time slot in a predetermined order according to the time stamp allocated by the OLT 101, and the optical signal is transmitted along the optical fiber to the ODN 102 and then to the OLT 101 through the ODN 102.

[0062] With the continuous development of related technologies, PON has evolved from gigabit-capable passive optical network (GPON) to 10-gigabit-capable passive optical network (XGPON), and then to the current 50-gigabit-capable passive optical network (50GPON), as well as the possible future 100GPON (100-gigabit-capable passive optical network) and even 200GPON (200-gigabit-capable passive optical network). The transmission rate of PON has been continuously increasing, and the bandwidth has also been continuously improved. However, this poses higher requirements for the link budget (including power) and transmission delay of PON.

[0063] It should be noted that the ODN usually includes one or more levels of optical splitters (multiple optical splitters are provided) to achieve multi-level splitting of optical signals. Of course, in some other examples, the optical splitter may also include more or fewer output ports. Here, only Figure 1 the shown architecture is taken as an example, and the embodiments of the present application do not limit the number of optical splitters included in the ODN, nor the number of output ports of each optical splitter.

[0064] Generally speaking, the ODN in PON is usually implemented by a passive optical splitter. Exemplarily, referring to Figure 2 the shown figure, the embodiments of the present application provide a schematic diagram of a possible passive optical splitter. Among them, the passive optical splitter (also called optical splitter) is a passive device that can achieve splitting and combining of optical energy without external energy by receiving optical signals. Among them, the optical splitter can distribute the optical energy (such as optical power, optical intensity) transmitted in one optical fiber to two or more optical fibers according to a predetermined ratio, or combine the optical energy transmitted in multiple optical fibers into one optical fiber.

[0065] Specifically, in combination with Figure 2As shown, the passive optical splitter is a 1:N optical splitter, including a common port and N branch ports. The passive optical splitter can receive the optical signal transmitted by the optical fiber through a common port, and distribute the energy (such as optical power) of the optical signal to N optical fibers through N branch ports in proportion, so as to be transmitted by N optical fibers respectively. Or, the passive optical splitter can also receive the optical signals transmitted by N optical fibers through N branch ports, and transmit the received optical signals to one optical fiber through the common port for transmission.

[0066] However, due to the characteristics of its manufacturing materials, the passive optical splitter has inevitable intrinsic losses, which will lead to relatively high losses during the transmission of optical signals. For example, if the ODN is a 1:8 passive optical splitter, its intrinsic loss is usually 9 dB. If the ODN is a 1:16 passive optical splitter, its intrinsic loss is usually 14 dB. Specifically, taking the ODN as a 1:8 passive optical splitter as an example, the optical power of the optical signal received by any ONU on the user side connected to the ODN is only 1 / 8 of the optical power of the optical signal output by the OLT. It is not difficult to understand that the same losses exist in both the upstream and downstream directions.

[0067] On the other hand, since PON uses the TDMA method in the upstream direction, the OLT needs to open windows regularly to ensure that newly connected ONUs in the PON can be detected in time. This means that the OLT needs to stop the signal transmission in the upstream direction at regular intervals so that the newly connected ONUs can complete the processes of registering and ranging with the OLT. Usually, the window opening period of the OLT is 250 microseconds (μs), which will result in a periodic (with a period of 250 μs) time delay in the signal transmission in the upstream direction, causing some time slots in the upstream direction of the PON to be wasted and reducing the bandwidth of the PON network.

[0068] Since the PON uses the TDMA method to transmit signals in the upstream direction, each ONU will send optical signals in its allocated time slots in the corresponding order. However, in some other examples, when any ONU sends an optical signal in a time slot other than its own allocated time slot, it will conflict with other ONUs that are sending optical signals in that allocated time slot, which will affect the normal communication of other ONUs or even all ONUs. Among them, the ONU that sends an optical signal in a time slot other than its own allocated time slot is called a rogue ONU.

[0069] Based on the above, the inherent intrinsic losses of the passive optical splitter prevent the transmission rate of the PON from being further improved, and may also make it difficult to further expand the user scale of the PON. At the same time, there is a periodic time delay during the signal transmission of the PON. In addition, rogue ONUs still cannot be effectively avoided.

[0070] Based on the above problems, wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) technology is usually adopted for improvement, that is, by adding one or more deployed WDMs to achieve the improvement of the above problems. Exemplarily, referring to Figure 3 as shown, an embodiment of the present application provides a schematic diagram of a passive optical network. Among them, for the convenience of description, Figure 3 the passive optical network shown is denoted as PON 20. Combining Figure 1 as shown, PON 20 is a WDM-based PON network, including: OLT 201, ODN 202, three wavelength division multiplexers WDM ( Figure 3 denoted as WDM 202-1, WDM 202-2, and WDM 202-3 in Figure 3 ) and multiple ONUs (

[0071] denoted as ONU-11 to ONU-nm in Figure 3 ). Of course, Figure 3 this is only a schematic diagram of a possible passive optical network, and should not be used to limit the types and quantities of devices included in the passive optical network. For example,

[0072] one or more of the multiple ONUs in Figure 3 can also be implemented by ONTs. Specifically, when PON 20 transmits signals in the downstream direction, it will no longer adopt the broadcast method. Combining 11 as shown, in the downstream direction, OLT 201 outputs optical signals including multiple different wavelengths (such as including λ 12 to λ nm ), and through the 1:N wavelength division multiplexer WDM (WDM 202-1, WDM 202-2, and WDM 202-3), the optical signals of different wavelengths are simultaneously transmitted to different ONUs (ONU-11 to ONU-nm), so that any ONU can receive the optical signal of a specific wavelength. Similarly, in the upstream direction, ONU-11 to ONU-nm will simultaneously output optical signals of specific wavelengths (including λ' 11 to λ' nm ), and through the WDM (WDM 202-1, WDM 202-2, and WDM 202-3) for multiplexing, and then transmitted to OLT 201.

[0073] Then, in the downstream direction, the above solution can simultaneously transmit optical signals of different wavelengths to different ONUs, effectively reducing the loss during transmission. Since the signal transmission process in the upstream direction is similar to that in the downstream direction, the loss can also be effectively reduced. At the same time, since multiple ONUs communicate with the OLT through optical signals of specific wavelengths, any ONU does not need to share time slots with other ONUs, which greatly increases the transmission rate and bandwidth of the PON.

[0074] However, since WDM is unidirectional transmission, the above solution requires deploying corresponding optical fibers in the upstream and downstream directions respectively, which will additionally increase the deployment cost of the communication network. At the same time, a transmitter capable of outputting optical signals of specific wavelengths needs to be deployed in the OLT, and corresponding devices or components capable of realizing the transceiver function of optical signals of specific wavelengths also need to be deployed in the ONU, which will lead to a significant increase in cost. In addition, the above solution also requires deploying a control system for controlling and stabilizing optical signals of different wavelengths, which will also greatly increase the cost.

[0075] Based on the above problems, embodiments of the present application provide a signal processing device that can reduce the transmission loss of an optical network. Exemplarily, referring to Figure 4 As shown, an embodiment of the present application provides a schematic diagram of a signal processing device. Among them, the signal processing device is an active optical distribution network (AODN). For ease of description, the signal processing device is labeled as AODN 402. Combining Figure 4 As shown, AODN 402 includes: a control circuit 402-1 and an optical splitter 402-2; among them, the optical splitter 402-2 includes a common port and multiple branch ports (such as a first branch port and a second branch port). Specifically, combining Figure 4 As shown, the common port of the optical splitter 402-2 is connected to the OLT 401 through an optical and electrical composite cable, the first branch port of the optical splitter 402-2 is connected to the ONU 403-1, and the second branch port of the optical splitter 402-2 is connected to the ONU 403-2.

[0076] It should be noted that the AODN can be connected to the OLT through various connection media, such as Figure 4 The optical and electrical composite cable shown. In some other examples, the AODN can also be connected to the OLT through an optical fiber. In this way, the control circuit also needs to be connected to the OLT through an optical fiber.

[0077] For ease of description, only Figure 4Taking the signal processing device shown as an example, the connection relationship of the signal processing device provided by the embodiments of the present application should not be limited thereby. For example, the signal processing device may further include more ONUs connected to the branch ports of the optical splitter. In a possible implementation manner, the ONU may further include a transmission container (T-CONT) module for carrying services in the upstream direction. The T-CONT module can be used to identify its own ID and control the ONU to send optical signals within the allocated time slots in the upstream direction.

[0078] Based on the above structure, in terms of function, the device can achieve: The control circuit 402-1 sends a first control signal to the optical splitter 402-2. In response to the first control signal, the optical splitter 402-2 connects the common port of the optical splitter 402-2 to the first branch port of the optical splitter 402-2. The control circuit 402-1 sends a second control signal to the optical splitter 402-2. In response to the second control signal, the optical splitter 402-2 connects the common port of the optical splitter 402-2 to the second branch port of the optical splitter 402-2.

[0079] Specifically, taking the downstream direction as an example, the OLT 401 outputs an optical signal, and the common port of the optical splitter 402-2 receives the optical signal transmitted by the OLT 401. According to the first control signal, the optical splitter 402-2 outputs the received optical signal to the ONU 403-1 through the first branch port connected to the common port within a period of time; according to the second control signal, the optical splitter 402-2 outputs the received optical signal to the ONU 403-2 through the second branch port connected to the common port within another period of time. In this way, within different periods of time, the optical signal output by the OLT 401 can be transmitted to a corresponding ONU through a certain branch port, that is, point-to-point transmission is achieved between the OLT and any ONU in the downstream direction.

[0080] In the upstream direction, the optical splitter 402-2 receives the optical signal transmitted by the ONU 403-1 through the first branch port and outputs the received optical signal to the OLT 401 through the common port within a period of time according to the first control signal; the optical splitter 402-2 receives the optical signal transmitted by the ONU 403-2 through the second branch port and outputs the received optical signal to the OLT 401 through the common port within another period of time according to the second control signal; in this way, within different periods of time, different ONUs are connected to the OLT and transmit optical signals to the OLT 401, that is, point-to-point transmission is achieved between any ONU and the OLT in the upstream direction.

[0081] Based on the above, the above solution does not require splitting the optical signal output by the OLT. It can output the optical signal received from the OLT to a certain ONU (connected to the branch port) through a certain branch port connected to the common port at different time periods, thereby greatly reducing the transmission loss. In addition, since at different time periods, different ONUs are connected to the OLT through a certain branch port communicating with the common port, and at this time, other branch ports are all disconnected from their common ports, the optical signals output by different ONUs can all be transmitted to the OLT at different time periods, thereby avoiding the appearance of rogue ONUs and effectively improving the transmission quality.

[0082] It is not difficult to understand that the OLT is usually connected to the optical distribution network ODN through optical fibers, and the deployed optical fiber length is usually long, such as 10 km. Then, the above signal processing device AODN can be deployed at a position closer to the end user, such as the entrance of an enterprise park, the entrance of a community, or the entrance of a unit building, so as to maximize the saving of the optical fiber usage of the communication network, reduce costs, and reduce the construction risk.

[0083] Based on Figure 4 the architecture shown, exemplarily, referring to Figure 5 shown, an embodiment of the present application provides a schematic diagram of a signal processing device. Based on Figure 4 the architecture shown, referring to Figure 5 shown in, the AODN 402 further includes: a receiving circuit 402-3, wherein the receiving circuit 402-3 is used to connect to the OLT 401.

[0084] It is not difficult to understand that Figure 5 this is only a schematic structure of the signal processing device provided by the present application. For example, Figure 5 the splitting and combining device 404 in can also be deployed inside the signal processing device. Another example is that the splitting and combining device 404 can also reuse other devices or apparatuses in the communication network to implement its functions, and the present application does not limit this. In a possible implementation manner, the optical splitter 402-2 may further include more branch ports for connecting more ONUs.

[0085] In a possible implementation manner, in combination with Figure 5 shown, the common port of the optical splitter 402-2 is connected to the OLT 401 through the splitting and combining device 404. The splitting and combining device 404 includes a common port, a first branch port, and a second branch port. The common port of the splitting and combining device 404 is used to connect to the OLT 401, the first branch port of the splitting and combining device 404 is used to connect to the common port of the optical splitter 402-2, and the second branch port of the splitting and combining device 404 is used to connect to the receiving circuit 402-3.

[0086] Specifically, taking the following row direction as an example, the OLT 401 outputs an optical signal, and the optical signal will be respectively transmitted by the optical splitter / combiner device 404 to the optical distributor 402-2 and the receiving circuit 402-3. Among them, the receiving circuit 402-3 receives the optical signal sent by the OLT 401 and obtains the port allocation information carried by the optical signal. The receiving circuit 402-3 sends the port allocation information to the control circuit 402-1. The control circuit 402-1 generates a control signal according to the port allocation information and outputs it to the optical distributor 402-2. In response to the control signal generated by the control circuit 402-1, the optical distributor 402-2 connects the common port to the first branch port within the indicated first time slot, that is, connects the OLT 401 to the ONU 403-1 within the first time slot, and connects the common port to the second branch port within the indicated second time slot, that is, connects the OLT 401 to the ONU 403-2 within the second time slot.

[0087] Optionally, as shown in Figure 5 the AODN 402 further includes: a transmitting circuit 402-4, where the transmitting circuit 402-4 is used to connect to the OLT 401. The optical distributor 402-2 is further used to send the detection results of the optical signals of multiple branch ports to the control circuit 402-1; among them, the detection results can be the parameters of the optical signals detected at each branch port (including optical power and optical intensity). Usually, by setting detection circuits (such as a photoelectric conversion circuit including a PD) at each branch port in the optical distributor 402-2 to detect the optical signals of the branch ports, the parameters of the optical signals at each branch port can be obtained, thereby obtaining the detection results. The control circuit 402-1 is further used to send port status information to the transmitting circuit 402-4 according to the detection results; among them, the port status information is used to indicate the connection status of multiple branch ports to the common port. For example, by detecting the optical power at the branch port and determining that the optical power (too small or even zero) does not reach the reference value, it can be determined that there is an abnormality in the connection between the branch port and the common port. Another example is that by detecting the optical intensity at the branch port, it can be determined whether the branch port transmits an optical signal within the time period indicated by the above port allocation information. The transmitting circuit 402-4 is further used to send the port status information to the OLT 401. It should be noted that the above receiving circuit 402-3 and transmitting circuit 402-4 can be independent circuits or integrated into a transceiver circuit with transceiver functions.

[0088] Optionally, the splitting ratio of the first branch port of the optical combiner / splitter 404 is greater than that of the second branch port of the optical combiner / splitter 404. For example, the optical combiner / splitter can split the optical signal transmitted by the OLT according to a splitting ratio of 1:99, and transmit 1% of the optical power in the optical signal to the optical distributor, and transmit 99% of the optical power in the optical signal transmitted by the OLT to the receiving circuit.

[0089] Optionally, the receiving circuit 402-3 is an ONU. Of course, the receiving circuit 402-3 can also be implemented by other devices or apparatuses capable of realizing its functions. This application does not limit the device type, product form, etc. of the receiving circuit.

[0090] Optionally, the optical combiner / splitter 404 includes an optical switch or an optical multiplexer / demultiplexer. For example, the optical combiner / splitter 404 can be a passive unequal splitting optical coupler. Of course, the optical combiner / splitter 404 can also be implemented by other devices or apparatuses capable of realizing its functions. This application does not limit the device type, etc. of the optical combiner / splitter 404.

[0091] Optionally, the optical distributor 402-2 includes an optical switch. Since the control circuit 402-1 needs to control the optical switch in the optical distributor 402-2 to connect the corresponding ports, power needs to be supplied to the control circuit 402-1. Among them, in order to control any optical switch in the optical distributor 402-2, at least one switching controller and one operating bias point controller are required to enable the optical distributor 402-2 to connect the corresponding branch ports. That is, the control circuit 402-1 needs to include at least 2 output power supplies to ensure that the switching controller and the operating bias point controller can work properly, so as to realize the control of the optical distributor. Based on this, power needs to be supplied to the control circuit 402-1 in the AODN 402 through a power supply device (power, PW).

[0092] Optionally, combined with Figure 5 As shown, the power supply device PW can obtain power locally or from the remote power supply on the OLT side to solve the power supply problem of the control circuit 402-1. Of course, the power supply device PW can also supply power to the control circuit 402-1 from the ONU side. This application does not limit this. In some other examples, the power supply problem of the control circuit 402-1 can also be solved by a low-cost solution such as a battery. For example, in a scenario where the switching speed and switching frequency requirements for connecting the ports of the optical distributor 402-2 are not high, the control circuit 402-1 can be powered by a battery.

[0093] In a possible implementation manner, combined with Figure 5As shown, the port allocation information carried by the optical signal is generated by a dynamically bandwidth assignment (DBA) device. Among them, the DBA device can be connected to the OLT or integrated inside the OLT, and this application does not make any limitations in this regard. Through this DBA device, dynamic allocation of the upstream bandwidth can be completed within an extremely short time interval (in microseconds or milliseconds), for example, dynamic allocation of time slots for any ONU can be achieved.

[0094] Optionally, the port allocation information includes time slot indication information. For example, the port configuration information may include time slot indication information for indicating multiple time slots (such as the first time slot and the second time slot). In some other instances, the port configuration information may also include multiple time slot indication information for indicating one time slot (such as the first time slot or the second time slot), and the embodiments of this application do not make any limitations in this regard.

[0095] Based on Figure 5 the architecture shown, exemplarily, referring to Figure 6 shown, an embodiment of this application provides a schematic diagram of signal transmission. Among them, the abscissa is the distance and the ordinate is the time.

[0096] Specifically, in combination with Figure 6 shown, within the time slot δt1, the optical splitter 402-2 in the AODN 402 connects the common port to the first branch port, and the OLT 401 sends an optical signal to the ONU 403-1 in the downstream direction, and the optical signal is transmitted to the ONU 403-1 through the AODN 402. Similarly, within the time slot δt1, the ONU 403-1 sends an optical signal to the OLT 401 in the upstream direction and is transmitted to the OLT 401 through the AODN 402. When the time slot δt1 ends, the OLT 401 sends an optical signal to the AODN 402 in the downstream direction and transmits the optical signal carrying the port allocation information to the AODN 402. Specifically, the receiving circuit 402-3 obtains the port allocation information from the optical signal received from the OLT401 and sends the port allocation information to the control circuit 402-1. The control circuit 402-1 sends a control signal to the optical splitter 402-2, and the optical splitter 402-2 connects the common port to the second branch port according to the control signal, taking time t sw .t sw After that, within the time slot δt2, the OLT 401 sends an optical signal to the ONU 403-2 in the downstream direction; and within the time slot δt2, the ONU 403-2 sends an optical signal to the OLT 401 in the upstream direction. Generally, in order to meet the time slot requirements for polling of branch ports, the optical splitter is configured, that is, the time taken to achieve switching between branch ports needs to be less than 1 μs.

[0097] It should be noted that the wavelength ranges occupied by the optical signals transmitted in the upstream direction and the optical signals transmitted in the downstream direction are usually different. Generally speaking, the carrier wavelength of the optical signal in the downstream direction is 1490 nanometers (nm), and the carrier wavelength of the optical signal in the upstream direction is 1310 nm. Optionally, the optical signals transmitted between the OLT and the ONU may also include service information, registration information, etc., which are not limited herein.

[0098] Based on Figure 4 and Figure 5 the architecture shown, the signal processing device provided by this application can also be deployed in the communication network in a cascaded manner, that is, multiple AODNs are cascaded (hierarchically connected) to realize networking for more users, so that the transmission distance of the communication network can be further extended.

[0099] Exemplarily, referring to Figure 7 shown, an embodiment of this application provides a schematic diagram of a communication network. Combining Figure 7 shown, this communication network includes: an OLT 401, a first-level AODN (AODN 402) directly connected to the OLT, an ONU 403-1, a second-level AODN (AODN 405) connected to a certain branch port of the AODN 402, and multiple ONUs (including ONU 403-1 to ONU 403-N and ONU 406-1 to ONU 406-N).

[0100] Specifically, the first-level AODN (i.e., AODN 402) includes a common port for connecting the OLT 401 and multiple branch ports for connecting ONUs (including ONU 403-1 to ONU 403-N). Among them, at least one of the multiple branch ports of the first-level AODN (AODN 402) is used to connect the common port of the second-level AODN (AODN 405). The AODN 405 includes a common port and multiple branch ports for connecting ONUs (including ONU 406-1 to ONU 406-N). The second-level AODN (AODN405) assigns the first-level AODN (AODN 402) to a certain time slot among its multiple time slots, and then divides this time slot into multiple sub-time slots. It is not difficult to understand that the internal structures of the AODN 402 and the AODN 405 can be referred to Figure 4 and Figure 5 shown, which will not be elaborated here. Among them, the control circuit in the AODN 405 can be powered by local, remote, or other possible means, and the application does not limit this.

[0101] Specifically, combining Figure 7As shown, the OLT 401 outputs an optical signal in the downstream direction, and the optical signal carries port allocation information. The optical signal is transmitted to the AODN 402, and then transmitted by the AODN 402 to the AODN 405 connected to its branch port. Based on the port allocation information carried by the optical signal, the AODN 405 connects its common port to the corresponding branch port within the corresponding time period, enabling the OLT 401 to be quickly connected to the secondary ONUs (ONU 406-1 and ONU 406-2).

[0102] Based on Figure 7 the architecture shown, for example, referring to Figure 8 shown, an embodiment of the present application provides a schematic diagram of signal transmission. Among them, the abscissa is the distance and the ordinate is the time.

[0103] Specifically, in combination with Figure 8 shown, within the time slot δt1, the OLT 401 transmits signals to the ONU 403-1 through the AODN 402. After the time slot δt1 ends, the optical splitter 402-2 in the AODN 402 connects its common port to another branch port (connected to the common port of the AODN 405), which takes time t sw1 . t sw1 After that, the OLT 401 outputs an optical signal carrying the port allocation information of the AODN 405, which is transmitted to the AODN 405 through the AODN 402. The AODN 405 takes time t sw2 to complete the configuration, that is, the AODN 405 connects its common port to its corresponding branch port (connected to the ONU 406-1). t sw2 After that, within the time slot δt2, the ONU 406-1 communicates with the OLT 401. After the time slot δt2 ends, the OLT 401 continues to output an optical signal carrying the port allocation information of the AODN 405, and the AODN 405 takes time t sw3 to complete the configuration, that is, the ODN 405 connects its common port to its corresponding branch port (connected to the ONU 406-2). t sw3 After that, within the time slot δt3, the ONU 406-2 communicates with the OLT 401.

[0104] It is not difficult to understand that, in combination with Figure 7 shown, since the distance between the AODN 405 and the OLT 401 is farther than the distance between the AODN 402 and the OLT 401, so t sw1 < t sw2 . Similarly, the distance between the ONU 406-1 and the OLT 401 is the same as the distance between the ONU 406-2 and the OLT 401, so t sw2 and tsw3 are the same.

[0105] Then, by cascading the signal processing devices provided in this application (i.e., hierarchically connecting multiple AODNs), the transmission distance of the communication network can be improved, enabling the communication network to form networks for more users.

[0106] Based on Figure 7 the shown architecture, an OLT can also be deployed between two cascaded AODNs to amplify the optical signals transmitted by the primary OLT (such as OLT 401) during the transmission process. Exemplarily, referring to Figure 9 the shown figure, an embodiment of this application provides a schematic diagram of a communication network. Based on Figure 7 the shown architecture, combined with Figure 9 the shown figure, this communication network further includes: OLT407, where one port of OLT 407 is used to connect to AODN 402, and the other port of OLT 407 is used to connect to AODN 405.

[0107] Based on Figure 9 the shown architecture, exemplarily, referring to Figure 10 the shown figure, an embodiment of this application provides a schematic diagram of signal transmission. Among them, the abscissa is the distance, and the ordinate is the time. Specifically, combined with Figure 9 and Figure 10 the shown figures, taking the downstream direction as an example, the optical signal output by OLT 401 is transmitted to OLT 407 through AODN 402, and OLT 407 receives the optical signal output by OLT 401. OLT 407 converts the received optical signal into an electrical signal and amplifies it. Then, OLT 407 converts the converted electrical signal back into an optical signal (after amplification) through optoelectronic conversion. Through AODN 405, the optical signal is transmitted to different branch ports in different time slots. Among them, the signal transmission process in the upstream direction is similar to that in the downstream direction and will not be elaborated here.

[0108] Then, the above solution can, during the transmission of optical signals, relay and amplify the optical signals transmitted by the primary OLT through the secondary OLT deployed between two AODNs, alleviating the loss problem of the communication network, further improving the transmission distance of the communication network, enabling the communication network to support a longer transmission distance and allowing more users to access. It is not difficult to understand that since the optical signal undergoes corresponding conversions (optical signal - electrical signal - optical signal) during the transmission process, there is an additional conversion delay, reducing the utilization rate of time slots.

[0109] Based on Figure 4 and Figure 5 the shown architectures, a ranging device for ranging can also be deployed on the network side to range the newly accessed ONUs. Exemplarily, referring to Figure 11As shown, an embodiment of the present application provides a schematic diagram of a communication network. Among them, based on Figure 4 and Figure 5 shown in the architecture, in combination with Figure 11 As shown, the communication network further includes: a ranging device 408 and a splitter / combiner device 409; wherein, the first branch port of the splitter / combiner device 409 is used to connect to the OLT 401; the second branch port of the splitter / combiner device 409 is used to connect to the ranging device 408; the common port of the splitter / combiner device is used to connect to the AODN 402.

[0110] It is not difficult to understand that, for the convenience of description, only the architecture of the communication network shown in Figure 11 is taken as an example here, and the number, type, etc. of the devices included in the communication network should not be limited thereby. In a possible implementation manner, the ranging device 408 may be an optical board card (optical artificial intelligence, OAI). Of course, the ranging device may also be implemented by other devices or equipment capable of implementing the ranging function. For example, the ranging device may also be an optical time-domain reflectometer (OTDR). In addition, the ranging device may be an independent device or integrated inside other devices. For example, the ranging device 408 may be integrated inside the OLT 401. The present application does not limit the device type, product form, etc. of the ranging device.

[0111] Based on Figure 11 shown in the architecture, exemplarily, referring to Figure 12 As shown, an embodiment of the present application provides a schematic diagram of signal transmission. Among them, the abscissa is the distance and the ordinate is the time.

[0112] Specifically, in combination with Figure 11 and Figure 12 shown, when performing ranging, the OLT 401 does not output an optical signal. The ranging device 408 sends an optical signal carrying the port allocation information of the AODN, and controls the AODN 402 to perform port configuration, that is, the AODN 402 connects its common port to the corresponding branch port (connecting to the ONU 403-1) (as described in other embodiments of the present application, it will not be elaborated here). After the port configuration of the AODN 402 is completed, the ranging device 408 performs ranging. The ranging device 408 sends an optical signal for ranging (also called a ranging signal), and starts timing until the ranging signal is reflected back to the ranging device and stops timing, taking a time of δt1. Of course, the process of the ranging device 408 ranging the ONU 403-2 is similar, and it will not be elaborated here. Among them, the ranging device 408 ranges the ONU 403-2, taking a time of δt2. Generally speaking, the wavelength of the ranging signal is different from the wavelength of the optical signal output by the OLT 401.

[0113] Since the refractive index of the optical fiber is usually known, the transmission speed of light in the optical fiber can be calculated. By measuring the time delay (such as δt1, δt2) of the ranging signal after transmission and reflection back to the ranging device, the distances (denoted as L1 and L2) between the ONUs (ONU 403-1, ONU 403-2) on the opposite side (i.e., the user side) and the ranging device 408 on the network side can be accurately calculated. Further, based on the measured distances, it is convenient for the OLT 401 to control the branch ports switched and connected by the AODN 402 and synchronize the start time or end time of the output signals of the devices on both sides (the network side and the user side).

[0114] In a possible implementation manner, Figure 11 the optical splitter / combiner device 409 in [[ ]] can also be a 2x1 optical switch. In this way, during ranging, only the optical switch needs to be switched to the side of the ranging device 408 so that the optical signal output by the ranging device 408 can be transmitted, and the optical signal output by the OLT 401 will not be transmitted. Therefore, at this time, the wavelength of the ranging signal output by the ranging device 408 can be the same as the wavelength of the optical signal output by the OLT 401.

[0115] Generally, the optical iris technology is mostly used during ranging. This solution includes: sending optical signals including different wavelengths on the network side, and by setting fiber gratings or similar structures with different periods in different ONUs on the user side, when the optical signals including different wavelengths are transmitted to each ONU, they are reflected by different ONUs, and port IDs (Identifications) corresponding to the grating structures of the ONUs are formed on the network side. The ONUs are distinguished by the port IDs, and then by measuring the time delay of each wavelength of the optical signal after transmission and reflection back to the network side, the distances between each ONU and the network side are determined.

[0116] Then, the embodiments of the present application can perform directional testing on the ONUs connected to each port, that is, only one ONU is measured during ranging. Therefore, the above solution can achieve ranging without relying on multi-wavelength colored light (including optical signals with different wavelengths), effectively reducing the ranging cost.

[0117] Based on Figure 4 and Figure 5 the architectures shown in [[ ]], the signal processing device (AODN) provided by the present application can also include multiple optical distributors for respectively controlling the optical signal transmission in the upstream direction or the optical signal transmission in the downstream direction. Exemplarily, referring to Figure 13 shown in [[ ]], the embodiments of the present application provide a schematic diagram of a communication network. Combining Figure 13As shown in the figure, the communication network includes: OLT 401, AODN, ONU 1, ONU 2, splitting / combining device 410, splitting / combining device 411, and splitting / combining device 412. Among them, the AODN includes a control circuit.

[0118] Of course, in a possible implementation, combined with Figure 13 As shown in the figure, the AODN (refer to Figure 4 or Figure 5 As shown in the figure) may include multiple optical distributors, such as optical distributor 1 and optical distributor 2. Among them, optical distributor 1 and optical distributor 2 may also be optical switches.

[0119] For the convenience of description, only the architecture shown in Figure 13 is taken as an example here, and it should not be used to limit the number of devices included in the communication network, etc. For example, one or more of the above-mentioned splitting / combining device 410, splitting / combining device 411, and splitting / combining device 412 may be deployed in the signal processing device AODN. In a possible implementation, one or more of the above-mentioned splitting / combining device 410, splitting / combining device 411, and splitting / combining device 412 may also reuse other devices or devices in the communication network to implement their functions, such as reusing the splitting / combining device already deployed in the communication network. Optionally, the user side of the communication network may also include more splitting / combining devices (the common port is connected to the ONU), so that the AODN can be connected to more ONUs. Of course, the user side of the communication network may also include more ONUs.

[0120] Among them, combined with Figure 13 As shown in the figure, the common port of optical distributor 1 is connected to OLT 401 through splitting / combining device 410, and the common port of optical distributor 2 is used to be connected to OLT 401 through splitting / combining device 410. Among them, the common port of splitting / combining device 410 is used to connect to OLT 401, and the first branch port of splitting / combining device 410 is used to connect to the common port of optical distributor 1; the second branch port of splitting / combining device 410 is used to connect to the common port of optical distributor 2. The first branch port of optical distributor 1 is used to connect to the first branch port of splitting / combining device 411, and the second branch port of optical distributor 1 is used to connect to the first branch port of splitting / combining device 412. The first branch port of optical distributor 2 is used to connect to the second branch port of splitting / combining device 411, and the second branch port of optical distributor 2 (the splitting / combining device) is used to connect to the second branch port of splitting / combining device 412. The common port of splitting / combining device 411 is used to connect to ONU 1; the common port of splitting / combining device 412 is used to connect to ONU 2.

[0121] Specifically, the control circuit sends control signals to optical splitter 1 and optical splitter 2. In response to the control signal, optical splitter 1 connects the common port of optical splitter 1 to the first branch port of optical splitter 1 within the first time slot (i.e., connects OLT 401 to ONU 1), and connects the common port of optical splitter 1 to the second branch port of optical splitter 1 within the second time slot (i.e., connects OLT 401 to ONU 2). In response to the control signal, optical splitter 2 connects the common port of optical splitter 2 to the first branch port of optical splitter 2 within the third time slot (i.e., connects OLT 401 to ONU 1), and connects the common port of optical splitter 2 to the second branch port of optical splitter 2 within the fourth time slot (i.e., connects OLT 401 to ONU 2).

[0122] Optionally, the optical signal of the first band is transmitted between the common port of the optical combiner / splitter device 410 and the first branch port of the optical combiner / splitter device 410, and the optical signal of the second band is transmitted between the common port of the optical combiner / splitter device 410 and the second branch port of the optical combiner / splitter device 410, and the first band and the second band do not intersect. In a possible implementation, the optical signal of the first band transmitted between the common port of the optical combiner / splitter device 410 and the first branch port of the optical combiner / splitter device 410 is a downstream optical signal (transmitted in the downstream direction), and the optical signal of the second band transmitted between the common port of the optical combiner / splitter device 410 and the second branch port of the optical combiner / splitter device 410 is an upstream optical signal (transmitted in the upstream direction). Of course, the optical signals of the first band and the second band mentioned above can also be other possible types of optical signals, and the present application does not limit this.

[0123] Specifically, as shown in Figure 13 In the downstream direction, the downstream optical signal output by OLT 401 will be transmitted by the optical combiner / splitter device 410 to optical splitter 1, and transmitted to ONU 1 through optical splitter 1 and optical combiner / splitter device 411 within the first time slot, and transmitted to ONU 2 by the optical combiner / splitter device within the second time slot. In the upstream direction, within the first time slot, ONU 1 outputs an upstream optical signal to OLT 401, which is transmitted to optical splitter 1 through optical combiner / splitter device 411 and then transmitted to OLT 401 through optical combiner / splitter device 410. Within the second time slot, ONU 2 outputs an upstream optical signal to OLT 401, which is transmitted to optical splitter 2 through optical combiner / splitter device 412 and then transmitted to OLT 401 through optical combiner / splitter device 410.

[0124] In a possible implementation, the ONU on the user side can control the control circuit in the AODN, and thus control the optical splitter through the control circuit. In this way, one or more ONUs on the user side can actively output upstream optical signals to achieve active upstream.

[0125] Then, the above embodiments can control the transmission of optical signals in the upstream direction and the downstream direction respectively, enabling the communication network to achieve point-to-multipoint communication, making full use of the communication capacity of the communication system, and being able to expand the working range of the optical splitter (such as the wavelength range of the transmitted optical signals). At the same time, it can also reduce the complexity of the device and reduce link loss.

[0126] Based on Figure 4 and Figure 5 the architecture shown, multiple OLTs can also be deployed on the network side of the communication network to adapt to different scenario requirements. Exemplarily, referring to Figure 14 shown, an embodiment of the present application provides a schematic diagram of a communication network. Combining Figure 14 shown, the communication network includes: OLT 401, AODN, multiple ONUs (including ONU1 to ONU N), OLT 413, and a multiplexing / demultiplexing device 414.

[0127] Among them, the first branch port of the multiplexing / demultiplexing device 414 is used to connect to OLT 401, the second branch port of the multiplexing / demultiplexing device 414 is used to connect to OLT 413, and the common port of the multiplexing / demultiplexing device 414 is used to connect to AODN. Among them, AODN is connected to N ONUs through multiple branch ports of the optical splitter, which will not be elaborated here.

[0128] For the sake of convenience of description, only the Figure 14 shown architecture is taken as an example here, and it should not be used to limit the number of devices included in the communication network, etc. For example, the above multiplexing / demultiplexing device 414 can be deployed in the signal processing device AODN. In a possible implementation manner, the above multiplexing / demultiplexing device 414 can also reuse other devices or devices in the communication network to implement its functions, such as reusing the multiplexing / demultiplexing device already deployed in the communication network.

[0129] Specifically, combining Figure 14 shown, taking the downstream direction as an example, the optical signals output by OLT 401 and OLT 413 are combined by the multiplexing / demultiplexing device 414 and simultaneously transmitted to AODN, and then transmitted to a corresponding ONU among multiple ONUs within the corresponding time slot. For example, the optical signals output by OLT 401 and OLT 413 are transmitted to ONU 1 through AODN in the first time slot, transmitted to ONU 2 through AODN in the second time slot, and can be transmitted to ONU N through AODN 402 in the Nth time slot. Among them, the signal transmission process in the upstream direction can refer to the above other embodiments, which will not be elaborated here.

[0130] Then, in the case where a communication network includes multiple OLTs, the embodiments of the present application can achieve point-to-point communication between multiple OLTs and any ONU through the deployed AODN, thereby effectively reducing the complexity of the communication network and reducing transmission loss.

[0131] Based on Figure 13 and Figure 14 the architecture shown, the optical distributor in the AODN can also be implemented by one or more optical switches. Exemplarily, referring to Figure 15 shown, the embodiments of the present application provide a schematic diagram of a communication network. Combining Figure 15 shown in, this communication network includes: OLT 401, AODN, splitting / combining device 410, splitting / combining device 411, splitting / combining device 412, OLT 413, and splitting / combining device 414. In a possible implementation, the AODN includes a control circuit, optical distributor 1, and optical distributor 2.

[0132] Among them, one side of the AODN is sequentially connected to two OLTs (OLT401, OLT 413) through the splitting / combining device 410 and the splitting / combining device 414. The other side of the AODN is connected to one or more ONUs through one or more splitting / combining devices. For example, the other side of the AODN is connected to ONU 1 through the splitting / combining device 411 and connected to ONU 2 through the splitting / combining device 412. Among them, the specific connection relationships among OLT 401, OLT 413, splitting / combining device 410, splitting / combining device 414, AODN, splitting / combining device 411, and splitting / combining device 412 can refer to the above embodiments of the present application and will not be elaborated here.

[0133] For ease of explanation, only the Figure 15 shown architecture is taken as an example here, and it should not be used to limit the composition such as the number of devices included in the communication network. For example, one or more of the above splitting / combining device 410, splitting / combining device 411, splitting / combining device 412, and splitting / combining device 414 can be deployed in the signal processing device AODN. In a possible implementation, one or more of the above splitting / combining device 410, splitting / combining device 411, splitting / combining device 412, and splitting / combining device 414 can also reuse other devices or devices in the communication network to implement their functions, such as reusing the splitting / combining devices already deployed in the communication network. Specifically, combining Figure 15As shown, in the downstream direction, the OLT 401 and the OLT 413 output optical signals. After being multiplexed by the multiplexer / demultiplexer device 414 on the network side, the optical signals will be simultaneously transmitted to the multiplexer / demultiplexer device 410. After being split by the multiplexer / demultiplexer device 410, the optical signals are transmitted to the AODN. The optical splitter 1 in the AODN configures ports according to the control signal output by the control circuit, and transmits the received optical signals to the ONU 1 through the multiplexer / demultiplexer device 411 on the user side and to the ONU 2 through the multiplexer / demultiplexer device 412 on the user side, thereby realizing signal transmission in the downstream direction. In the upstream direction, the optical signal output by the ONU 1 is transmitted to the optical splitter 2 in the AODN through the multiplexer / demultiplexer device 411 on the user side, and then transmitted to the multiplexer / demultiplexer device 414 through the multiplexer / demultiplexer device 410, and finally transmitted to the OLT 401 and the OLT 413 respectively. The optical signal output by the ONU 2 is transmitted to the optical splitter 2 in the AODN through the multiplexer / demultiplexer device 412 on the user side, and then transmitted to the multiplexer / demultiplexer device 414 through the multiplexer / demultiplexer device 410, and finally transmitted to the OLT 401 and the OLT 413 respectively.

[0134] Then, the embodiments of the present application can adapt to scenarios including multiple OLTs, and at the same time, through multiple optical splitters in the AODN, control the signal transmission in the upstream direction and the downstream direction respectively.

[0135] It should be noted that Figure 15 The splitting method shown in is only a possible splitting method of the present application. The present application does not limit the implementation method, splitting method, splitting ratio, etc. of the multiplexer / demultiplexer device (including the multiplexer / demultiplexer device 410, the multiplexer / demultiplexer device 411, the multiplexer / demultiplexer device 412, and the multiplexer / demultiplexer device 414). In some other examples, the optical splitter in the AODN may also include one or more optical switches.

[0136] Based on Figure 15 the architecture shown, exemplarily, referring to Figure 16 shown, the embodiments of the present application provide a schematic diagram of a communication network. Combining Figure 16As shown, the communication network includes: OLT 401, AODN, splitting / combining device 410, OLT 413, splitting / combining device 414, splitting / combining device 415, splitting / combining device 416, multiple splitting / combining devices (splitting / combining device 1 to splitting / combining device M), and multiple ONUs (including ONU 1 to ONU M). Optionally, AODN includes a control circuit, optical splitter 1, and optical splitter 2, and both optical splitter 1 and optical splitter 2 include two optical switches, namely optical switch 1 to optical switch 4. Among them, optical switch 1 is respectively connected to splitting / combining device 1 to splitting / combining device N, optical switch 2 is respectively connected to splitting / combining device 1 to splitting / combining device N, optical switch 3 is respectively connected to splitting / combining device N + 1 to splitting / combining device M, and optical switch 4 is connected to splitting / combining device N + 1 to splitting / combining device M.

[0137] For ease of explanation, only the Figure 16 architecture shown is taken as an example here, and it should not be used to limit the composition such as the number of devices included in the communication network. For example, one or more of the above splitting / combining device 410, splitting / combining device 414, splitting / combining device 415, splitting / combining device 416, and multiple splitting / combining devices (splitting / combining device 1 to splitting / combining device M) can be deployed in the signal processing device AODN. In a possible implementation, one or more of the above splitting / combining device 410, splitting / combining device 414, splitting / combining device 415, splitting / combining device 416, and multiple splitting / combining devices (splitting / combining device 1 to splitting / combining device M) can also reuse other devices or apparatuses in the communication network to implement their functions, such as reusing the splitting / combining devices already deployed in the communication network.

[0138] Specifically, in combination with Figure 16As shown, in the downstream direction, OLT 401 and OLT 413 respectively output optical signals to the multiplexing / demultiplexing device 414 on the network side. The optical signals are multiplexed by the multiplexing / demultiplexing device 414 and then transmitted to the multiplexing / demultiplexing device 410. The multiplexing / demultiplexing device 410 receives the optical signals and performs optical splitting, and then transmits the optical signals to the multiplexing / demultiplexing device 415. Through further optical splitting by the multiplexing / demultiplexing device 415, the optical signal output by OLT 401 is transmitted to the optical switch 1 in the optical distributor 1, and the optical signal output by OLT 413 is transmitted to the optical switch 3 in the optical distributor 2. Further, the optical switch 1 transmits the received optical signal to the multiplexing / demultiplexing devices 1 to N, and then to the ONUs 1 to N respectively. The optical switch 3 transmits the received optical signal to the multiplexing / demultiplexing devices N + 1 to M, and then to the ONUs N + 1 to M respectively. In this way, the optical signal output by OLT 401 can be transmitted to different ONUs (ONUs 1 to N) through the optical switch 1, and the optical signal output by OLT 413 can be transmitted to different ONUs (ONUs N + 1 to M) through the optical switch 3.

[0139] In the upstream direction, the optical signals output by the ONUs 1 to N are respectively transmitted to the optical switch 2 through the multiplexing / demultiplexing devices 1 to N, and then transmitted to the multiplexing / demultiplexing device 416 by the switch 2. The multiplexing / demultiplexing device 416 transmits the received optical signal to the multiplexing / demultiplexing device 410, and then to the multiplexing / demultiplexing device 414 by the multiplexing / demultiplexing device 410, and then to OLT 401. The optical signals output by the ONUs N + 1 to M are respectively transmitted to the optical switch 4 through the multiplexing / demultiplexing devices N + 1 to M, and then transmitted to the multiplexing / demultiplexing device 416 by the switch 4. The multiplexing / demultiplexing device 416 transmits the received optical signal to the multiplexing / demultiplexing device 410, and then to the multiplexing / demultiplexing device 414 by the multiplexing / demultiplexing device 410, and then to OLT 413.

[0140] Then, the above embodiments can enable the optical signals output by multiple OLTs to be respectively transmitted to different ONUs, and the optical signals output by different ONUs can also be transmitted to the OLTs simultaneously. That is, in the scenario including multiple OLTs, the above embodiments can achieve point-to-multipoint signal transmission between any OLT and multiple ONUs in the downstream direction and the upstream direction.

[0141] Of course, the communication network architecture in the above embodiments of the present application can also be compatible with the architecture of the traditional passive communication network. Exemplarily, referring to Figure 17 As shown, an embodiment of the present application provides a schematic diagram of a communication network. In this communication network, at least one of the multiple OLTs is used to connect to the AODN, and the remaining OLTs can achieve signal transmission through the connected traditional passive network. Combining Figure 17As shown in the figure, the communication network includes: OLT 401, AODN, splitting and combining device 410, OLT 413, splitting and combining device 414, splitting and combining device 415, splitting and combining device 416, passive optical splitter, multiple splitting and combining devices (splitting and combining device 1 to splitting and combining device M), and multiple ONUs (including ONU 1 to ONU M). Among them, AODN includes two optical distributors, namely optical distributor 1 and optical distributor 2.

[0142] For the sake of convenience of description, only the Figure 17 communication network shown in the figure is taken as an example here. The present application does not limit the implementation manner, splitting method, splitting ratio, etc. of the splitting and combining device. For example, one or more of the above-mentioned splitting and combining device 410, splitting and combining device 414, splitting and combining device 415, splitting and combining device 416, and multiple splitting and combining devices (splitting and combining device 1 to splitting and combining device M) can be deployed in the signal processing device AODN. In a possible implementation manner, one or more of the above-mentioned splitting and combining device 410, splitting and combining device 414, splitting and combining device 415, splitting and combining device 416, and multiple splitting and combining devices (splitting and combining device 1 to splitting and combining device M) can also reuse other devices or devices in the communication network to implement their functions, such as reusing the splitting and combining devices already deployed in the communication network.

[0143] Specifically, as shown in Figure 17 the figure, in the downlink direction, the optical signals output by OLT 401 and OLT 413 are combined by the splitting and combining device 414 on the network side and transmitted to the splitting and combining device 410; the splitting and combining device 410 splits the light, transmits the optical signal output by OLT 401 to AODN, and transmits the optical signal output by OLT 413 to the splitting and combining device 416. AODN receives the optical signal output by OLT 401 and controls the port configuration of the optical distributor 1 through the control signal output by the control circuit. That is, the optical distributor 1 transmits the received optical signal to ONU 1 through the splitting and combining device 1 on the user side, and transmits it to ONU 2 through the splitting and combining device 2 on the user side, and so on. The optical distributor 1 transmits the received optical signal to ONU N through the splitting and combining device N on the user side. Among them, the signal transmission of AODN in the uplink direction can refer to the above transmission process and will not be elaborated here. At the same time, the splitting and combining device 416 receives the optical signal output by OLT 413 and transmits it to the passive optical splitter. The passive optical splitter transmits the received optical signal to the splitting and combining devices N + 1 to M respectively. The splitting and combining device N + 1 on the user side transmits the received optical signal to ONU N + 1, and so on. The splitting and combining device M on the user side transmits the received optical signal to ONU M.

[0144] It should be noted that in the upstream direction, multiple ONUs (including ONU N+1 to ONU M) included in the architecture of the passive communication network respectively output optical signals to the passive optical splitter in their corresponding allocated time slots. Specifically, in the first time slot, the passive optical splitter transmits the optical signal output by a certain ONU (such as ONU N+1) to the multiplexer / demultiplexer device 416, and then the multiplexer / demultiplexer device 416 transmits it to the multiplexer / demultiplexer device 410, and further transmits it to the multiplexer / demultiplexer device 414 through the multiplexer / demultiplexer device 410, and finally transmits it to the OLT 413. Among them, the signal transmission of ONU N+2 to ONU M in the upstream direction can refer to the above transmission process and will not be elaborated here.

[0145] In this way, the above solution can transmit the optical signals output by different OLTs through the active communication network and the passive communication network respectively, that is, the architecture of the active communication network in the above embodiment can be compatible with the architecture of the traditional passive communication network. Then, the above solution can make the signal processing device more compatible and can reduce equipment deployment, thereby effectively reducing the deployment cost of the communication network.

[0146] Based on the above architecture, exemplarily, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication method. The communication method provided by the embodiment of the present application will be described in detail below. It should be noted that here, Figure 4 taking the architecture shown as an example, the communication method provided by the embodiment of the present application will be described by taking the control circuit 402-1 and the optical distributor 402-2 as examples, and this should not limit the communication method provided by the embodiment of the present application. This communication method is applied to the signal processing device and includes steps 501-step 504, which are specifically described as follows:

[0147] Step 501, the control circuit sends a first control signal to the optical distributor.

[0148] Combined with Figure 4 shown, the control circuit 402-1 sends a first control signal to the optical distributor 402-2.

[0149] In a possible implementation manner, the control circuit receives the port allocation information carried by the optical signal output by the OLT and generates a first control signal according to the port allocation information.

[0150] Step 502, connect the common port of the optical distributor to the first branch port of the optical distributor.

[0151] Combined with Figure 4As shown, the common port of the optical splitter 402-2 is connected to the first branch port of the optical splitter 402-2. Specifically, according to the first control signal, the optical splitter 402-2 outputs the optical signal transmitted by the OLT 401 received at its common port to the ONU 403-1 through the first branch port connected to the common port within the first time slot.

[0152] Step 503: The control circuit sends a second control signal to the optical splitter.

[0153] Combined with Figure 4 As shown, the control circuit 402-1 sends a second control signal to the optical splitter 402-2.

[0154] In a possible implementation, the control circuit receives the port allocation information carried by the optical signal output by the OLT, and generates a second control signal according to the port allocation information.

[0155] Step 504: Connect the common port of the optical splitter to the second branch port of the optical splitter.

[0156] Combined with Figure 4 As shown, the common port of the optical splitter 402-2 is connected to the second branch port of the optical splitter 402-2. Specifically, according to the second control signal, the optical splitter 402-2 outputs the optical signal transmitted by the OLT 401 received at its common port to the ONU 403-2 through the second branch port connected to the common port within the second time slot.

[0157] Then, the embodiments of the present application can connect the OLT to different ONUs through different branch ports in different time periods, and further output the optical signals output by the OLT to different ONUs in different time periods, reducing the transmission loss of the communication network.

[0158] It should be noted that one or more splitting / combining devices (such as the splitting / combining device 401 and the splitting / combining device 414) in the above embodiments of the present application can be integrated on-chip (i.e., integrated circuit inside the chip), or can be integrated off-chip (i.e., integrated circuit outside the chip), for example, integrated in a certain external device. In a possible implementation, one or more splitting / combining devices in the above embodiments of the present application can be implemented by a demultiplexer / multiplexer (also called de(mux)). The embodiments of the present application do not limit the implementation manner, product form, etc. of the splitting / combining device.

[0159] In the above embodiments, it can be implemented in whole or in part by software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented using a software program, it can be implemented in whole or in part in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer instructions. When the computer program instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, the processes or functions described in the embodiments of the present application are generated in whole or in part. The computer may be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable devices. The computer instructions may be stored in a computer-readable storage medium, or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, the computer instructions may be transmitted from one website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center by wire (such as coaxial cable, optical fiber, digital subscriber line (DSL)) or wirelessly (such as infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.). The computer-readable storage medium may be any available medium that can be accessed by a computer or a data storage device such as a server or data center that includes one or more media integrated therein. The available medium may be a magnetic medium (such as a floppy disk, hard disk, magnetic tape), an optical medium (such as a DVD), or a semiconductor medium (such as a solid state disk (SSD)), etc. In the embodiments of the present application, the computer may include the device described above.

[0160] Although the present application has been described in conjunction with various embodiments herein, however, in the process of implementing the claimed present application, those skilled in the art can understand and implement other variations of the disclosed embodiments by viewing the accompanying drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other components or steps, and "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. A single processor or other unit may implement several functions recited in the claims. Certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims, but this does not mean that these measures cannot be combined to produce good results.

[0161] Although the present application has been described in connection with specific features and their embodiments, it will be apparent that various modifications and combinations can be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the present application. Accordingly, the present specification and the drawings are merely exemplary illustrations of the present application as defined by the appended claims, and are considered to cover any and all modifications, variations, combinations or equivalents within the scope of the present application. Obviously, those skilled in the art can make various changes and modifications to the present application without departing from the spirit and scope of the present application. Thus, if these modifications and variations of the present application fall within the scope of the claims of the present application and their equivalent technologies, the present application is also intended to include these changes and modifications.

Claims

1. A signal processing device, characterized in that, Including: A control circuit and a first optical splitter; The first optical splitter includes a common port and a plurality of branch ports; the common port of the first optical splitter is used to connect to a first optical line terminal, the first branch port among the plurality of branch ports of the first optical splitter is used to connect to a first optical network unit, and the second branch port among the plurality of branch ports of the first optical splitter is used to connect to a second optical network unit; The control circuit is configured to send a first control signal to the first optical splitter; The first optical splitter is configured to, in response to the first control signal, connect the common port of the first optical splitter to the first branch port of the first optical splitter; The control circuit is further configured to send a second control signal to the first optical splitter; The first optical splitter is configured to, in response to the second control signal, connect the common port of the first optical splitter to the second branch port of the first optical splitter.

2. The signal processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The signal processing device further includes: a receiving circuit; the receiving circuit is used to connect to the first optical line terminal; The receiving circuit is configured to receive a first optical signal sent by the first optical line terminal, and the first optical signal carries port allocation information; The receiving circuit is further configured to obtain the port allocation information from the first optical signal and send the port allocation information to the control circuit; The control circuit is specifically configured to generate the first control signal and the second control signal according to the port allocation information.

3. The signal processing device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The signal processing device further includes: a transmitting circuit; the transmitting circuit is used to connect to the first optical line terminal; The first optical splitter is further used to send a detection result of optical signals of the plurality of branch ports to the control circuit; The control circuit is further used to send port status information to the first optical line terminal through the transmitting circuit according to the detection result.

4. The signal processing device according to any one of claims 1 - 3, characterized in that, The first optical splitter is configured to, in response to the first control signal, connect the common port to the first branch port within a first time slot; and in response to the second control signal, connect the common port to the second branch port within a second time slot indicated by the port allocation information.

5. The signal processing device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The common port of the first optical splitter is used to connect to the first optical line terminal through a first optical combiner / splitter device; The first optical combiner / splitter device includes a common port, a first branch port, and a second branch port; wherein, the common port of the first optical combiner / splitter device is used to connect to the first optical line terminal, the first branch port of the first optical combiner / splitter device is used to connect to the common port of the first optical splitter, and the second branch port of the first optical combiner / splitter device is used to connect to the receiving circuit.

6. The signal processing device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The splitting ratio of the first branch port of the first optical combiner / splitter device is greater than the splitting ratio of the second branch port of the first optical combiner / splitter device.

7. The signal processing device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The first optical combiner / splitter device includes an optical switch or an optical combiner / splitter.

8. The signal processing device according to any one of claims 1 - 4, characterized in that, The signal processing device further includes a second optical splitter; The second optical splitter includes a common port and a plurality of branch ports; the common port of the second optical splitter is used to connect to the first optical line terminal through the second optical combiner / splitter device; the first branch port among the plurality of branch ports of the second optical splitter is used to connect to the first branch port of the third optical combiner / splitter device; the second branch port among the plurality of branch ports of the second optical splitter is used to connect to the first branch port of the fourth optical combiner / splitter device; The first optical splitter includes a common port and a plurality of branch ports; the common port of the first optical splitter is used to connect to the first optical line terminal through the second optical combiner / splitter device; the first branch port among the plurality of branch ports of the first optical splitter is used to connect to the second branch port of the third optical combiner / splitter device; the second branch port among the plurality of branch ports of the first optical splitter is used to connect to the second branch port of the fourth optical combiner / splitter device; The common port of the third optical combiner / splitter device is used to connect to the first optical network unit; The common port of the fourth optical combiner / splitter device is used to connect to the second optical network unit; The control circuit is further configured to send a third control signal to the second optical splitter; The second optical splitter is configured to connect the common port of the second optical splitter to the first branch port of the second optical splitter in response to the third control signal; The control circuit is further configured to send a fourth control signal to the second optical splitter; The second optical splitter is configured to connect the common port of the second optical splitter to the second branch port of the second optical splitter in response to the fourth control signal.

9. The signal processing device according to claim 8, characterized in that, Between the common port and the first branch port of the second optical combiner / splitter device is used to transmit optical signals in the first wavelength band; between the common port and the second branch port of the second optical combiner / splitter device is used to transmit optical signals in the second wavelength band; Wherein, the first wavelength band and the second wavelength band do not intersect.

10. The signal processing device according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The first optical splitter includes an optical switch.

11. The signal processing device according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that, The second optical splitter includes an optical switch.

12. An optical network, characterized in that, The optical network includes: a first optical line terminal, a first optical network unit, a second optical network unit, and a signal processing device as described in any one of claims 1-7.

13. An optical network, characterized in that, The optical network includes: a first optical line terminal, a second optical combiner / splitter device, a third optical combiner / splitter device, a fourth optical combiner / splitter device, a first optical network unit, a second optical network unit, and a signal processing device as described in claim 8 or 9.

14. The optical network according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that, The optical network further includes a second optical line terminal and a fifth optical combiner / splitter device; Wherein, the first branch port of the fifth optical combiner / splitter device is used to connect to the first optical line terminal; the second branch port of the fifth optical combiner / splitter device is used to connect to the second optical line terminal; the common port of the fifth optical combiner / splitter device is used to connect to the signal processing device.

15. The optical network according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that, The optical network further includes a ranging device and a sixth optical combiner / splitter device; Among them, the first branch port of the sixth combining / splitting device is used to connect to the first optical line terminal; the second branch port of the sixth combining / splitting device is used to connect to the ranging device; and the common port of the sixth combining / splitting device is used to connect to the signal processing device.

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