Telecommunication device and control method

Abstract

An embodiment includes a telecommunications device that includes a lighting device. The lighting device includes: a plurality of light sources whose lighting states can be controlled according to a control signal; a circuit connected to the plurality of light sources, wherein the circuit is configured to supply power and the control signal to the light sources; and a plug connected to the circuit, wherein the plug is configured to be connected to an external port of a first telecommunications device and configured to serve as a power interface from the first telecommunications device to the circuit and as a control signal interface from the first telecommunications device to the circuit. The plurality of light sources are arranged such that a change in the lighting state of the plurality of light sources provides a visual indication on the main telecommunications device, where the main telecommunications device is the first telecommunications device or the second telecommunications device; wherein the telecommunications device is configured to receive a control signal from the first telecommunications device, the control signal corresponding to an indication related to the main telecommunications device emitted by the plurality of light sources.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure pertains to the field of telecommunications. In particular, this disclosure relates to lighting devices and the control of lighting devices for telecommunications equipment. Background Art

[0002] Telecommunications equipment is typically designed to provide alarm, warning, monitoring status, and maintenance status through LEDs of a fixed color in the chassis. This existing method of providing visual information related to telecommunications equipment has several limitations:

[0003] - LEDs are only available in active (i.e., powered) devices that provide control and power supply. Passive sub-racks have no power and no way to provide such visual information. This greatly limits the installation and wiring of these devices, increases the risk of incorrect connections, and results in time-consuming troubleshooting;

[0004] - The LED layout is fixed by the design and generally cannot meet the requirements of each customer;

[0005] - Especially in the access network section, the equipment cost requirements tend to simplify the equipment layout and reduce visual information;

[0006] - The flexibility of the equipment usually allows the function of the equipment ports to be changed, which makes it impossible to provide a fixed or self-explanatory layout / visual information on the front panel.

[0007] It is desirable to overcome at least one or more of the above limitations. Summary of the Invention

[0008] Embodiments include a telecommunications device, which includes: a lighting device, the lighting device includes: a plurality of light sources, the lighting state of the light sources can be controlled according to a control signal; and a circuit connected to the plurality of light sources, wherein the circuit is configured to supply power and a control signal to the light sources; a plug connected to the circuit, wherein the plug is configured to be connected to an external port of a first telecommunications device, and configured to serve as a power interface from the first telecommunications device to the circuit, and as a control signal interface from the first telecommunications device to the circuit; the plurality of light sources are arranged such that a change in the lighting state of the plurality of light sources provides a visual indication on the main telecommunications device, wherein the main telecommunications device is the first telecommunications device or the second telecommunications device; wherein, the telecommunications device is configured to receive a control signal from the first telecommunications device, the control signal corresponding to an indication related to the main telecommunications device emitted by the plurality of light sources.

[0009] Advantageously, the embodiments provide an easily installable mechanism to provide additional visual information to a host telecommunications device. For example, the host telecommunications device may not have the ability to provide visual information through light emission or may have only limited ability to provide visual information through light emission.

[0010] The lighting device provides a portable troubleshooting device for field engineers, who can visually summarize system information or other information related to the host telecommunications device, which is communicated through the first telecommunications device or by other entities (such as a system controller) via the first telecommunications device.

[0011] The embodiments provide a control signal to the light source through a wired cable, which is terminated in a pluggable electrical interface (e.g., an SFP package terminal), and the electrical interface can be inserted into an unused external port of an active device (i.e., the first telecommunications device). The control strategy and functions are implemented by software on the first telecommunications device or a device connected to the first telecommunications device (such as a system controller unit). Thus, the embodiments enable providing visual information to a stand-alone passive sub-rack (i.e., the host telecommunications device) via control by the first telecommunications device, the system controller unit, or any active unit in the system.

[0012] Optionally, the host telecommunications device is a second telecommunications device independent of the first telecommunications device, and the host telecommunications device is a passive telecommunications device.

[0013] The passive telecommunications device has no power supply and thus cannot change the lighting state of an electronic light source. The passive telecommunications device can be considered a telecommunications device including optical components for optically processing an input signal without consuming power. In addition, the passive telecommunications device can be considered a telecommunications device having optical components with a fixed configuration, where the fixed configuration is considered a configuration that cannot be configured by an external control signal.

[0014] Optionally, the passive telecommunications device is a telecommunications device including optical components for optically processing an input signal without consuming power. Optionally, the optical components have a fixed configuration that is a configuration that cannot be configured by an external control signal.

[0015] Optionally, the indication related to the host telecommunications device is an indication that a connector needs to be connected to a specific external port of the host telecommunications device or disconnected from a specific external port of the host telecommunications device, which is indicated by one of a plurality of light sources.

[0016] Advantageously, the visual information provided by the light source can be used as a visual aid to guide the connection and disconnection of connectors between telecommunications devices. The possibility of failures caused by incorrect connections or disconnections is suppressed.

[0017] Optionally, an indication associated with the main telecommunications device is an indication that a connector needs to be connected to or disconnected from a specific external port of the main telecommunications device, and is in response to connecting to or disconnecting from a corresponding external port of the first telecommunications device.

[0018] Advantageously, sensing that a connector is connected to or disconnected from an external port of the first telecommunications device automatically triggers a change in the illumination state of a light source at or aligned with a corresponding external port of the main telecommunications device. Visual guidance is provided to a field engineer or other operator responsible for performing the connection and disconnection to mitigate the risk of incorrect connection / disconnection. The main telecommunications device can be a second telecommunications device (i.e., independent of the first telecommunications device) and can be, for example, a passive sub-rack. An example of a passive sub-rack is an optical multiplexer.

[0019] Optionally, an indication associated with the main telecommunications device is an indication of the state of the main telecommunications device.

[0020] Advantageously, the illumination reflects the state of the second telecommunications device. Thus, the embodiment provides a mechanism for visualizing the state and condition of the main telecommunications device. The indication of the state can be an indication of diagnostic information and can enable fault isolation and fault resolution.

[0021] Optionally, the lighting device is arranged such that a change in the illumination state of each of the plurality of light sources is arranged to provide a visual indication over different areas of the main telecommunications device, and each area is aligned with an external port of the main telecommunications device.

[0022] The main telecommunications device can be a telecommunications sub-rack having a plurality of external ports. It is advantageous to use light sources to provide visual information related to a specific external port among the plurality of external ports.

[0023] Optionally, the main telecommunications device is a second telecommunications device independent of the first telecommunications device; and an indication associated with the main telecommunications device indicates a state related to an external port of the main telecommunications device by indicating a signal output from the first telecommunications device, wherein the wavelength or other signal characteristic of the signal corresponds to the corresponding external port of the main telecommunications device.

[0024] Such an embodiment is particularly suitable for an implementation scenario where the second telecommunications device is a passive sub-rack (such as an optical multiplexer). Advantageously, such an embodiment provides a solution for reducing the occurrence of incorrect connections in a network entity, where correct network functionality depends on the connector being connected to the correct port and remote reconfiguration of the connection is not possible.

[0025] Optionally, the correspondence between the indication related to the second telecommunications device and the change in the illumination state of the plurality of light sources can be changed through an interface at the first telecommunications device or an interface communicating with the first telecommunications device.

[0026] Optionally, the interface is a graphical user interface connected to the display unit of the first telecommunications device or a graphical user interface on a device communicating with the first telecommunications device, and the configuration through the interface includes identifying the part number or model of the main telecommunications device.

[0027] Advantageously, such a configuration process enables the provision of an illumination device configured to operate in a plurality of different implementation scenarios. One implementation scenario may be a specific main telecommunications device and / or a specific placement location (i.e., the spatial relationship between the light source and the main telecommunications device). The configuration process, which may be referred to as calibration, effectively defines the illumination device to work with a specific main telecommunications device and / or in a specific spatial relationship related to the main telecommunications device. The illumination device can also be reconfigured for deployment in additional, different implementation scenarios.

[0028] Optionally, the plurality of light sources are mounted on a substrate, and the substrate is adapted to be directly attached to the second telecommunications device, so that each of a series of external ports on the second telecommunications device is aligned with one or more of the plurality of light sources.

[0029] Advantageously, such an embodiment provides a light source such as an LED to transmit visual information on the main telecommunications device through the light source mounted on the substrate (e.g., an LED strip applied to the device by an adhesive). The embodiment utilizes a cost-effective technique to provide the ability to increase visual information on the main telecommunications device. The LEDs can be easily customized in any layout / combination and applied to the device chassis or front panel as needed.

[0030] Optionally, the plurality of light sources are one or more projectors configured to controllably illuminate different corresponding areas of the main telecommunications device.

[0031] Advantageously, such an embodiment provides a mechanism for providing visual information to a main telecommunications device to which a light source cannot be directly attached.

[0032] Embodiments on the other hand include a method for controlling a telecommunications device, the telecommunications device comprising: a plurality of light sources, the illumination state of which can be controlled according to a control signal; and a circuit connected to the plurality of light sources, wherein the circuit is configured to supply power and a control signal to the light sources; a plug connected to the circuit, wherein the plug is configured to be connected to an external port of a first telecommunications device to the circuit, and is configured to serve as a power interface from the first telecommunications device to the circuit, and is configured to serve as a control signal interface from the first telecommunications device to the circuit. The method comprises: arranging a plurality of light sources such that a change in the illumination state of the plurality of light sources provides a visual indication on the main telecommunications device, wherein the main telecommunications device is the first telecommunications device or the second telecommunications device; initiating the sending of a control signal via the plug to the plurality of light sources, the control signal corresponding to an indication related to the main telecommunications device emitted by the plurality of light sources.

[0033] Embodiments on the other hand include a computer program which, when executed by a processor, causes the processor to execute a method for initiating the sending of a control signal to a telecommunications device, the telecommunications device comprising: a plurality of light sources, the illumination state of which can be controlled according to a control signal; and a circuit connected to the plurality of light sources, wherein the circuit is configured to supply power and a control signal to the light sources; a plug connected to the circuit, wherein the plug is configured to be connected to an external port of a first telecommunications device, and is configured to serve as a power interface from the first telecommunications device to the circuit, and as a control signal interface from the first telecommunications device to the circuit; the plurality of light sources are arranged such that a change in the illumination state of the plurality of light sources provides a visual indication on the main telecommunications device, wherein the main telecommunications device is the first telecommunications device or the second telecommunications device; the method comprises: initiating the sending of a control signal via the plug to the plurality of light sources, the control signal corresponding to an indication related to the main telecommunications device of the plurality of light sources. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0035] Figure 1 A telecommunications device of an embodiment is shown;

[0036] Figure 2 An embodiment of the telecommunications device arranged relative to a second telecommunications device is shown.

[0037] Figure 3 An alternative embodiment of the telecommunications device arranged relative to a second telecommunications device is shown.

[0038] Figure 4 A further embodiment is shown;

[0039] Figure 5shows a first telecommunications device; and

[0040] Figure 6 shows a method according to an example of the present disclosure. Detailed Description

[0041] Figure 1 shows a telecommunications device 300. The telecommunications device 300 includes a plurality of light sources 30, a circuit 32 connected to the plurality of light sources, and a plug 34 configured to be connected to an external port 12 of a first telecommunications device 10. In Figure 1 the example, the plurality of light sources 30 are arranged on a second telecommunications device 20, which is an example of a main telecommunications device. Thus, the main telecommunications device can provide a visual indication to a user via the telecommunications device 300. Although the telecommunications device 300 is not controlled by the second telecommunications device 20, the visual indication is related to the main telecommunications device (i.e., the second telecommunications device). Instead, the telecommunications device 300 is controlled by an independent or separate telecommunications device, which is the first telecommunications device 10 in this example.

[0042] The plurality of light sources 30 are configured to provide a visual indication on the second telecommunications device 20 by changing their illumination state. The light sources 30 can be electronic light sources.

[0043] A visual indication can be provided on the second telecommunications device 20 by reflecting light from the surface of the device or by emitting light from a light source placed on (or near) the surface of the device. For example, the visual indication can be provided by irradiating the device with light and then reflecting the light from the surface of the device, or by emitting light from a light source (light emitter) fixed to, adhered to, or otherwise connected to the device. Providing a visual indication includes transmitting light from the light source at the second communication device or providing a visual indication by transmitting light from the light source to the surface of the second communication device.

[0044] The plurality of light sources 30 can be any suitable light emitters, such as one or more projectors, light bulbs, or light-emitting diodes. Each light source can include more than one light bulb or light-emitting diode in a single package or cover. For example, each light bulb or light-emitting diode emits light of a different wavelength (within the visible spectrum). In some examples, this allows different colors to be produced by mixing light from more than one light emitter.

[0045] The illumination state of the plurality of light sources 30 is controlled according to a control signal received via the circuit 32. The circuit 32 is configured to supply power and a control signal to the plurality of light sources 30. The circuit 32 can include lines. The circuit 32 can also include a processing circuit, a computer, a controller, or a microcontroller for receiving an input control signal from the plug 34 and converting the input control signal into a control signal for controlling the plurality of light sources 30.

[0046] In some examples, the circuit includes a computer or microcontroller for each individual light source or each individual light source package, for converting a received control signal into a visual indication on the main telecommunications device via the corresponding light source or light source package. Alternatively, an input control signal received from the plug 34 can be directly transmitted to the plurality of light sources 30 via the circuit 32. The input control signal received from the plug 34 can be configured to directly control the plurality of light sources 30.

[0047] The plug 34 is connected to the circuit 32. The plug 34 is configured to be connected to an external port 12 of the first telecommunications device 10. The first telecommunications device 10 is active, i.e., it has a power supply. In this example, the first telecommunications device 10 includes one or more external ports for outputting power and control signals. The plug 34 is configured to serve as an interface for power and control signals from the first telecommunications device 10 to the circuit 32. The telecommunications device 300 is configured to selectively supply power to one or more of the plurality of light sources 30 via the circuit 32. The plug 34 is configured to serve as an interface for control signals from the first telecommunications device 10 to the circuit 32. The control signal is a control signal that can control the illumination state of the plurality of light sources 30.

[0048] The control signal provided by the circuit 32 to the plurality of light sources 30 can be the same control signal as the control signal received by the circuit 32 at the plug 34. Even if the circuit 32 includes a microcontroller or computer for converting or otherwise changing the form of the control signal between the plug 34 and the light sources 30, the control signal received by the light sources 30 is considered to be based on the control signal received by the plug 34.

[0049] The plug 34 has a form configured to be connected to the external port 12 of the first telecommunications device 10. For example, the plug 34 can be an SFP (small form-factor pluggable) plug, a QSFP (quad small form-factor pluggable) plug, an OSFP (octal small form-factor pluggable) plug, an SFP+ (enhanced small form-factor pluggable) plug, a cSFP (compact small form-factor pluggable) plug, an SFP-DD (small form-factor pluggable double density) plug, an XFP (10Gigabit small form-factor pluggable) plug, or an Ethernet plug.

[0050] Further embodiments include a plurality of light sources 30 arranged to provide a visual indication on the first telecommunications device by changing their illumination state. For example, the plurality of light sources 30 can be arranged on the first telecommunications device 10 or arranged to illuminate the first telecommunications device 10. Using the plug 34 as described above, power and control signals also come from the first telecommunications device 10. Thus, the telecommunications apparatus 300 is configured with an external plug such that the telecommunications apparatus 300 can be added to or removed from the first telecommunications device 10.

[0051] The first telecommunications device 10 can be an active sub-rack, such as a network switch, a router, or other core or edge network entities in a telecommunications network. For example, the first telecommunications device 10 can be configured to process and transceive data transmitted in the telecommunications network. The first telecommunications device 10 is an active (i.e., powered) device. In some examples, the first telecommunications device 10 is an optical network device, for example, including optical input and output ports, and / or optical processing devices. The first telecommunications device 10 being an active device can be understood to mean that the first telecommunications device includes an input terminal for receiving power from a power source and further includes one or more components configured to consume the received electrical energy, such as an optical processing device. In this case, consuming the received power can be understood to mean converting it into another form of energy. The first telecommunications device and the second telecommunications device can be telecommunications devices that form part of an access network (e.g., a fixed access network or a radio access network). The first telecommunications device can include a surface having one or more external ports.

[0052] A main telecommunications device that provides a visual indication thereon based on the illumination state of a light source 30 can be the first telecommunications device 10 or can be the second telecommunications device 20. In some examples, the second telecommunications device 20 can be an active (i.e., powered) device. For example, the second telecommunications device 20 can be a network switch or other core or edge network entity in a telecommunications network. The telecommunications apparatus 300 receives a control signal related to the indication on the second telecommunications device 20 from the first telecommunications device 10. The second telecommunications device 20 can be configured to process and / or transceiver data transmitted in the telecommunications network.

[0053] The second telecommunications device 20 can be a passive telecommunications device, that is, not powered. Thus, all components of the passive telecommunications device are passive, that is, not powered. For example, the second telecommunications device 20 can include a passive filter, for example, in the form of a passive filter subrack. The second telecommunications device 20 can be configured to perform signal processing at the optical layer. For example, the second telecommunications device can be arranged to perform an optical transformation of an input signal, and the optical transformation can be one or more of the following: filtering, multiplexing, demultiplexing, optical blocking, adding wavelengths from multiple signals, multiplying wavelengths from multiple signals. The plug 34 is adapted to be connected to an external port 12, which is configured to connect the first telecommunications device 10 to, for example, a network switch. In some examples, the second telecommunications device 20 includes a passive optical device, for example, including passive optical components. The second telecommunications device 20 is configured to be connected to an active optical device, such as the first telecommunications device 10. The second telecommunications device can include a surface having a plurality of external ports.

[0054] The second telecommunications device 20 can be a passive telecommunications device, that is, a telecommunications device including optical components for optically processing an input signal without consuming power by the optical components. The optical components can have a fixed configuration that cannot be configured by an external control signal.

[0055] The second telecommunications device 20 requires an input and / or output connection to be established with the correct port on the second telecommunications device 20. For example, the second telecommunications device 20 can be configured such that the optical transformation of one or more input signals performed by the second telecommunications device 20 depends on from which (which) external port(s) of the device 20 the one or more signals are received. The proper operation of the telecommunications network to which the second telecommunications device 20 belongs may, to some extent, depend on the connector being connected to (i.e., the signal being input to) the correct external port of the second telecommunications device 20. The essence of a passive telecommunications device is that it is not possible to remotely reconfigure an input signal to an external port. In some examples, the second telecommunications device 20 can be a passive subrack including a plurality of external ports, each external port being configured to receive a signal of a predefined wavelength.

[0056] A plurality of light sources 30 are arranged such that a change in the illumination state of the plurality of light sources provides a visual indication on the main telecommunications device. For example, the plurality of light sources 30 may be attached or fixed to the exterior of the main telecommunications device, such as by adhesion to a surface or by mechanical fastening means (e.g., screws). Alternatively, the plurality of light sources 30 may be arranged to illuminate the main telecommunications device, for example, by projection. A visual indication may be provided by changing the instantaneous visual appearance of the device. The visual appearance of the device is dynamic over time.

[0057] A change in the illumination state of the light source 30 provides a visual indication associated with the main telecommunications device, for example, by emitting light towards the main telecommunications device, or by placing or connecting it on the main telecommunications device and emitting light (towards an observer). Controlling the illumination state of the light source includes one or more of the following:

[0058] - Turning on or off one or more of the selected light sources among the plurality of light sources 30;

[0059] - Selectively changing the intensity of the light emitted by one or more of the selected light sources among the plurality of light sources 30;

[0060] - Selectively changing the wavelength of the light emitted by one or more of the selected light sources among the plurality of light sources 30;

[0061] - Implementing a selected illumination temporal pattern (e.g., blinking) by one or more of the selected light sources among the plurality of light sources 30.

[0062] The telecommunications apparatus 300 is configured to receive control signals from the first telecommunications device 10, the control signals corresponding to the indications associated with the main telecommunications device emitted by the plurality of light sources 30. The control signals are control signals that can control the illumination state of the light source 30. Thus, the illumination state of the plurality of light sources 30 is controlled by the control signals received by the telecommunications apparatus 300 from the first communication device, the control signals corresponding to the indications associated with the main telecommunications device emitted by the plurality of light sources. For example, the control signals received via the first communication device provide information related to the second communication device, such as an external port identifier. The control signals received by the telecommunications apparatus 300 are received through the plug 34 and transmitted to the light source 30 through the circuit 32.

[0063] Under the control of a computer program running on the first telecommunications device 10, the control signals may be output by the first telecommunications device 10 to the plug 34. Under the control of a computer program running on a network node that is communicatively coupled with (i.e., data communicates with) the first telecommunications device, the control signals may be output by the first telecommunications device 10 to the plug 34.

[0064] The control signal changes the illumination state of the light source 30, thereby providing a visual indication on the main telecommunications device. For example, the visual identifier identifies a faulty port, a good connection, or a port for connecting / disconnecting a plug on the main telecommunications device. Thus, the control signal causes the appearance of the main telecommunications device to be changed. The control signal thus enhances any visual information that can be conveyed from the main telecommunications device itself. For example, this may be particularly useful in cases where the visual information that can be conveyed from the main telecommunications device itself is absent or limited, either due to limited hardware of the main telecommunications device to do so, or because the main telecommunications device is passive and thus has no power source to power the visual information mechanism. The change in the illumination state of the telecommunications device 300 causes illumination of a part of the main telecommunications device or illumination from a part of the main telecommunications device by visible light, and thereby provides a visual indication on the main telecommunications device.

[0065] The indication associated with the main telecommunications device corresponding to the control signal can be, for example, that a connector is waiting to be connected to the main telecommunications device. Alternatively, the indication can be an indication of the state of the main telecommunications device. The state can be, for example, a functional state. In some examples, the control signal indicates one or more external ports, for example, one or more input and / or output ports. The control signal can indicate the state of one or more external ports or the device as a whole, a planned connection, or other information. In some examples, the light source is configured to provide visual information related to the device and / or the ports of the device to an engineer to assist in the installation, upgrade, or repair of the device. In some aspects, the visual information is provided to a telecommunications device without a built-in visual display. This helps to improve operation, especially the maintenance, repair, or upgrade of devices without a visual display installed. For example, the telecommunications device can be an active device without a built-in display, or a passive device without a built-in display and even without a power source.

[0066] Figure 2 An embodiment of the telecommunications device 300 is shown. Figure 2 The first telecommunications device 10 is not included, but the plug 34 can be connected to the external port 12 of the first telecommunications device, as Figure 1 shown. Figure 2 A layout is shown in which a plurality of light sources 30 are a series of linearly spaced light sources 30a - 30d. For example, each of the light sources 30a - 30d is one or more LEDs. In Figure 2 the layout, the main telecommunications device is the second telecommunications device 20, and the second telecommunications device 20 has a plurality of external ports 22a - 22d. For example, as shown, the plurality of external ports 22a - 22d can be linearly spaced on the surface of the second telecommunications device 20.

[0067] In Figure 2In the example, the light sources 30 are arranged such that the change in the illumination state of each of the plurality of light sources 30a - 30d is arranged to provide a visual indication to different corresponding areas of the main telecommunications device, or the main body provides a visual indication from different corresponding areas of the main telecommunications device, and each of the corresponding areas is aligned with the external ports 22a - 22d of the main telecommunications device. In particular, the telecommunications device 300 includes light sources 30a - 30d which are arranged to be aligned or matched with the corresponding external ports 22a - 22d of the main telecommunications device (in a linear direction spaced along the external port). Thus, each light source is configured to indicate a status or identify one or more ports.

[0068] For example, when a connector needs to be connected to or disconnected from a specific external port 22a - 22d of the main telecommunications device, the light sources 30a - 30d for providing a visual indication to or from the area aligned with the specific external port can be illuminated. For example, such illumination can be controlled by a control program running on the first telecommunications device or the connected controller, and, for example, can respond to the connection or disconnection of the connector to / from the corresponding external port of the first telecommunications device.

[0069] Figure 3 is shown Figure 2 an alternative arrangement in Figure 3 In an alternative of, a plurality of light sources are provided by a projector 130 which is configured to project multiple beams of visible light 36a - 36d onto the main telecommunications device. The projector 130 may or may not be attached to the main telecommunications device. In Figure 3 a particular arrangement of, the multiple beams of visible light 36a - 36d are linearly spaced on the surface of the second telecommunications device 20, and each beam transmits light at different external ports 22a - d of the second telecommunications device. Each beam 36a - 36d is projected by a different light source among the plurality of light sources 130. In this regard, it should be noted that there can be multiple separate light emitters, optionally each with its own beam - shaping optics to produce the corresponding beams 36a - 36d. Or, there can be a single light emitter, such as a light bulb, which has beam - shaping optics to produce multiple beams 36a - 36d. The beams 36a - 36d are incident on the second telecommunications device 20. Thus, in the context of the light - projection device 130, the plurality of light sources can be provided by corresponding separate light emitters (optionally with corresponding separate beam - shaping optics), or the plurality of light sources can be provided by a single light emitter having multiple beam - shaping optics to form a plurality of light sources.

[0070] The second telecommunications device 20 has a plurality of external ports 22a - 22d. For example, as shown, the plurality of external ports 22a - 22d may be linearly spaced apart on the surface of the second telecommunications device 20.

[0071] In Figure 3 the example of, the light projection device 130 is arranged such that the change in the illumination state of each of the plurality of light sources corresponds to the change in the illumination state of the light beams 36a - 36d, thus providing a visual indication to different regions of the main telecommunications device, or a visual indication from different regions of the main telecommunications device. As Figure 3 shown, each region is aligned with one of the external ports 22a - 22d of the main telecommunications device. In particular, the light beams 36a - 36d are arranged to be aligned or matched with the corresponding external ports 22a - 22d of the main telecommunications device (in a linear direction linearly spaced apart along the external ports).

[0072] In Figure 2 and Figure 3 the arrangement of, due to the alignment between the external ports 22a - 22d and the light sources 30a - 30d or the light beams 36a - 36d, the change in the illumination state of a particular light source provides a visual indication on the region of the main telecommunications device that spatially (and thus also visually) corresponds to a particular external port 22a - 22d. Thus, an indication related to the main telecommunications device corresponding to a control signal may be an indication related to a particular external port 22a - 22d of the main telecommunications device. Such a control signal is for changing the illumination state of the spatially corresponding light source.

[0073] In Figure 2 and Figure 3 both arrangements, an indication related to the main telecommunications device may be an indication that a connector needs to be connected to or disconnected from a particular external port 22a - 22d of the main telecommunications device, indicated by one of the plurality of light sources.

[0074] In Figure 2 and Figure 3In the arrangement of both, the indication related to the second telecommunications device can indicate the state related to the external ports of the second telecommunications device 20 by indicating the input and / or output of a signal from the first telecommunications device 10, where the signal has a wavelength or other signal characteristic corresponding to the respective external port of the second telecommunications device 20. For example, each external port of the second telecommunications device 20 can be configured to receive signals within a specific wavelength range. The indication related to the main telecommunications device is the output of a signal from the first telecommunications device (or another interconnected device), where the signal has a wavelength within the range for the specific external ports 22a - 22d. In this case, the control signal received by the lighting device 300 from the first telecommunications device 10 changes the lighting state of the light sources spatially corresponding to the specific external ports 22a - 22d.

[0075] Figure 4 An embodiment of the telecommunications device 300 is shown. Entities with reference numerals can be considered examples of entities with the same reference numerals in other embodiments. In Figure 4 a specific embodiment, the first telecommunications device 10 has a plurality of external ports, and one or more of the plurality of external ports are configured to receive a plug 34. The main telecommunications device is the second telecommunications device 20, which also has a plurality of external ports 22. A plurality of light sources 30 are mounted on a substrate, and the substrate is adapted to be directly attached to the second telecommunications device 20 such that each of a series of external ports 22 on the second telecommunications device 20 is aligned with one or more of the plurality of light sources 30. The direct attachment can be, for example, by an adhesive layer or a mechanical attachment on a surface of the substrate opposite to the side on which the light sources 30 are mounted.

[0076] In Figure 1 、 2 and 4 embodiments, the lighting device can be an LED strip, and its control line and power line are terminated in a pluggable electrical interface suitable for inserting into the external port of the telecommunications device. In Figure 3 an embodiment, the lighting device is one or more projectors for projecting visible light, and its control line and power line are terminated in a pluggable electrical interface suitable for inserting into the external port of the telecommunications device. In Figures 1 to 4 any one of Figures 1 to 4 embodiments, an exemplary form of the pluggable electrical interface (plug) is SFP (small form-factor pluggable). In

[0077] The pluggable electrical interface 34 provides control and power supply signals for the lighting device. For example, the control signal can be controlled by a u-controller or a processor equipped on the host active sub-rack (i.e., the first telecommunications device 10), where, according to the information related to the main telecommunications device (such as device configuration, system characteristics, host sub-rack functions, etc.), the application-level software can be programmed to provide, through the lighting device, the required maintainability information as an indication related to the main telecommunications device.

[0078] The first telecommunications device 10 and / or the second telecommunications device 20 can form part of the telecommunications device 300 in the embodiment. The control signal for changing the lighting state of the plurality of light sources 30 can be initiated by a computer program. For example, the computer program can store the correspondence between a triggering event (such as receiving or determining information related to the main telecommunications device) and how to change the lighting state of which light sources as a response (i.e., which control signals to initiate). The computer program can be stored on the first telecommunications device and executed by the first telecommunications device, or can be stored on another network entity (such as a network controller) connected to the first telecommunications device and executed by that network entity. The first telecommunications device can include a memory configured to store the computer program and a processor configured to execute the computer program.

[0079] In Figure 4 an exemplary implementation is shown, in which the LED strip 30 is used to provide visual information to a passive optical multiplexer (an example of the main telecommunications device and the second telecommunications device) through a control signal, where the control signal is received by the plug 34 from the first telecommunications device 10, and the first telecommunications device 10 is an active unit. The pluggable electrical interface 34 is inserted into the main controller rack (such as a transponder rack) of the first telecommunications device 10 by using the SFP port 12 available for operation and maintenance purposes. The control signal for changing the lighting state of the lighting device is received by the lighting device.

[0080] For Figure 4In an embodiment, the LED is fixed to the optical multiplexer 20 (i.e., the second telecommunications device) to highlight the ports equipped with corresponding transceivers on the transponder rack. In this example, the indication related to the main telecommunications device is an indication that the connector, as indicated by the light source aligned with a specific external port, needs to be connected to or disconnected from a specific external port of the main telecommunications device. For example, the indication can be triggered by the connection to or disconnection from the corresponding external port of the first telecommunications device. The connection or disconnection can be detected by the first telecommunications device having software and / or another network entity, and the software is configured to send a control signal to the lighting device via the plug 34 or initiate sending the control signal to the device via the plug 34. The control signal changes the lighting state of the light source and thus provides visual information to an observer (such as a field engineer). In this way, the field engineer can clearly see which ports of the multiplexer need to be connected, thereby accelerating the installation speed and reducing the chance of incorrect connection.

[0081] The indication related to the passive sub-rack can be detected by the first telecommunications device 10 or another network entity connected thereto. For example, an alarm related to the function of the passive sub-rack generates (according to the application-level software running on the network entity) a control signal to be sent to the light source 30 to change the lighting state of the light source, thereby providing visual information to an observer (such as an engineer). In some examples, the engineer has a communication device configured to communicate with the network entity that generates control signals for multiple light sources. The communication device can be a local telecommunications device (e.g., the first telecommunications device) or can be an independent device, and the independent device can be connected to the same network as the telecommunications device or not connected to the same network. For example, the field engineer can use a wireless device connected to a cellular network to communicate independently with the network entity that controls the visual indication. The communication device of the engineer can send a communication signal, and the communication signal triggers the control signal for the light source. For example, the communication device of the engineer can send a signal that triggers the control signal, such as an indication to install or remove a connected external port, or an indication to check the status of an external port.

[0082] The correspondence between the indication related to the second telecommunications device and the change in the lighting state of multiple light sources can be changed via an interface at the first telecommunications device or other network devices, or via an interface communicating with the first telecommunications device or other network devices. The configuration of the above correspondence can be referred to as calibration. Optionally, the interface is a graphical user interface connected to the display unit of the first telecommunications device 10 or a graphical user interface on a device communicating with the first telecommunications device 10, and the configuration via this interface includes identifying the part number or model of the main telecommunications device.

[0083] The operation of the lighting device can be calibrated via an interface on the first telecommunications device 10 or another network entity that communicates data therewith. For example, software that determines or selects which control signals to send to the light source 30 (which light sources' lighting states to change and how to change the lighting states), in response to information related to the host telecommunications device, may need to be calibrated based on one or more of the following: the placement location of the light source 30, the model number or other information indicating the configuration of the host telecommunications device, the configuration and / or functionality of the host telecommunications device, the form of the plug 34. The calibration can be performed by an interface on a local device controller or a network management system or an SDN controller, or by an interface on the first telecommunications device.

[0084] Figure 5 An example of a telecommunications device 300 or a telecommunications equipment is shown, which includes a computing device that executes a computer program. The device 10 includes a storage circuit 16, a processing circuit 18, a power supply 14, and an external port 12. The external port can output signals / power to the light source 30 or output control signals to the telecommunications device 300. The interconnection between components is shown as a bus connection 11 in the figure. This is only representative, and the connection can be direct or can be via one or more other intermediate components. The connection can be used for data transmission, power transmission, or both. The connections shown in the figure do not exclude other logical connections and communication connections between components in the device 10.

[0085] Figure 6 A method for controlling the telecommunications device 300 in an embodiment is shown. In step S101, the telecommunications device 300 according to the embodiment (for example, as shown in any of Figures 1 to 4 is arranged such that a change in the lighting state of a plurality of light sources provides a visual indication on the host telecommunications device, where the host telecommunications device is the first telecommunications device 10 or the second telecommunications device 20. For example, such an arrangement can be performed by an operator such as a service engineer. Such an arrangement can be guided by an interface on the first telecommunications device 10 or a device connected thereto, or by an interface on an independent device such as a laptop running operation and maintenance software.

[0086] In step S102, the emission of a control signal is initiated. The control signal is sent via a plug to a plurality of light sources, and the control signal corresponds to an indication related to the main telecommunications device emitted by the plurality of light sources. Step S102 can be executed by a computer program running on or connected to the first telecommunications device 10 (such as a network controller). The emission of the control signal can be initiated in response to a triggering event, such as determining or receiving information related to the main telecommunications device. The emission of the control signal can be initiated in response to reaching a step in the maintenance process that requires providing visual information to the main telecommunications device. The control signal is a control signal for controlling the illumination state of the light source 30 and is received by the light source via the plug 34 and the circuit 32.

[0087] For example, when executing the appropriate instructions of a computer program stored in the storage circuit 16 and running on the processing circuit 18, Figure 5 the computing device can execute Figure 6 step S102 in the method of. For example, the computing device can be the first telecommunications device, and the first telecommunications device can be an active sub-rack operating as part of or connected to a core network, an edge network, a base station, or another radio access node. Alternatively, the computing device can be a control device or some other network node that is operable to send or forward the control signal received by the plurality of light sources 30. The storage circuit 16 stores instructions executable by the processing circuit 18 such that the computing device can be operated to execute Figure 6 step S102 of. It is worth noting that, Figure 6Step S102 therein can be executed by a device such as a network controller, and a control signal is transmitted to the light source 30 via the external port 12 of the first telecommunications device 10. In such an embodiment, the storage circuit 16 and the processing circuit 18 can store and execute processing instructions for converting the control signal received by the first telecommunications device 10 from the network controller into a form configured to be issued to the light source 30 via the external port 12. These instructions can also include instructions for executing one or more telecommunications and / or data communication protocols. These instructions can be stored in the memory 16 in the form of a computer program or can be otherwise accessed by the processor 18. In some examples, the processor or the processing circuit 18 can include one or more microprocessors or microcontrollers, as well as other digital hardware, which can include a digital signal processor (DSP), dedicated digital logic, etc. The processor or the processing circuit 18 can be implemented by any type of integrated circuit, such as an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), etc. The memory 16 can include one or several types of memory suitable for the processor, such as read-only memory (ROM), random access memory, cache memory, flash memory devices, optical storage devices, solid-state disks, hard disk drives, etc. The power supply 14 is an input terminal for receiving electrical energy from a power source, and one or more of the storage circuit 16 and the processing circuit 18 are configured to consume the received power. The received power is supplied to the light source 30 via the external port 12. The external port 12 is configured to receive the plug 34, and the power and the control signal for changing the lighting state of the light source 30 are provided to the light source 30 via the plug 34.

[0088] The embodiments can provide one or more of the following advantages:

[0089] - Enhanced service capabilities;

[0090] - Customization: Customize the configuration and signaling of the LEDs according to customer requirements;

[0091] - Introduce new LED signaling after design and deployment;

[0092] - Suitable for multi-vendor scenarios;

[0093] - Enable visual service information on passive sub-racks (such as filters);

[0094] - Adapt the change of the lighting state to newly released functions;

[0095] - Reduce costs and simplify the manufacturing of sub-racks / cabinets / units;

[0096] - Provide a portable troubleshooting visual information mechanism (plug-and-play and instant removal) for service engineers.

[0097] List of reference numerals:

[0098] 10 First telecommunications device

[0099] 11 Bus connection

[0100] 12 External port (first telecommunications device)

[0101] 14 Power supply

[0102] 16 Storage circuit

[0103] 18 Processing circuit

[0104] 20 Second telecommunications device

[0105] 22a - 22d External port (second telecommunications device)

[0106] 30 Multiple light sources

[0107] 30a - 30d Multiple light sources

[0108] 32 Circuit

[0109] 34 Plug

[0110] 36a - 36d Light beams

[0111] 130 Projector.

Claims

1. A telecommunication device (300), characterized in that, Comprising: A lighting device, the lighting device comprising: A plurality of light sources (30), the lighting state of the light sources being controllable according to a control signal; and A circuit (32) connected to the plurality of light sources (30), wherein the circuit (32) is configured to supply power and a control signal to the light sources (30); A plug (34) connected to the circuit (32), wherein the plug (34) is configured to be connected to an external port (12) of a first telecommunications device (10), and is configured to serve as a power interface from the first telecommunications device (10) to the circuit (32), and as a control signal interface from the first telecommunications device (10) to the circuit (32); The plurality of light sources (30) are arranged such that a change in the lighting state of the plurality of light sources provides a visual indication on a main telecommunications device, wherein the main telecommunications device is a second telecommunications device (20) independent of the first telecommunications device (10); Wherein, the telecommunications device (300) is configured to receive a control signal from the first telecommunications device (10), the control signal corresponding to an indication related to the main telecommunications device emitted by the plurality of light sources (30); Wherein, the indication related to the main telecommunications device is an indication that a connector needs to be connected to a specific external port of the main telecommunications device or disconnected from a specific external port of the main telecommunications device, indicated by one of the plurality of light sources (30); Wherein, the indication related to the main telecommunications device is an indication that a connector needs to be connected to a specific external port (22a - 22d) of the main telecommunications device or disconnected from a specific external port (22a - 22d) of the main telecommunications device, and is a response to connecting to or disconnecting from a corresponding external port of the first telecommunications device (10); 2. The telecommunications device (300) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second telecommunications device (20) is a passive telecommunications device.

3. The telecommunications device (300) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The indication related to the main telecommunications device is an indication of the state of the main telecommunications device.

4. The telecommunications device (300) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The lighting device is arranged such that a change in the lighting state of each of the plurality of light sources (30) is arranged to provide a visual indication on different areas of the main telecommunications device, and each of the areas is aligned with a different external port (22a - 22d) of the main telecommunications device.

5. The telecommunications device (300) according to claim 4, characterized in that The main telecommunications device is a second telecommunications device (20) independent of the first telecommunications device (10); The indication related to the main telecommunications device, by indicating a signal output from the first telecommunications device (10), indicates a state related to an external port (22a - 22d) of the main telecommunications device (20), wherein the signal has a wavelength or other signal characteristic corresponding to the corresponding external port (22a - 22d) of the main telecommunications device (20).

6. The telecommunication device (300) according to claim 1, characterized in that, Wherein: The correspondence between the indication related to the main telecommunications device and the change in the illumination state of the plurality of light sources can be changed through an interface at the first telecommunications device (10) or an interface communicating with the first telecommunications device (10), or can be changed at a computing device independent of the first telecommunications device.

7. The telecommunications device (300) according to claim 6, wherein the interface is a graphical user interface on a display unit connected to the first telecommunications device (10), or a graphical user interface on a device communicating with the first telecommunications device, or a graphical user interface on a computing device independent of the first telecommunications device, and the configuration through the interface includes identifying the part number or model of the main telecommunications device.

8. The telecommunications device (300) according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of light sources (30) are mounted on a substrate, and the substrate is adapted to be directly attached to the second telecommunications device (20) such that each of a series of external ports on the second telecommunications device (22a - 22d) is aligned with one or more of the plurality of light sources (30a - 30d).

9. The telecommunications device (300) according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of light sources are one or more projectors (130), and the one or more projectors (130) are configured to controllably illuminate different corresponding areas (36a - 36d) in the main telecommunications device.

10. The telecommunication device (300) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The first telecommunications device (10) includes an input for receiving power from a power source and further includes one or more components configured to consume the received power.

11. A method for controlling a telecommunication device (300), characterized in that, Comprising: a plurality of light sources (30), the illumination state of the light sources being controllable according to a control signal; and a circuit (32) connected to the plurality of light sources, wherein the circuit is configured to supply power and a control signal to the light sources; a plug (34) connected to the circuit, wherein the plug is configured to be connected to an external port (12) of the first telecommunications device (10) and is configured as a power interface from the first telecommunications device to the circuit and as a control signal interface from the first telecommunications device to the circuit; The method includes: arranging the plurality of light sources such that a change in the illumination state of the plurality of light sources provides a visual indication on the main telecommunications device, wherein the main telecommunications device is a second telecommunications device (20) independent of the first telecommunications device (10); initiating a control signal to be sent to the plurality of light sources via the plug, the control signal corresponding to an indication related to the main telecommunications device emitted by the plurality of light sources; wherein the indication related to the main telecommunications device is an indication that a connector needs to be connected to a specific external port of the main telecommunications device or disconnected from a specific external port of the main telecommunications device, indicated by one of the plurality of light sources (30). Wherein, the indication related to the main telecommunications device is an indication that a connector needs to be connected to or disconnected from a specific external port (22a - 22d) of the main telecommunications device, and is a response to being connected to or disconnected from a corresponding external port of the first telecommunications device (10).

12. A computer program which, when executed by a processor (18), causes the processor to perform a method for initiating the sending of a control signal to a telecommunications device, characterized in that, The telecommunications device comprises: a plurality of light sources (30), the illumination state of which can be controlled according to a control signal; and a circuit (32) connected to the plurality of light sources, wherein the circuit is configured to supply power and the control signal to the light sources; a plug (34) connected to the circuit, wherein the plug is configured to be connected to an external port (12) of the first telecommunications device (10), and is configured as a power interface from the first telecommunications device to the circuit, and as a control signal interface from the first telecommunications device to the circuit; the plurality of light sources are arranged such that a change in the illumination state of the plurality of light sources provides a visual indication on the main telecommunications device, wherein the main telecommunications device is a second telecommunications device (20) independent of the first telecommunications device (10); The method comprises: initiating a control signal to be sent to the plurality of light sources via the plug, the control signal corresponding to an indication related to the main telecommunications device indicated by the plurality of light sources; wherein, the indication related to the main telecommunications device is an indication that a connector needs to be connected to or disconnected from a specific external port of the main telecommunications device indicated by one of the plurality of light sources (30); wherein, the indication related to the main telecommunications device is an indication that a connector needs to be connected to or disconnected from a specific external port (22a - 22d) of the main telecommunications device, and is a response to being connected to or disconnected from a corresponding external port of the first telecommunications device (10).

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