Optical communication equipment and optical communication systems

Abstract

This application discloses an optical communication device and an optical communication system, belonging to the field of optical transmission technology. The optical communication device includes multiple circuit boards, multiple optical tributary boards, and multiple optical cross-connect boards; each of the multiple circuit boards is connected to each of the multiple optical tributary boards through the multiple optical cross-connect boards, and any two circuit boards are connected through the multiple optical cross-connect boards; each circuit board is used to connect to another optical communication device, and each optical tributary board is used to connect to a client device. Using the technical solution of this application can enhance the flexibility of the optical communication device and reduce service transmission latency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of optical transmission technology, and in particular to an optical communication device and an optical communication system. Background Technology

[0002] Optical communication equipment typically comprises multiple boards. Each board integrates a line interface for connecting to another optical communication device and a tributary interface for connecting to customer equipment. For example, a board may include a line-side optical module that acts as the line interface for connecting to another optical communication device, and a customer-side optical module that acts as the tributary interface for connecting to customer equipment. In this way, service signals can be transmitted between the line interface and the tributary interface of the board. While service signals can be transmitted between the line interface and tributary interface of the same board, they cannot be transmitted between the line interfaces and tributary interfaces of different boards; for example, they cannot be transmitted between the line interface of one board and the tributary interface of another board, resulting in poor flexibility in the use of this optical communication equipment. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This application provides an optical communication device and an optical communication system that can solve the problem of poor flexibility in the use of optical communication devices in related technologies.

[0004] On one hand, embodiments of this application provide an optical communication device. The optical communication device includes multiple circuit boards, multiple optical tributary boards, and multiple optical cross-connect boards. Each of the multiple circuit boards is connected to each of the multiple optical tributary boards via the multiple optical cross-connect boards. Any two circuit boards are connected via the multiple optical cross-connect boards. The circuit boards are used to connect to another optical communication device, and the optical tributary boards are used to connect to a client device.

[0005] In the optical communication equipment shown in this application, arbitrary line boards and arbitrary optical tributary boards are connected, enabling service flows to be transmitted between any line board and any optical tributary board, thereby enhancing the flexibility of the optical communication equipment. Furthermore, since the service signal scheduling process via the optical cross-connect board is simpler than that via the electrical cross-connect board, the latency of service signals in this optical communication equipment via the optical cross-connect board is low.

[0006] In one possible implementation, each of the plurality of circuit boards is connected to each of the plurality of optical cross-connect boards. Each of the plurality of optical cross-connect boards is connected to each of the plurality of optical tributary boards. Therefore, connections between any circuit board and any optical tributary board, connections between any two circuit boards, and connections between any two optical tributary boards can be achieved.

[0007] In one possible implementation, the circuit board includes a first optical module, a line-side processing unit, a second optical module, and a line-side optical switch connected in sequence. The optical tributary board includes an optical tributary-side optical switch. The optical crossover board includes an optical crossover-side optical switch. The first optical module is used to connect to another optical communication device. The line-side optical switch and the optical crossover-side optical switch are connected. The optical crossover-side optical switch and the optical tributary-side optical switch are connected.

[0008] The solution shown in this application defines a line-side processing unit as a functional unit of a first processing module on a circuit board. The first processing module can be, for example, a chip on the circuit board. Line-side optical switches and optical cross-connection side optical switches are connected, thereby enabling the connection between the circuit board and the optical cross-connection board. Optical cross-connection side optical switches and optical tributary side optical switches are connected, thereby enabling the connection between the optical cross-connection board and the optical tributary board.

[0009] In one possible implementation, the plurality of optical tributary boards includes a first optical tributary board and a second optical tributary board. The second optical tributary board further includes a third optical module, a conversion unit, and a fourth optical module. The optical tributary-side optical switch, the third optical module, the conversion unit, and the fourth optical module of the second optical tributary board are connected sequentially. The second optical module and the third optical module share the same protocol, and the fourth optical module shares the same protocol as the optical module connected to the client equipment.

[0010] The solution shown in this application uses a conversion unit as a functional unit of the second processing module of the optical tributary board, which may be, for example, a chip. The conversion unit is used to convert the protocols of the third optical module and the fourth optical module. For example, it converts the protocol of the third optical module to the protocol of the fourth optical module to facilitate successful connection with customer equipment.

[0011] In one possible implementation, any two optical branch boards are connected via the plurality of optical cross-connect boards.

[0012] The scheme shown in this application connects each of the plurality of optical tributary boards to each of the plurality of optical cross-connect boards, thereby enabling any two optical tributary boards to connect to the same optical cross-connect board, and thus connecting these two optical tributary boards. In this way, service flows can be transmitted between any two optical tributary boards.

[0013] In one possible implementation, the optical communication device further includes a plurality of electrical tributary boards and a plurality of electrical cross-connect boards. Each of the plurality of circuit boards is connected to each of the plurality of electrical tributary boards via the plurality of electrical cross-connect boards. The electrical tributary boards are used to connect to the client equipment.

[0014] The solution shown in this application includes not only an optical cross-connect board but also an electrical cross-connect board, enabling the optical communication equipment to have both optical and electrical cross-connect functions, thus becoming an optical communication equipment with hybrid optoelectronic scheduling.

[0015] In one possible implementation, each of the plurality of circuit boards is connected to each of the plurality of electrical branch boards via the plurality of electrical cross-connect boards and the plurality of optical cross-connect boards.

[0016] The scheme shown in this application connects each of the plurality of circuit boards to each of the plurality of optical cross-connect boards. Each of the plurality of optical cross-connect boards is connected to each of the plurality of electrical cross-connect boards. Each of the plurality of electrical cross-connect boards is connected to each of the plurality of electrical branch boards. Thus, any circuit board can be connected to any electrical branch board, and any two electrical branch boards can also be connected.

[0017] In one possible implementation, the circuit board includes a first optical module, a line-side processing unit, a first connection unit, a fifth optical module, and a line-side optical switch connected in sequence. The optical cross-connect board includes an optical cross-connect side optical switch. The electrical cross-connect board includes an electrical cross-connect side optical switch, a sixth optical module, and an electrical cross-connect side processing unit connected in sequence. The electrical tributary board includes a second connection unit and a seventh optical module connected together. The first optical module is used to connect to the other optical communication equipment. The line-side optical switch is connected to the optical cross-connect side optical switch. The optical cross-connect side optical switch is connected to the electrical cross-connect side optical switch. The electrical cross-connect side processing unit is connected to the second connection unit. The seventh optical module is used to connect to the client equipment.

[0018] The scheme shown in this application includes a first connection unit, which is a functional unit of the first processing module of the circuit board, used to connect to the electrical cross-connection side processing unit of the electrical cross-connection board. The line-side optical switch and the optical cross-connection side optical switch are connected, thereby connecting the circuit board and the optical cross-connection board. The optical cross-connection side optical switch and the electrical cross-connection side optical switch are connected, thereby connecting the optical cross-connection board and the electrical cross-connection board. The second connection unit is a functional unit of the third processing module of the electrical tributary board, used to connect to the electrical cross-connection side processing unit of the electrical cross-connection board, thereby connecting the electrical cross-connection board and the electrical tributary board.

[0019] In one possible implementation, the circuit board further includes a selection switch unit. The selection switch unit is connected to both the line-side processing unit and the first connection unit, and is also connected to the optical module connected to the line-side optical switch. The selection switch unit is used to select whether to connect a path to the line-side processing unit or the first connection unit.

[0020] The line-side optical switch can be connected to one or more optical modules. These optical modules are used for photoelectric conversion, for example, to convert electrical signals received from the selection switch unit into optical signals, and then transmit them to the line-side optical switch. Alternatively, these optical modules can be used to convert optical signals received from the line-side optical switch into electrical signals, and then transmit them to the selection switch unit.

[0021] The solution presented in this application allows the selection switch unit to connect to the path of the line-side processing unit and disconnect from the path of the first connection unit when the traffic flows through the optical cross-connector but not the electrical cross-connector. Similarly, when the traffic flows through the electrical cross-connector but not the optical cross-connector, the selection switch unit can connect to the path of the first connection unit and disconnect from the path of the line-side processing unit. Furthermore, when some traffic flows through the optical cross-connector and others through the electrical cross-connector, the selection switch unit can connect to both the path of the line-side processing unit and the path of the first connection unit. This improves the flexibility of traffic flow and further enhances the usability of optical communication equipment.

[0022] In one possible implementation, each of the plurality of circuit boards is directly electrically connected to each of the plurality of electrical cross-connect boards. Each of the plurality of electrical cross-connect boards is directly connected to each of the plurality of electrical branch boards.

[0023] The solution shown in this application allows for connection between the circuit board and the electrical tributary board using only an electrical cross-connector. For example, the circuit board is electrically connected to all electrical cross-connectors, and the electrical cross-connectors are in turn connected to all electrical tributary boards, thus enabling the circuit board to connect to all electrical tributary boards. The connection between the circuit board and the electrical cross-connector can be, for example, an electrical connection between the first connection unit of the circuit board and the electrical cross-connector's electrical cross-connect side processing unit. The connection between the electrical cross-connector and the electrical tributary board can also be, for example, an electrical cross-connector's electrical cross-connect side processing unit and the electrical tributary board's second connection unit.

[0024] In one possible implementation, the plurality of electrical cross-connect boards includes at least one spare electrical cross-connect board, which is used to start operation when the primary electrical cross-connect board fails.

[0025] The schemes shown in this application, for example, employ redundancy protection in the electrical cross-connection boards, such as 1+1, 1:n, or m:n. In 1+1, one electrical cross-connection board is the primary board responsible for normal operation, while the other serves as a backup board. When the primary board fails, the backup board takes over. In 1:n, n electrical cross-connection boards are the primary boards responsible for normal operation, with one serving as a backup. In m:n, n electrical cross-connection boards are the primary boards responsible for normal operation, with m serving as backups.

[0026] In one possible implementation, the plurality of optical cross-connect boards includes at least one spare optical cross-connect board, which is used to start operation when the primary optical cross-connect board fails.

[0027] The schemes shown in this application, for example, employ redundancy protection in optical cross-connect boards (OCBs) of 1+1, 1:n, or m:n. Here, 1+1 means one OCB is the primary OCB responsible for normal operation, while the other serves as a backup. 1:n means n OCBs are the primary OCBs responsible for normal operation, with one serving as a backup. m:n means n OCBs are the primary OCBs responsible for normal operation, with m serving as backup.

[0028] On the other hand, embodiments of this application also provide an optical communication system, which includes a first client equipment, a second client equipment, and at least one of the aforementioned optical communication devices. The first client equipment is connected to a branch board of one of the at least one optical communication device, and the second client equipment is connected to a branch board of one of the at least one optical communication device, wherein the branch board includes at least an optical branch board.

[0029] In the scheme shown in this application, one of the first client equipment and the other of the second client equipment is a transmitter and the other is a receiver. The two establish a communication connection through at least one optical communication device to achieve interaction. The optical communication devices connected to the first client equipment and the second client equipment can be the same optical communication device or different optical communication devices.

[0030] In one possible implementation, the first client equipment and the second client equipment are respectively connected to different branch boards of the same optical communication equipment.

[0031] The solution shown in this application involves a close proximity between the first and second customer devices, such as being in the same building or the same residential complex. The first and second customer devices interact through an optical communication device. For example, the first customer device is connected to one branch board of the optical communication device, and the second customer device is connected to another branch board of the same optical communication device.

[0032] In one possible implementation, the first client equipment and the second client equipment are respectively connected to the branch boards of different optical communication devices. For example, the first client equipment is connected to a branch board of a first optical communication device among the at least one optical communication device, and the second client equipment is connected to a branch board of a second optical communication device among the at least one optical communication device. Here, the first optical communication device and the second optical communication device are different optical communication devices, and the circuit boards of the first optical communication device and the second optical communication device are connected.

[0033] The solution shown in this application allows for a direct or indirect connection between the circuit boards of the first and second optical communication devices. For example, if a first client device and a second client device establish a communication connection through two optical communication devices, then one circuit board of the first optical communication device and one circuit board of the second optical communication device are directly connected. However, if the first client device and the second client device establish a communication connection through two or more optical communication devices, then one circuit board of the first optical communication device and one circuit board of the second optical communication device are connected through at least one optical communication device, and the first optical communication device, the second optical communication device, and any two connected optical communication devices are connected via circuit boards. For example, one circuit board of the first optical communication device is connected to one circuit board of a third optical communication device (among at least one optical communication device), and another circuit board of the third optical communication device is connected to one circuit board of the second optical communication device. Attached Figure Description

[0034] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the frame of an optical communication device provided in this application;

[0035] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of an optical communication device including an optical cross-connect board provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0036] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of an optical communication device that connects a portion of a circuit board and a portion of an optical cross-connect board, according to an embodiment of this application.

[0037] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of an optical communication device including at least one set of boards provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0038] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of an optical communication device including a first optical branch board and a second optical branch board, provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0039] Figure 6This is a schematic diagram of an optical communication device provided in an embodiment of this application, which includes an optical cross-connect board and an electrical cross-connect board, and the optical cross-connect board and the electrical cross-connect board are connected.

[0040] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of an optical communication device with a circuit board having a selection switch unit, provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0041] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of an optical communication device provided in this application embodiment, in which the number of optical modules connected to the line-side optical switch on the circuit board is one;

[0042] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of an optical communication device provided in an embodiment of this application, which includes an optical cross-connect board and an electrical cross-connect board, wherein the optical cross-connect board and the electrical cross-connect board are not connected.

[0043] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of an optical communication device including an optical amplifier provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0044] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the transmission of a service flow in an optical communication device including an optical cross-connect board, according to an embodiment of this application.

[0045] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the transmission of a service flow in an optical communication device, which includes an optical cross-connect board and an electrical cross-connect board, and the optical cross-connect board and the electrical cross-connect board are connected.

[0046] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the transmission of a service flow in an optical communication device, which includes an optical cross-connect board and an electrical cross-connect board, but the optical cross-connect board and the electrical cross-connect board are not connected.

[0047] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of an optical communication system provided in this application embodiment, in which a first client device and a second client device are connected through an optical communication device;

[0048] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of an optical communication system provided in this application, which connects a first client device and a second client device through two optical communication devices.

[0049] Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram of an optical communication system provided in this application, which connects a first client device and a second client device through three optical communication devices.

[0050] Legend:

[0051] 01. Cabinet; 02. Board; 1. Circuit Board; 11. First Optical Module; 12. Line-Side Processing Unit; 13. Second Optical Module; 14. Line-Side Optical Switch; 15. First Connection Unit; 16. Fifth Optical Module; 17. Selector Switch Unit; 18. Line-Side Amplifier; 2. Optical Tributary Board; 2A. First Optical Tributary Board; 2B. Second Optical Tributary Board; 21. Optical Tributary Side Optical Switch; 22. Third Optical Module; 23. Conversion Unit; 24. Fourth Optical Module; 25. Optical Tributary Side Amplifier; 3. Optical Cross-Connect Board; 3A, First optical cross-connect board; 3B, Second optical cross-connect board; 31, Optical cross-connect side optical switch; 4, Electrical branch board; 41, Second connection unit; 42, Seventh optical module; 5, Electrical cross-connect board; 51, Electrical cross-connect side optical switch; 52, Sixth optical module; 53, Electrical cross-connect side processing unit; 54, Electrical cross-connect side amplifier; 100, First customer equipment; 200, Second customer equipment; 300, Optical communication equipment; 301, First optical communication equipment; 302, Second optical communication equipment; 303, Third optical communication equipment. Detailed Implementation

[0052] While the description of this application is presented in conjunction with some embodiments, this does not mean that the features of this application are limited to this embodiment. On the contrary, the purpose of describing the application in conjunction with embodiments is to cover other options or modifications that may be derived based on the claims of this application. To provide a thorough understanding of this application, many specific details will be included in the following description. This application may also be implemented without using these details. Furthermore, to avoid confusion or obscuring the focus of this application, some specific details will be omitted in the description. It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in this application can be combined with each other.

[0053] In the embodiments of this application, the terms "first," "second," "third," and "fourth" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Thus, a feature defined with "first," "second," "third," and "fourth" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature.

[0054] In the embodiments of this application, "and / or" is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, or B existing alone. Additionally, the character " / " in this document generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects have an "or" relationship.

[0055] It should be noted that, in the description of the embodiments of this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the term "connection" should be interpreted broadly. For example, "connection" can be a detachable connection or a non-detachable connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. The terms "comprising," "including," "having," and their variations all mean "including but not limited to," unless otherwise specifically emphasized.

[0056] References to "one embodiment" or "some embodiments" as described in this specification mean that one or more embodiments of this application include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment. Therefore, phrases such as "in one example," "in another example," "in one embodiment," "in another embodiment," etc., appearing in different parts of this specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, but rather mean "one or more, but not all, embodiments," unless otherwise specifically emphasized.

[0057] This application provides an optical communication device. An optical communication device can also be called an optical transmission device. For example, it can be a wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) device or an optical transport network (OTN) device. The main task of the optical communication device is to receive the service flow generated by one client device and transmit it to another client device via the optical communication device and the propagation medium connecting the two devices (such as optical fiber, cable, and electromagnetic waves). Since the two client devices are connected through at least one optical communication device, the optical communication device includes two types of interfaces: a user-network interface (UNI) and a network-to-network interface (NNI). The user-network interface is used to connect to the client device, and the network-to-network interface is used to connect to another optical communication device. For example, one client device is connected to the user-network interface of one optical communication device, and another client device is connected to the user-network interface of another optical communication device; these two optical communication devices are connected via the network-to-network interface. For the specific connection relationship between the two client devices and at least one optical communication device, please refer to the following description of the optical communication system. In this context, the customer equipment refers to the equipment served by the optical communication equipment, such as routers or switches. In the field of optical transmission, the user-to-network interface is usually called the tributary interface, and the network-to-network interface is called the line interface.

[0058] like Figure 1The diagram shows the structure of an optical communication device. The optical communication device can be a plug-in type device. The optical communication device includes a cabinet 01 and multiple boards 02. Boards 02 can also be called line cards or service boards. The cabinet 01 includes multiple slots. Boards 02 are inserted into the slots and can also be removed from the slots.

[0059] Optical communication equipment can be categorized into integrated optical communication equipment and discrete optical communication equipment based on whether the line interface and tributary interface are integrated on the same board. Integrated optical communication equipment integrates the line interface and tributary interface on the same board, while discrete optical communication equipment integrates the line interface and tributary interface on different boards.

[0060] For integrated optical communication devices, such as those where the board includes both line interfaces and tributary interfaces, the structure is simple, the cost is low, and the power consumption is also low. However, such devices lack cross-board scheduling capabilities, resulting in poor flexibility. For example, if a service flow enters from a tributary interface of one board, it can only exit from the line interface of that same board, and cannot exit from the line interface of another board, leading to poor flexibility in the use of the optical communication device. Furthermore, if a board in such an optical communication device fails, or if the fiber optic cable connected to that board fails, the communication link to which that board resides will be interrupted.

[0061] For discrete optical communication equipment, for example, the line interface is integrated on one board and the tributary interface is integrated on another board. The board with the integrated line interface can be called the line-side service board (or simply line board), and the board with the integrated tributary interface can be called the tributary-side service board (or simply tributary board). To connect the line board and the tributary board, the optical communication equipment also includes an electrical cross-connect board, which can also be called an electrical switching board, primarily responsible for signal forwarding between boards. Since the electrical cross-connect board performs electrical cross-connect scheduling, the line board and the electrical cross-connect board are electrically connected. The line board needs to have an electrical connection function unit for connecting to the electrical cross-connect board, and the tributary board also needs to have an electrical connection function unit for connecting to the electrical cross-connect board. The tributary board here can be referred to as an electrical tributary board, to distinguish it from the optical tributary board discussed below.

[0062] In the aforementioned discrete optical communication equipment, each circuit board can be electrically connected to all electrical cross-connect boards, each electrical cross-connect board can be electrically connected to all tributary boards, thereby enabling each circuit board to be electrically connected to all electrical tributary boards, each electrical tributary board to all circuit boards, any two circuit boards to be electrically connected, and any two electrical tributary boards to be electrically connected.

[0063] As can be seen, the aforementioned discrete optical communication equipment allows service flows to input from the tributary interface of one board and output from the line interface of another board, enabling cross-board service scheduling and improving flexibility. However, scheduling between line boards, as well as between line boards and electrical tributary boards, requires an electrical cross-connect board, resulting in a higher processing load on the cross-connect board. Consequently, the chip capacity, cost, and power consumption of the cross-connect board increase accordingly. Moreover, compared to integrated optical communication equipment, this discrete optical communication equipment experiences increased latency due to the addition of the electrical cross-connect board and electrical connection functional units. Furthermore, since electrical connections are typically implemented through wiring on the backplane of the optical communication equipment or through connectors, increasing the transmission rate is difficult regardless of the method used. For example, upgrading the transmission rate of the optical communication equipment requires replacing the backplane.

[0064] The optical communication equipment provided in this application can achieve cross-board scheduling, alleviate the processing pressure on electrical cross-connect boards, reduce latency, and improve transmission rate. The optical communication equipment shown in this application will be described in detail below.

[0065] like Figure 2 As shown, the optical communication device includes multiple line boards 1, multiple optical tributary boards 2, and multiple optical cross-connect boards 3. The number of these three types of boards is not necessarily equal, but can be equal; this embodiment does not limit the number of these three types. The line board 1, as described above, is a board including line interfaces, used to connect to another optical communication device. Figure 2 The first optical module 11 in the circuit board 1 acts as a line interface. The optical tributary board 2, as described above, is a board including tributary interfaces and is used to connect to customer equipment, such as... Figure 2 As shown, the optical switch 21 on the optical tributary side acts as the tributary interface in the optical tributary board 2. The optical cross-connect board 3, also known as the optical switching board, is used to implement cross-connect scheduling of optical links. The cross-connect scheduling of optical links can be wavelength scheduling and / or port scheduling.

[0066] Regarding the connection method between circuit board 1, optical branch board 2, and optical crossover board 3. For example... Figure 2 As shown, each of the multiple circuit boards 1 is connected to each of the multiple optical cross-connect boards 3, and each of the multiple optical cross-connect boards 3 is connected to each of the multiple optical branch boards 2, thereby enabling the connection of any circuit board 1 and any optical branch board 2, as well as the connection of any two circuit boards 1 and any two optical branch boards 2.

[0067] Alternatively, some circuit boards 1 can be connected to each of the multiple optical tributary boards 2 via a portion of optical cross-connect boards 3, while other portions of circuit boards 1 can be connected to each of the multiple optical tributary boards 2 via another portion of optical cross-connect boards 3. For example, taking two optical cross-connect boards 3 as an example, denoted as the first optical cross-connect board 3A and the second optical cross-connect board 3B respectively, as follows... Figure 3 As shown, each of some circuit boards 1 is connected to each of the multiple optical cross-connect boards 2 via a first optical cross-connect board 3A, while each of other circuit boards 1 is connected to each of the multiple optical cross-connect boards 2 via a second optical cross-connect board 3B. This embodiment does not specifically limit how each circuit board 1 is connected to each of the multiple optical tributary boards 2 via the multiple optical cross-connect boards 3A, as long as each of the multiple circuit boards 1 has a connection relationship with all the optical tributary boards 2.

[0068] As can be seen, the connection between line board 1 and optical tributary board 2 can be achieved through multiple optical cross-connect boards 3. Similarly, the connection between line boards 1 and line boards 1 can be achieved through multiple optical cross-connect boards 3. Likewise, the connection between optical tributary boards 2 and optical tributary boards 2 can also be achieved through multiple optical cross-connect boards 3. Therefore, service flows can be transmitted between line boards 1 and optical tributary boards 2, between different line boards 1, and between different optical tributary boards 2. This demonstrates that the number of service transmission paths is significantly increased compared to a single integrated optical communication device, thereby improving the flexibility of optical communication equipment.

[0069] It should be noted that the connection between the circuit board 1 and the optical cross-connect board 3, as well as the connection between the optical cross-connect board 3 and the optical tributary board 2, are both for achieving optical signal connectivity.

[0070] It should be noted that an optical communication device includes at least one set of boards. Each of the multiple line boards 1 mentioned above, and each of the multiple optical tributary boards 2, is connected via multiple optical cross-connect boards 3. This refers to the connection relationship between the line boards 1, optical tributary boards 2, and optical cross-connect boards 3 within a specific group (which can be denoted as the target group) of at least one set of boards in the optical communication device. For example, as... Figure 4As shown, the target group includes multiple circuit boards 1, multiple optical tributary boards 2, and multiple optical cross-connect boards 3. In the target group, each of the multiple circuit boards 1 is connected to each of the multiple optical cross-connect boards 3, and each of the multiple optical cross-connect boards 3 is connected to each of the multiple optical tributary boards 2, thereby achieving the connection between each of the multiple circuit boards 1 and each of the multiple optical tributary boards 2 through the multiple optical cross-connect boards 3. The connection relationships between circuit boards 1, optical cross-connect boards 3, and optical tributary boards 2 in other groups besides the target group can be the same as or different from those in the target group; this embodiment does not impose any limitations on this. Furthermore, there can be or not a connection relationship between circuit boards 1 and optical cross-connect boards 3 that do not belong to the same group, and between optical cross-connect boards 3 and optical tributary boards 2; this embodiment does not impose any limitations on this and can be flexibly configured according to the situation. For ease of explanation, the following description will use the boards in the target group of an optical communication device as an example.

[0071] The connection between each of the multiple circuit boards 1 and each of the multiple electrical branch boards 4, which will be introduced later, via multiple electrical cross-connect boards 5, and the connection between each of the multiple circuit boards 1 and each of the multiple electrical branch boards 4 via multiple optical cross-connect boards 3 and multiple electrical cross-connect boards 5, refers to the connection relationship between circuit boards 1, electrical cross-connect boards 5 and electrical branch boards 4 within the target group. As for the connection relationship between boards in different groups, and the connection relationship between boards in other groups besides the target group, this embodiment does not make specific limitations.

[0072] As can be seen from the above, in the optical communication equipment, each line board 1 and each optical tributary board 2 are interconnected, enabling service flows to be transmitted between any line board 1 and any optical tributary board 2, thereby enhancing the flexibility of the optical communication equipment. Furthermore, since the service signal scheduling process via the optical cross-connect board is simpler than that via the electrical cross-connect board, the optical communication equipment reduces the latency of service signal processing.

[0073] To achieve the connection between circuit board 1 and optical cross-connect board 3, and the connection between optical cross-connect board 3 and optical tributary board 2, correspondingly, such as Figure 2 As shown, the circuit board 1 includes a first optical module 11, a line-side processing unit 12, a second optical module 13, and a line-side optical switch 14 connected in sequence. The optical tributary board 2 includes an optical tributary-side optical switch 21, and the optical cross-connect board 3 includes an optical cross-connect-side optical switch 31. The first optical module 11 is used to connect to another optical communication device. The line-side optical switch 14 and the optical cross-connect-side optical switch 31 are connected, and the optical cross-connect-side optical switch 31 and the optical tributary-side optical switch 21 are connected.

[0074] In one example, the first optical module 11 is a transceiver module used to connect to another optical communication device to send service signals to or receive service signals sent by the other optical communication device. For example, the first optical module 11 can convert optical signals received from the other optical communication device into electrical signals and transmit them to the line-side processing unit 12. As another example, the first optical module 11 can convert electrical signals received from the line-side processing unit 12 into optical signals and transmit them to the other optical communication device.

[0075] In one example, Figure 2 This is a logical schematic diagram of an optical communication device. The line-side processing unit 12 is a functional unit of the first processing module of the line board 1, which may be, for example, a chip of the line board 1. The functions of the line-side processing unit 12 may include at least OTN / Synchronous Digital Hierarchy (SDH) demultiplexing / demultiplexing, mapping / demapping, and packet processing (such as packet parsing, table lookup forwarding, and traffic management). This embodiment does not limit the specific functions of the line-side processing unit 12; its functions can be set according to actual conditions.

[0076] In one example, since the signal output from circuit board 1 to optical cross-connector 3 is an optical signal, then, as Figure 2 As shown, the circuit board 1 also includes a second optical module 13, which is also a transceiver module used for converting optical signals into electrical signals. For example, the second optical module 13 can convert the electrical signal output by the line-side processing unit 12 into an optical signal and transmit it to the optical cross-connection side optical switch 31 of the optical cross-connect board 3 via the line-side optical switch 14. Alternatively, the second optical module 13 can also convert the optical signal received from the line-side optical switch 14 into an electrical signal and send it to the line-side processing unit 12. Figure 2 As shown, the optical crossover side optical switch 31 of the optical crossover board 3 and the optical branch side optical switch 21 of the optical branch board 2 are connected. Thus, as... Figure 2 As shown, service signals can be transmitted between line board 1 and optical tributary board 2 via optical cross-connect board 3, such as line board 1 transmitting service signals to optical tributary board 2, or optical tributary board 2 transmitting service signals to line board 1. Service signals can also be transmitted between different line boards 1 via optical cross-connect board 3. Similarly, service signals can be transmitted between different optical tributary boards 2 via optical cross-connect board 3.

[0077] In one example, to adapt to the optical module connected to the customer's equipment, correspondingly, such as Figure 5As shown, the plurality of optical branch boards 2 may include a first optical branch board 2A and a second optical branch board 2B. The first optical branch board 2A includes the aforementioned optical branch-side optical switch 21. The second optical branch board 2B includes not only the aforementioned optical branch-side optical switch 21, but also a third optical module 22, a conversion unit 23, and a fourth optical module 24. The optical branch-side optical switch 21, the third optical module 22, the conversion unit 23, and the fourth optical module 24 of the second optical branch board 2B are connected sequentially.

[0078] The second optical module 13 and the third optical module 22 have the same protocol, and the fourth optical module 24 has the same protocol as the optical module connected to the customer equipment.

[0079] In one example, the protocol of the optical module, and the protocol of the optical module mentioned in this solution, can be, for example, the standard protocol to which the type of optical interface of the optical module belongs. The protocols are the same; for example, the transmission rate, number of fiber channels, optical power, and supported spectrum may be the same. The specific protocol of the optical module can refer to the standard protocols corresponding to various services; for example, Ethernet services can refer to the IEEE 802.3 standard protocol, and OTN services can refer to the G.709 standard protocol.

[0080] In one example, the fourth optical module 24 can be a pluggable optical module to accommodate optical modules connected to various types of client equipment. The conversion unit 23 is a functional unit of the second processing module of the optical tributary board 2; the second processing module can be, for example, a chip. The conversion unit 23 connects between the third optical module 22 and the fourth optical module 24 to enable protocol conversion between them. For example, it can convert the protocol of the third optical module 22 to the protocol of the fourth optical module 24, and vice versa. For instance, if the optical module connected to the client equipment has a transmission rate of four 25G channels, while the second optical module 13 and the third optical module 22 each have a transmission rate of one 100G channel, then the conversion unit 23 can convert one 100G channel into four 25G channels and output them to the fourth optical module 24. The transmission rate of the fourth optical module 24 is the same as that of the optical module connected to the client equipment, thus enabling it to interface with the client equipment and complete the transmission of optical signals.

[0081] Thus, in application, if the protocol of the second optical module 13 is the same as that of the optical module connected to the customer equipment (for example, if their transmission rates are the same), then the service signal can be transmitted in the first optical tributary board 2A. Conversely, if the protocol of the second optical module 13 is different from that of the optical module connected to the customer equipment, then the service signal can be transmitted in the second optical tributary board 2B, thereby improving the flexibility of the optical communication equipment.

[0082] Based on the above, the service scheduling process of the optical communication equipment that performs service scheduling through the optical cross-connect board 3 can be found in [reference needed]. Figure 2 As shown, the process for a service flow transmitted from another optical communication device to a customer device can be as follows: The other optical communication device transmits an optical signal to the first optical module 1 of line board 1. After receiving the optical signal, the first optical module 1 of line board 1 converts the optical signal into an electrical signal and transmits it to the first processing module of line board 1. The line-side processing unit 12 of the first processing module processes the received electrical signal and sends it to the second optical module 13 of line board 1. The second optical module 13 converts the electrical signal into an optical signal and sends it to the optical tributary board 2 via the line-side optical switch 14. If the protocol of the optical module connected to the customer device is the same as the protocol of the second optical module 13, then the optical cross-connect board 3 transmits the optical signal to the first optical tributary board 2A, and then transmits it to the customer device via the optical tributary side optical switch 21 of the first optical tributary board 2A. If the protocol of the optical module connected to the customer equipment is different from that of the second optical module 13, then the optical cross-connect board 3 will transmit the optical signal to the second optical tributary board 2B, and then to the customer equipment via the fourth optical module 24 of the second optical tributary board 2B. The process of transmitting service flow from the customer equipment to another optical communication device is the reverse of the above process, as described above, and will not be repeated here.

[0083] This describes the scheduling process for a service flow transmitted from one optical communication device (e.g., a first optical communication device) to another optical communication device (e.g., a second optical communication device). The first optical communication device transmits an optical signal to a first optical module 1 on a line board 1 connected to it. Upon receiving the optical signal, the first optical module 1 converts it into an electrical signal and transmits it to a first processing module on the line board 1. The line-side processing unit 12 of the first processing module processes the received electrical signal and sends it to a second optical module 13 on the line board 1. The second optical module 13 converts the electrical signal back into an optical signal and, via a line-side optical switch 14, sends it to the line board 1 connected to the second optical communication device. Upon receiving the optical signal, the second optical module 12 on the line board 1 converts it back into an electrical signal and sends it to the line-side processing unit 12. After processing by the line-side processing unit 12, the signal is sent to a first optical module 11, and then from the first optical module 11 to the second optical communication device.

[0084] The above describes a scheme for optical communication equipment to schedule services via optical cross-connect board 3. Optical communication equipment can also schedule services via electrical cross-connect board in a hybrid manner.

[0085] like Figure 6As shown, the optical communication equipment includes not only multiple line boards 1, multiple optical tributary boards 2, and multiple optical cross-connect boards 3, but also multiple electrical tributary boards 4 and multiple electrical cross-connect boards 5. The optical tributary boards 2 and electrical tributary boards 4 are used to connect to customer equipment. Each line board 1 is connected to each of the multiple electrical tributary boards 4 through the multiple electrical cross-connect boards 5.

[0086] In one example, the connection between circuit board 1 and electrical branch board 4 can be achieved using electrical cross-connect board 5 and optical branch board 3. For example... Figure 6 As shown, each circuit board 1 is connected to each of the multiple optical cross-connect boards 3, each optical cross-connect board 3 is connected to each of the multiple electrical cross-connect boards 5, and each electrical cross-connect board 5 is connected to each of the multiple electrical tributary boards 4. This enables each circuit board 1 to be connected to all the electrical tributary boards 2, and also enables each electrical tributary board 2 to be connected to all the circuit boards 1.

[0087] To achieve the above connection, correspondingly, such as Figure 6 As shown, the circuit board 1 includes not only the first optical module 11, the line-side processing unit 12, and the line-side optical switch 14, but also the first connection unit 15 and the fifth optical module 16. The first connection unit 15 is a functional unit of the first processing module of the circuit board 1. The first processing module can be, for example, a chip of the circuit board 1. The first connection unit 15 is used to connect to the electrical cross-side processing unit 53 of the electrical cross-connect board 5. The specific function of the first connection unit 15 depends on the functions of the line-side processing unit 12 and the electrical cross-side processing unit 53, which will be introduced later.

[0088] The various modules of circuit board 1 are connected in the following ways: Figure 6 As shown, the first optical module 11, the line-side processing unit 12, the second optical module 13, and the line-side optical switch 14 are connected in sequence. Furthermore, the first optical module 11, the line-side processing unit 12, the first connection unit 15, the fifth optical module 16, and the line-side optical switch 14 are also connected in sequence. Therefore, the circuit board 1 includes two branches. One branch is the path where the line-side processing unit 12 and the second optical module 13 are located, which can be referred to as the first path. Figure 6 The path marked with ① is the second path, which is the path between the line-side processing unit 12 and the first connection unit 15. Figure 6 The symbol ② is used in the diagram. The first path ① is used to connect to the optical tributary board 2 via the optical cross-connector 3, and the second path ② is used to connect to the electrical tributary board 4 via the optical cross-connector 3 and the electrical cross-connector 5.

[0089] For optical cross plate 3, such as Figure 6As shown, it still includes the optical cross-side optical switch 31. As for the optical branch board 2, as described above, it can include a first optical branch board 2A and a second optical branch board 2B. The modules included in the first optical branch board 2A and the second optical branch board 2B are the same as those described above, so they will not be repeated.

[0090] For the newly added electrical cross-connector 5, such as Figure 6 As shown, since it needs to interface with the optical cross-connect side optical switch 31 of the optical cross-connect board 3, the electrical cross-connect board 5 needs to include an optical switch, denoted as electrical cross-connect side optical switch 51. Since it needs to perform electrical cross-connect scheduling, it also needs to include an electrical cross-connect side processing unit 53. The electrical cross-connect side processing unit 53 is a functional unit of the fourth processing module of the electrical cross-connect board 5, which can be, for example, a chip of the electrical cross-connect board 5. Since the electrical cross-connect side processing unit 53 processes electrical signals, while the electrical cross-connect side optical switch 51 is responsible for transmitting and receiving optical signals, the electrical cross-connect board 5 also includes a sixth optical module 52. Therefore, the electrical cross-connect board 5 includes the electrical cross-connect side optical switch 51, the sixth optical module 52, and the electrical cross-connect side processing unit 53 connected in sequence. The electrical cross-connect side optical switch 51 is responsible for interfaceing with the optical branch side optical switch 31 of the optical branch board 3.

[0091] It should be pointed out that, as Figure 6 As shown, the electrical cross-side optical switch 51, the sixth optical module 52, and the electrical cross-side processing unit 53 are integrated on a single board, which is the electrical cross-side board 5. In another example, the electrical cross-side optical switch 51, the sixth optical module 52, and the electrical cross-side processing unit 53 can also be integrated on different boards. For example, each of the three can be on a separate board, with the electrical cross-side optical switch 51 occupying a separate board, the sixth optical module 52 occupying a separate board, and the electrical cross-side processing unit 53 also occupying a separate board. Alternatively, two of them can be integrated on one board, and the third can occupy a separate board; it doesn't matter which two are integrated on the same board. This application does not limit whether the electrical cross-side optical switch 51, the sixth optical module 52, and the electrical cross-side processing unit 53 are integrated on one board or on different boards; the choice can be flexible based on the actual situation. The accompanying drawings of this application illustrate the integration of the three on a single board.

[0092] For the newly added electrical branch board 4, such as Figure 6As shown, in order to connect with the electrical cross-connect side processing unit 53 of the electrical cross-connect board 5, a second connection unit 41 is required. The second connection unit 41 is a functional unit of the third processing module of the electrical tributary board 4, which may be, for example, a chip of the electrical tributary board 4. The second connection unit 41 is responsible for transmitting and receiving electrical signals, while the electrical tributary board 4 and the client equipment transmit optical signals. Therefore, the electrical tributary board 4 also includes a seventh optical module 42. Thus, the electrical tributary board 4 includes the connected second connection unit 41 and the seventh optical module 42. The second connection unit 41 is responsible for electrical connection with the electrical cross-connect side processing unit 53 of the electrical cross-connect board 5, and the seventh optical module 42 is responsible for interfacing with the client equipment.

[0093] The above describes the modules included in the circuit board 1, optical branch board 2, optical cross-connect board 3, electrical branch board 4, and electrical cross-connect board 5, as well as their connection relationships. The functions of the line-side processing unit 12, the first connection unit 15, the electrical cross-connect side processing unit 53, and the electrical branch board 4 will be described below.

[0094] For the line-side processing unit 12, it first needs to have framing capabilities to facilitate data transmission with the optical tributary board 2. Secondly, the line-side processing unit 12 can have mapping capabilities. This mapping capability can also be integrated into the electrical tributary board 4. Finally, the line-side processing unit 12 can also have service processing capabilities, such as OTN / SDH demultiplexing / demultiplexing, mapping / demapping, and packet processing (such as packet parsing, table lookup forwarding, and traffic management). The service processing capabilities of the line-side processing unit 12 can be integrated into the electrical cross-connect side processing unit 53 of the electrical cross-connect board 5.

[0095] For the electrical cross-connection processing unit 53, it first needs to have electrical cross-connection scheduling function to facilitate electrical cross-connection scheduling. Secondly, it can have the service processing function mentioned above.

[0096] For the electrical tributary board 4, it can have a mapping function. If the electrical tributary board 4 has a mapping function, then the third processing module of the electrical tributary board 4 also includes an electrical tributary side processing unit to perform the mapping function. However, if the mapping function of the electrical tributary board 4 is integrated on the line-side processing unit 12, then the third processing module may not include the electrical tributary side processing unit.

[0097] As can be seen, the aforementioned service processing functions can be integrated into the line-side processing unit 12 of the circuit board 1, or into the electrical cross-connection side processing unit 53 of the electrical cross-connection board 5. The aforementioned mapping function can be integrated into the line-side processing unit 12, or into the electrical branch side processing unit of the electrical branch board 4.

[0098] For the first connection unit 15, if the line-side processing unit 12 only has framing function, or has framing and mapping functions, then the first connection unit 15 serves to adapt and connect with the electrical cross-connection side processing unit 53. However, if the line-side processing unit 12 has framing function and the aforementioned service processing function, or has framing and mapping function and the aforementioned service processing function, then the first connection unit 15 is used to perform data format conversion between the line-side processing unit 12 of the line board 1 and the electrical cross-connection side processing unit 53 of the electrical cross-connection board 5, so that the data processed by the line-side processing unit 12 can be recognized by the electrical cross-connection side processing unit 53, and the data processed by the electrical cross-connection side processing unit 53 can be recognized by the line-side processing unit 12.

[0099] The function of the second connection unit 41 is similar to that of the first connection unit 15. For example, if the mapping function of the electrical tributary board 4 is integrated into the line-side processing unit 12 of the circuit board 1, or into the electrical cross-connection side processing unit 53 of the electrical cross-connection board 5, then the second connection unit 41 serves to adapt and connect with the electrical cross-connection side processing unit 53. If the electrical tributary board 4 has a mapping function, for example, the third processing module includes an electrical tributary side processing unit for performing the mapping function, then the second connection unit 41 is used to perform data format conversion between the electrical tributary side processing unit of the circuit board 1 and the electrical cross-connection side processing unit 53 of the electrical cross-connection board 5, so that the data processed by the electrical tributary side processing unit can be recognized by the electrical cross-connection side processing unit 53, and the data processed by the electrical cross-connection side processing unit 53 can be recognized by the electrical tributary side processing unit.

[0100] In this embodiment, the specific functions of the line-side processing unit 12, the first connection unit 15, the electrical cross-side processing unit 53, the electrical branch board 4, and the second connection unit 41 are not specifically limited and can be flexibly configured.

[0101] As described above, circuit board 1 includes two branches, such as Figure 6 As shown, these are the first path ① and the second path ②, respectively. To select whether the service flow is transmitted via the first path ① or the second path ②, the corresponding... Figure 7 As shown, the circuit board 1 may further include a selection switch unit 17, which is connected to the line-side processing unit 12 and the first connection unit 15, and is also connected to the optical module connected to the line-side optical switch 14. (See [reference needed]). Figure 7As shown. Thus, when the selection switch unit 17 connects to the line-side processing unit 12 and disconnects from the first connection unit 15 (i.e., when the first path ① is connected and the second path ② is disconnected), service flow transmission is possible between line board 1 and optical tributary board 2, but not between line board 1 and electrical tributary board 4. For example, service flow entering from line board 1 flows only to optical tributary board 2 and not to electrical tributary board 4; or, for example, service flow can flow into optical tributary board 2, but not into electrical tributary board 4. When the selection switch unit 17 disconnects from the line-side processing unit 12 and connects to the first connection unit 15 (i.e., when the first path ① is disconnected and the second path ② is connected), service flow transmission is possible between line board 1 and electrical tributary board 4, but not between line board 1 and optical tributary board 2. For example, a service flow entering from line board 1 can only flow to electrical tributary 4, but not to optical tributary 2. Alternatively, a service flow can flow into electrical tributary 4, but not into optical tributary 2. Of course, the selection switch unit 17 can also be connected to both the line-side processing unit 12 and the first connection unit 15; that is, both the first path ① and the second path ② can be connected. In this way, service flow transmission can occur between line board 1 and optical tributary 2, and between line board 1 and electrical tributary 4. For example, a service flow entering from line board 1 can flow out from either optical tributary 2 or electrical tributary 4, or both optical tributary 2 and electrical tributary 4 can receive a service flow.

[0102] The optical modules connected to the line-side optical switch 14 can be one or more. For example, such as Figure 7 As shown, the number of optical modules connected to the line-side optical switch 14 is multiple. For example, such as... Figure 8 As shown, the optical module connected to the line-side optical switch 14 is one.

[0103] In one example, in a circuit board 1 that includes a selection switch unit 17, the number of optical modules connected to the line-side optical switch 14 can be multiple, and these multiple optical modules can share resources. For example, see... Figure 7 As shown, the optical modules connected to the line-side optical switch 14 include a second optical module 13 and a fifth optical module 16, which can be shared. For example, the service flow transmitted on the first path ① can go through either the second optical module 13 or the fifth optical module 16, and the service flow transmitted on the second path ② can also go through either the second optical module 13 or the fifth optical module 16. In a scheme where the line-side optical switch 14 is connected to multiple optical modules, the bandwidth of each optical module can be relatively small, but the total bandwidth of the multiple optical modules is still relatively large, thus enabling the transmission of high-bandwidth service flows. In this scheme, the optical modules with smaller bandwidths are simpler to manufacture and have lower costs, thus saving costs.

[0104] Since the optical modules connected to the line-side optical switch 14 can be shared, the entire service flow between the selection switch unit 17 and the line-side optical switch 14 can go through one of the optical modules. Therefore, the optical module connected to the line-side optical switch 14 can be only one. For example, one of the second optical module 13 and the fifth optical module 16 can be retained; that is, only one optical module is connected between the selection switch unit 17 and the line-side optical switch 14. (See [reference needed]). Figure 8 As shown, only the second optical module 13 is connected. In the scheme where the optical module connected to the line-side optical switch 14 is one, the bandwidth of the second optical module 13 needs to be relatively large in order to transmit high-bandwidth service flows. This scheme can reduce the number of optical modules, thereby saving costs.

[0105] Of course, the optical modules connected to the switch unit 17 can be not only one or two, but also a greater number of optical modules. These optical modules connected to the switch unit 17 can share and jointly undertake the transmission of service flows.

[0106] The above describes the connection between circuit board 1 and electrical branch board 4, which is achieved through optical cross-connect board 3 and electrical cross-connect board 5. Of course, the connection between circuit board 1 and electrical branch board 4 can also be achieved using only electrical cross-connect board 5, as described below.

[0107] For example, circuit board 1 connects to electrical branch board 4 only through electrical cross-connect board 5. Figure 9 As shown, each circuit board 1 is directly connected to each of the multiple electrical cross-connect boards 5, and each electrical cross-connect board 5 is directly connected to each of the multiple electrical tributary boards 4. For example, circuit board 1 and electrical tributary board 4 can be connected to the same electrical cross-connect board 5, thus realizing the connection between circuit board 1 and electrical tributary board 4. Specifically, each circuit board 1 can be connected to each of the multiple electrical cross-connect boards 5, and each electrical cross-connect board 5 can be connected to each of the multiple electrical tributary boards 4. In this way, it is possible to realize the connection between each circuit board 1 and all electrical tributary boards 4, the connection between each electrical tributary board 4 and all circuit boards 1, and the connection between any two electrical tributary boards 4.

[0108] In such Figure 9 In the scheme shown, the specific modules included in circuit board 1, optical branch board 2, optical cross-connect board 3, electrical branch board 4, and electrical cross-connect board 5 can be as follows.

[0109] For circuit board 1, since the first connection unit 15 of circuit board 1 and the electrical cross-side processing unit 53 of electrical cross-connect board 5 are directly connected, and the line-side processing unit 12 transmits and receives electrical signals, there is no need for photoelectric conversion. Therefore, there is no need to include the fifth optical module 16. Thus, the first path ① of circuit board 1 remains unchanged, while the second path ② of circuit board 1 becomes the first optical module 11, the line-side processing unit 12 and the first connection unit 15 connected in sequence. The first connection unit 15 is responsible for directly connecting to the electrical cross-side processing unit 53 of electrical cross-connect board 5.

[0110] Since the first connection unit 15 is directly connected to the electrical cross-connector 5 via an electrical signal, that is, the first connection unit 5 does not connect to the electrical cross-connector 5 via an optical signal, the optical channel and the electrical channel are independent of each other, and therefore there is no need to use the selection switch unit 17 to select the path.

[0111] The modules included in the optical cross-connect board 3, optical tributary board 2, and electrical tributary board 4 remain unchanged.

[0112] Since the electrical cross-connect board 5 no longer interfaces with the optical cross-connect board 3, it does not need to include an optical switch and an optical module. Therefore, as follows... Figure 9 As shown, the electrical cross-connect board 5 only needs to include the electrical cross-connect side processing unit 53.

[0113] The above describes the modules included in circuit board 1, optical branch board 2, optical cross-connect board 3, electrical branch board 4, and electrical cross-connect board 5 in both the scheme where optical branch board 3 and electrical branch board 5 are interconnected and the scheme where they are not interconnected. The scheme where optical branch board 3 and electrical branch board 5 are interconnected means that the connection between circuit board 1 and electrical branch board 4 is achieved through optical branch board 3 and electrical branch board 5. The scheme where optical branch board 3 and electrical branch board 5 are not interconnected means that the connection between circuit board 1 and electrical branch board 4 is achieved only through electrical branch board 5, without the use of optical branch board 3.

[0114] It should be noted that the optical modules described above, such as the first optical module 11, the second optical module 13, the third optical module 22, the fourth optical module 24, the fifth optical module 16, the sixth optical module 52, and the seventh optical module 42, can be pluggable optical modules, capable of being plugged into and removed from the board, or fixed to the board and not removable. They can also be functional units integrated into the board, such as integrated into the board's chip. This embodiment does not limit the specific form of each optical module; they can be flexibly selected according to actual conditions.

[0115] In applications, to enhance the strength of service signals, such as Figure 10As shown, the circuit board 1 may include a line-side amplifier 18, wherein the line-side amplifier 18 is an optical amplifier and can be connected between the second optical module 13 and the line-side optical switch 14. The number of line-side amplifiers 18 is the same as the number of optical modules connected to the selection switch unit 17. For example, if the selection switch unit 17 connects the second optical module 13 and the fifth optical module 16, then there are two line-side amplifiers 18. The second optical module 13 and the fifth optical module 16 have the same protocol, such as the same transmission rate.

[0116] Similarly, as Figure 10 As shown, the optical tributary board 2 may also include an optical amplifier, denoted as optical tributary-side amplifier 25, which is connected to the optical tributary-side optical switch 21. Figure 10 As shown, the electrical cross board 5 may also include an optical amplifier, referred to as the electrical cross side amplifier 54, which is connected between the electrical cross side optical switch 51 and the sixth optical module 52.

[0117] It should be noted that the various optical amplifiers described above are applicable to schemes where optical branch board 3 and electrical branch board 5 are interconnected, and also applicable to schemes where optical branch board 3 and electrical branch board 5 are not interconnected. Figure 10 This is an illustration of the first scenario.

[0118] It should be noted that optical communication equipment includes not only the various modules mentioned above, but also components such as power supply, control, clock and fan that enable the optical communication equipment to operate normally. Since these components are not related to the inventive point of this application, they are not described in this application.

[0119] In optical communication equipment applications, to avoid communication interruptions due to the failure of a single optical cross-connect board 3, redundancy protection can be implemented for the optical cross-connect board 3. For example, multiple optical cross-connect boards 3 can include at least one spare optical cross-connect board 3. For instance, redundancy protection can be implemented as 1+1, 1:n, or m:n. Here, 1+1 means one optical cross-connect board 3 is the primary optical cross-connect board responsible for normal operation, while the other optical cross-connect board 3 is the spare, responsible for starting operation when the primary optical cross-connect board fails. 1:n means n optical cross-connect boards 3 are the primary optical cross-connect boards responsible for normal operation, and one optical cross-connect board 3 is the spare. m:n means n optical cross-connect boards 3 are the primary optical cross-connect boards responsible for normal operation, and m optical cross-connect boards 3 are the spare optical cross-connect boards.

[0120] Similarly, to prevent communication interruption due to the failure of a single electrical cross-connect board 5, redundancy protection can be implemented for the electrical cross-connect board 5. For example, at least one spare electrical cross-connect board 5 may be included among multiple electrical cross-connect boards 5, which is activated when the primary electrical cross-connect board fails. For example, redundancy protection such as 1+1, 1:n, or m:n can be implemented.

[0121] It should be noted that the redundancy protection of optical cross-connect board 3 and electrical cross-connect board 5 is applicable to the scheme where optical cross-connect board 3 and electrical cross-connect board 5 are interconnected, and also applicable to the scheme where optical cross-connect board 3 and electrical cross-connect board 5 are not interconnected.

[0122] As described above, optical communication equipment can include schemes that do not contain electrical tributary board 4 and electrical cross-connect board 5, schemes where optical cross-connect board 3 and electrical cross-connect board 5 are interconnected, and schemes where optical cross-connect board 3 and electrical cross-connect board 5 are not interconnected. The application scenarios of these three schemes will be introduced below.

[0123] in, Figures 11 to 13 In order to facilitate the drawing of the transmission path, the number of optical cross-connect board 3, electrical cross-connect board 5, first optical branch board 2A, second optical branch board 2B and electrical branch board 4 is only one for illustration. Figures 11 to 13 In the diagram, each transmission path is represented by a bidirectional arrow because the direction of service flow can be from another optical communication device to the client device, or from the client device to another optical communication device. Figures 11 to 13 This is suitable for both uplink and downlink transmission of business flows, so bidirectional arrows are used for the transmission path.

[0124] (a) For a solution that does not include electrical branch board 4 and electrical cross board 5, the scenario can be as follows. See [link / reference] Figure 11 As shown, the transmission of service flows between another optical communication device and a client device can include two transmission paths: transmission path a and transmission path b. Transmission path a is line board 1 - optical cross-connect board 3 - first optical tributary board 2A. Transmission path b is line board 1 - optical cross-connect board 3 - second optical tributary board 2B. If the encapsulation protocol of the second optical module 13 of line board 1 is the same as the encapsulation protocol of the optical module connected to the client device, the service flow is transmitted according to transmission path a; otherwise, it is transmitted according to transmission path b. The transmission of service flows between different line boards 1 follows transmission path c, which is line board 1 - optical cross-connect board 3 - line board 1. In this scheme, since all service flows, whether large-granularity or small-granularity, adopt optical cross-connect scheduling, and the optical transmission rate is high, the latency is low. Large-granularity services are, for example, service flows with large data volumes, while small-granularity services are, for example, service flows with small data volumes.

[0125] (II) For the solution of interconnecting optical cross-connect board 3 and electrical cross-connect board 5, the application scenarios can be as follows. See [link / reference] Figure 12As shown, the transmission of service flows between another optical communication device and the client equipment can include three transmission paths: transmission path a, transmission path b, and transmission path d. Transmission path a is: line board 1 - optical cross-connect board 3 - first optical tributary board 2A. Transmission path b is: line board 1 - optical cross-connect board 3 - second optical tributary board 2B. Transmission path d is: line board 1 - optical cross-connect board 3 - electrical cross-connect board 5 - electrical tributary board 4. Transmission paths a and b are suitable for large-granularity services or services requiring low latency, offering high speed and low latency. Transmission path d can be used to transmit small-granularity services or services with less stringent latency requirements. Small-granularity services are aggregated by electrical cross-connect board 5 and transmitted together to line board 1, saving transmission energy.

[0126] Continue to refer to Figure 12 As shown, the transmission of service flows between different line boards 1 can follow transmission paths c and e. Transmission path c is line board 1 - optical cross-connect board 3 - line board 1, suitable for pass-through scenarios of large-granularity services, or data requiring low latency. Transmission path e is line board 1 - optical cross-connect board 3 - electrical cross-connect board 5 - optical cross-connect board 3 - line board 1, suitable for pass-through scenarios of small-granularity services.

[0127] (III) For a solution where the optical cross-connect board 3 and the electrical cross-connect board 5 are not interconnected, the application scenarios can be as follows. For example... Figure 13 As shown, the transmission of service flows between another optical communication device and the client equipment can include three transmission paths: transmission paths a, b, and f. Transmission path a is: line board 1 - optical cross-connect board 3 - first optical tributary board 2A. Transmission path b is: line board 1 - optical cross-connect board 3 - second optical tributary board 2B. Transmission path f is: line board 1 - electrical cross-connect board 5 - electrical tributary board 4. Transmission paths a and b are suitable for large-granularity services or services requiring low latency, offering high speed and low latency. Transmission path f can be used to transmit small-granularity services or services with less stringent latency requirements. Small-granularity services are aggregated by electrical cross-connect board 5 and transmitted together to line board 1, saving transmission energy.

[0128] Continue to refer to Figure 13 As shown, the transmission of service flows between different line boards 1 can follow transmission paths c and g. Transmission path c is line board 1 - optical cross-connect board 3 - line board 1, suitable for pass-through scenarios of large-granularity services, or data requiring low latency. Transmission path g is line board 1 - electrical cross-connect board 5 - line board 1, suitable for pass-through scenarios of small-granularity services.

[0129] It should be noted that the above transmission paths can transmit both large-granularity and small-granularity services. In application, the appropriate path can be selected flexibly according to actual needs. For example, large-granularity services or services requiring low latency can use optical cross-scheduling instead of electrical cross-scheduling, while small-granularity services or services with low latency requirements can use electrical cross-scheduling instead of optical cross-scheduling. This ensures that services are evenly distributed through the optical communication equipment, thereby improving the utilization rate of the optical communication equipment.

[0130] The aforementioned optical communication equipment, including the optical cross-connect board 3 and the electrical cross-connect board 5, has at least the following beneficial effects:

[0131] First, service flow transmission can occur between any line board 1 and any optical tributary board 2, and between any line board 1 and any electrical tributary board 4, improving the flexibility of service scheduling. Second, since the optical cross-connect board is independent of link rate, it is easier to increase the link transmission rate compared to electrical connections, giving optical communication equipment good scalability. Third, in the interconnection scheme of optical cross-connect board 3 and electrical cross-connect board 5, since service transmission can occur between all line boards 1 and electrical cross-connect board 5, and also between all optical cross-connect boards 3 and electrical cross-connect board 5, electrical cross-connect board 5 can become a resource that can be shared and utilized by all line boards 1 and all optical cross-connect boards 3. In this way, optical cross-connect board 3 can share the cross-scheduling services of electrical cross-connect board 5, reducing the processing load of electrical cross-connect board 5, and thus reducing the chip capacity and power consumption of electrical cross-connect board 5. Fourth, the optical communication equipment including the selection switch unit 17 can flexibly allocate whether the service flow goes through the optical branch board 2 or the electrical branch board 4, as well as the ratio of the optical branch board 2 and the electrical branch board 4, which can reduce the number of the second optical module 13 and the number of line-side amplifiers 18, thereby saving costs.

[0132] In this embodiment of the application, each of the multiple line boards in the optical communication device is connected to all the optical tributary boards, enabling service flows to be transmitted between any line board and any optical tributary board, thereby enhancing the flexibility of the optical communication device. Furthermore, since the rate of service signal scheduling via the optical cross-connect board is higher than that via the electrical cross-connect board, the latency of service signals via the optical cross-connect board in this optical communication device is low.

[0133] This application also provides an optical communication system, such as... Figure 14As shown, the optical communication equipment includes a first client equipment 100, a second client equipment 200, and at least one optical communication device 300 from the aforementioned embodiments. The first client equipment 100 and the second client equipment 200 serve as a transmitting client equipment and a receiving client equipment, respectively, and establish a communication connection through at least one optical communication device 300. For example, the first client equipment 100 is connected to a tributary board of at least one of the optical communication devices, and the second client equipment 200 is connected to a tributary board of at least one of the optical communication devices.

[0134] The tributary board includes at least the aforementioned optical tributary board 2. For example, if the optical communication device 300 is as follows: Figure 2 As shown, an optical communication device includes an optical tributary board 2 but excludes an electrical tributary board 4. Therefore, the aforementioned tributary board can be the optical tributary board 2. However, if the optical communication device 300 is... Figure 6 As shown, an optical communication device includes an optical branch board 2 and an electrical branch board 4. The aforementioned branch board can be either the optical branch board 2 or the electrical branch board 4. Figures 14 to 16 In this example, although the branch board is taken as optical branch board 2, the branch board is not limited to optical branch board 2, but can also be electrical branch board 4.

[0135] In one example, the first client device 100 and the second client device 100 can establish a communication connection through the same optical communication device 300. For example... Figure 14 As shown, the first customer equipment 100 and the second customer equipment 200 are respectively connected to different branch boards of the same optical communication equipment 300. This solution is applicable to scenarios where the two customer equipments are relatively close to each other, such as when the first customer equipment 100 and the second customer equipment 200 are located in the same building or in the same community.

[0136] In another example, the first client device 100 and the second client device 100 can also establish a communication connection through multiple optical communication devices 300. For example, as... Figure 15 As shown, the first client equipment 100 is connected to the branch board of the first optical communication device 301 in at least one optical communication device 300, and the second client equipment 200 is connected to the branch board of the second optical communication device 302 in at least one optical communication device 300. The first optical communication device 301 and the second optical communication device 302 are different optical communication devices, and the circuit board 1 of the first optical communication device 301 and the circuit board 1 of the second optical communication device 302 are connected. This solution is applicable to scenarios where the first client equipment 100 and the second client equipment 200 are far apart, such as when they are located in different cities.

[0137] The connection between the circuit board 1 of the first optical communication device 301 and the circuit board 1 of the second optical communication device 302 includes both direct and indirect connections, as described below.

[0138] The first client equipment 100 and the second client equipment 200 can establish a communication connection through two or more optical communication devices 300. For example... Figure 15 As shown, a circuit board 1 of the first optical communication device 301 and a circuit board 1 of the second optical communication device 302 are directly connected. For example... Figure 16 As shown, a circuit board 1 of the first optical communication device 301 and a circuit board 1 of the second optical communication device 302 are connected through at least one optical communication device 300, and the first optical communication device 301, the second optical communication device 302, and the at least one optical communication device 300 are connected through circuit board 1. Figure 16 As shown, a circuit board 1 of the first optical communication device 301 is connected to a circuit board 1 of a third optical communication device 303, and another circuit board 1 of the third optical communication device 303 is connected to a circuit board 1 of the second optical communication device 302. Figure 16 The example shown is merely an illustration, illustrating a connection via a single optical communication device 300 (i.e., the third optical communication device 303). In practical applications, the first optical communication device 301 and the second optical communication device 302 can be connected via a greater number of optical communication devices 300.

[0139] In this embodiment of the application, the optical communication equipment of the optical communication system, as described above, connects each of the multiple line boards and each of the multiple optical tributary boards, enabling service flows to be transmitted between any line board and any optical tributary board, thereby enhancing the flexibility of the optical communication equipment. Furthermore, since the rate of service signal scheduling via the optical cross-connect board is higher than that via the electrical cross-connect board, the latency of service signals via the optical cross-connect board in this optical communication equipment is low.

[0140] The above description is only one embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit this application. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the principles of this application should be included within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. An optical communication device, characterized in that, The optical communication equipment includes multiple circuit boards (1), multiple optical branch boards (2) and multiple optical cross-connect boards (3), and the optical cross-connect board (3) includes an optical cross-connect side optical switch (31). Each of the plurality of circuit boards (1) is connected to each of the plurality of optical branch boards (2) through the plurality of optical cross-connect boards (3), and any two circuit boards (1) are connected through the plurality of optical cross-connect boards (3). The circuit board (1) is used to connect to another optical communication device, and the optical branch board (2) is used to connect to the customer equipment.

2. The optical communication device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The circuit board (1) includes a first optical module (11), a line-side processing unit (12), a second optical module (13), and a line-side optical switch (14) connected in sequence. The optical branch board (2) includes an optical branch side optical switch (21); The first optical module (11) is used to connect with the other optical communication device. The line-side optical switch (14) is connected to the optical cross-side optical switch (31), and the optical cross-side optical switch (31) is connected to the optical branch-side optical switch (21).

3. The optical communication device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The plurality of optical branch boards (2) include a first optical branch board (2A) and a second optical branch board (2B); The second optical branch board (2B) also includes a third optical module (22), a conversion unit (23) and a fourth optical module (24). The optical branch side optical switch (21), the third optical module (22), the conversion unit (23) and the fourth optical module (24) of the second optical branch board (2B) are connected in sequence. The second optical module (13) and the third optical module (22) have the same protocol, and the fourth optical module (24) has the same protocol as the optical module connected to the customer equipment.

4. The optical communication device according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each of the plurality of circuit boards (1) is connected to each of the plurality of optical cross-connect boards (3), and each of the plurality of optical cross-connect boards (3) is connected to each of the plurality of optical branch boards (2).

5. The optical communication device according to claim 1, characterized in that, Any two optical branch boards (2) are connected by the plurality of optical cross boards (3).

6. The optical communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The optical communication equipment also includes multiple electrical branch boards (4) and multiple electrical cross-connect boards (5). Each of the plurality of circuit boards (1) is connected to each of the plurality of electrical branch boards (4) via the plurality of electrical cross-connect boards (5), the electrical branch boards (4) being used to connect to the customer equipment.

7. The optical communication device according to claim 6, characterized in that, Each of the plurality of circuit boards (1) is connected to each of the plurality of electrical branch boards (4) through the plurality of electrical cross-connect boards (5) and the plurality of optical cross-connect boards (3).

8. The optical communication device according to claim 7, characterized in that, Each of the plurality of circuit boards (1) is connected to each of the plurality of optical cross-connect boards (3), each of the plurality of optical cross-connect boards (3) is connected to each of the plurality of electrical cross-connect boards (5), and each of the plurality of electrical cross-connect boards (5) is connected to each of the plurality of electrical branch boards (4).

9. The optical communication device according to claim 8, characterized in that, The circuit board (1) includes a first optical module (11), a line-side processing unit (12), a first connection unit (15), a fifth optical module (16), and a line-side optical switch (14) connected in sequence. The optical cross-connect board (3) includes an optical cross-side optical switch (31), the electrical cross-connect board (5) includes an electrical cross-side optical switch (51), a sixth optical module (52) and an electrical cross-side processing unit (53) connected in sequence, and the electrical branch board (4) includes a second connection unit (41) and a seventh optical module (42) connected in sequence. The first optical module (11) is used to connect with the other optical communication device. The line-side optical switch (14) is connected with the optical cross-side optical switch (31). The optical cross-side optical switch (31) is connected with the electrical cross-side optical switch (51). The electrical cross-side processing unit (53) is connected with the second connection unit (41). The seventh optical module (42) is used to connect with the customer equipment.

10. The optical communication device according to claim 9, characterized in that, The circuit board (1) further includes a selection switch unit (17), which is connected to the line-side processing unit (12) and the first connection unit (15) respectively, and is also connected to the optical module connected to the line-side optical switch (14); The selection switch unit (17) is used to select the path connection with the line-side processing unit (12) and / or the path connection with the first connection unit (15).

11. The optical communication device according to claim 6, characterized in that, Each of the plurality of circuit boards (1) is directly connected to each of the plurality of electrical cross boards (5), and each of the plurality of electrical cross boards (5) is directly connected to each of the plurality of electrical branch boards (4).

12. The optical communication device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The plurality of electrical cross-connectors (5) includes at least one spare electrical cross-connector, which is used to start operation when the primary electrical cross-connector fails.

13. The optical communication device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The plurality of optical cross-connect boards (3) includes at least one spare optical cross-connect board, which is used to start working when the primary optical cross-connect board fails.

14. An optical communication system, characterized in that, The optical communication system includes a first client equipment (100), a second client equipment (200), and at least one optical communication device (300) according to any one of claims 1 to 13. The first client equipment (100) is connected to a branch board of one of the at least one optical communication device (300), and the second client equipment (200) is connected to a branch board of one of the at least one optical communication device (300), wherein the branch board includes at least an optical branch board (2).

15. The optical communication system according to claim 14, characterized in that, The first customer equipment (100) and the second customer equipment (200) are respectively connected to different branch boards of the same optical communication equipment (300).

16. The optical communication system according to claim 14, characterized in that, The first client equipment (100) and the branch board of the first optical communication device (301) in the at least one optical communication device (300) are connected, the second client equipment (200) and the branch board of the second optical communication device (302) in the at least one optical communication device (300) are connected, the first optical communication device (301) and the second optical communication device (302) are different optical communication devices, and the circuit board (1) of the first optical communication device (301) and the circuit board (1) of the second optical communication device (302) are connected.

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