Optical communication devices, control methods and optical communication systems

Abstract

One aspect of the present invention is an optical communication device comprising: a detection unit connected to a user device and detecting light output from the connected user device; a connection unit connecting the user device and a control transceiver when light is detected by the detection unit; an acquisition unit acquiring communication destination information indicating the communication destination to which the user device requests a connection via the control transceiver; an allocation unit allocating wavelengths to the user device based on the communication destination information acquired by the acquisition unit; and a notification unit notifying the user device of wavelength information, indicating the wavelengths allocated by the allocation unit, via the control transceiver.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the technology of optical communication devices, control methods, and optical communication systems. Background Technology

[0002] The number of users utilizing high-speed internet based on FTTH (Fiber To The Home) or mobile services continues to increase. High-speed internet has become an indispensable part of people's lives.

[0003] In backbone networks providing FTTH or mobile services, networks are constructed independently for each service. This results in low efficiency in operation. Therefore, an access network that accommodates multiple services within a single device has been proposed.

[0004] In addition, in order to realize access networks that can accommodate multiple services, PON (Passive Optical Network) using multiple wavelengths, such as WDM-PON (Wavelength Division Multiplexing PON) and TDM-PON (Time Division Multiplexing PON), are standardized by ITU-T (International Telecommunication Union Telecommunication Standardization Sector).

[0005] In existing optical communication systems, communication between the subscriber-side equipment (hereinafter referred to as "user equipment") and the central office is connected to a higher-level core network. A user equipment is, for example, an ONU (Optical Network Unit).

[0006] Furthermore, the connection to the core network is made via a terminal device located at the central office. This terminal device is, for example, an OLT (Optical Line Terminal). In this OLT, the optical signal is first converted into an electrical signal, and processing such as assigning or deleting user information and destination information, and routing are performed on the electrical signal. Therefore, a certain degree of delay occurs during communication.

[0007] Furthermore, as data volume increases, the OLT sometimes stores signals in buffers for priority control and other purposes. This further increases latency. Increased latency significantly degrades the quality of optical services. Therefore, minimizing latency is crucial.

[0008] Therefore, an all-photonics network (APN) that connects any locations while maintaining an optical signal as it is without being processed into an electrical signal has been discussed (see Non-Patent Document 1). In the APN, an optical communication device is provided. The optical communication device includes a management control unit and a switch. The management control unit dynamically allocates a wavelength corresponding to a communication destination to a user device, and the switch switches a path to communication between the user device and a control transceiver or communication with a requested communication destination. Through the management control unit included in the optical communication device, wavelength allocation and path switching of the user device are performed while maintaining the optical signal as it is.

[0009] Prior Art Documents

[0010] Non-Patent Documents

[0011] Non-Patent Document 1: NTT Technical Journal 2020.3 Optical full-mesh network configuration technology supporting all-optical photonics network, [searched on December 17, 2020]. Summary of the Invention

[0012] Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0013] With only the above-described APN structure, there are the following problems: The initial connection of a user cannot be detected, settings such as wavelength allocation and path switching cannot be automatically performed, and it is necessary to manually switch the switch to connect the user device and the control transceiver, etc.

[0014] In view of the above situation, an object of the present invention is to provide a technology that can automatically perform settings at the time of connecting a user device.

[0015] Means for Solving the Problems

[0016] One aspect of the present invention is an optical communication device, which includes: a detection unit that is connected to a user device and detects light output from the connected user device; a connection unit that connects the user device and a control transceiver when light is detected by the detection unit; an acquisition unit that acquires communication destination information indicating a communication destination requested by the user device to be connected via the control transceiver; an allocation unit that allocates a wavelength to the user device according to the communication destination information acquired by the acquisition unit; and a notification unit that notifies the user device of wavelength information indicating the wavelength allocated by the allocation unit via the control transceiver.

[0017] One aspect of the present invention is a control method executed by an optical communication device, wherein the control method comprises: a detection step for detecting light output from a connected user device; a connection step for connecting the user device and a control transceiver when light is detected by the detection step; an acquisition step for acquiring, via the control transceiver, a communication destination for which the user device requests connection; an allocation step for allocating a wavelength to the user device according to the communication destination acquired by the acquisition step; and a notification step for notifying the user device via the control transceiver of wavelength information, the wavelength information indicating the wavelength allocated by the allocation step.

[0018] One aspect of the present invention is an optical communication system comprising multiple user devices and an optical communication device, wherein the optical communication device comprises: a detection unit connected to the user devices and detecting light output from the connected user devices; a connection unit connecting the user devices and a control transceiver when light is detected by the detection unit; an acquisition unit acquiring communication destination information indicating the communication destination to which the user devices request a connection via the control transceiver; an allocation unit allocating wavelengths to the user devices based on the communication destination information acquired by the acquisition unit; and a notification unit notifying the user devices of wavelength information via the control transceiver, the wavelength information indicating the wavelengths allocated by the allocation unit.

[0019] Invention Effects

[0020] According to the present invention, the settings for connecting a user device can be automatically configured. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This is a block diagram showing the structure of the optical communication system 10 in structural example 1.

[0022] Figure 2 This is a block diagram showing the structure of the management control unit 110.

[0023] Figure 3 This is a block diagram showing the structure of the optical communication system 20 in structural example 2.

[0024] Figure 4 This is a block diagram showing the structure of the optical communication system 30 in structural example 3.

[0025] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing an example of the output, including input strength and port information.

[0026] Figure 6 This is a block diagram showing the structure of the optical communication system 40 in structural example 4. Detailed Implementation

[0027] The embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0028] (Structure Example 1)

[0029] Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating the structure of the optical communication system 10 in Structural Example 1 of the embodiment. The optical communication system 10 consists of an optical communication device 100 and multiple user devices 120-1, 120-2, and 120-N. Hereinafter, without specifically distinguishing each of the user devices 120-1, 120-2, and 120-N (N being an integer of 1 or more), any one of them will be referred to as user device 120. User device 120 is connected to the optical communication device 100. The user device is, for example, an ONU (Optical Network Unit).

[0030] The optical communication device 100 consists of a management and control unit 110, a switch 130, a control transceiver 140, and PMs (power monitors) 150-1, 150-2, and 150-N. Hereinafter, without specifically distinguishing each of PM150-1, 150-2, and 150-N, any one of them will be referred to as PM150.

[0031] The management control unit 110 controls the entire optical communication device 100. When the number of ports on the user device 120 side is set to N, the switch 130 is an N×M switch. Here, M = N + the number of control transceivers. The switch 130 connects the user device 120 to the control transceiver 140, or connects the user device 120 to the communication destination requested by the user device 120, according to the instructions of the management control unit 110. PM150 is configured for each user device 120. PM150 detects the light output from the connected user device 120. PM150 outputs the intensity of the detected light as input intensity to the management control unit 110.

[0032] In structural example 1, the port of the switch 130 connected to the user device 120 corresponds one-to-one with the PM150. Furthermore, the management control unit 110 manages the mapping between the port and the corresponding PM150. Therefore, when the PM150 outputs an input strength signal, the management control unit 110 can determine the port connected to the user device 120.

[0033] Although Figure 1 Only one control transceiver 140 is depicted, but multiple control transceivers 140 can be configured. The control transceiver 140 transmits wavelength information, indicating the wavelength allocated to the user device 120 from the management control unit 110, to the user device 120. Furthermore, the control transceiver 140 sends the communication destination requested by the user device 120 to the management control unit 110.

[0034] Figure 2 This is a block diagram showing the structure of the management control unit 110. The management control unit 110 consists of a switch control unit 111, an acquisition unit 112, an allocation unit 113, and a notification unit 114. The switch control unit 111, an example of a connection unit and a communication destination switching unit, controls the switch 130. Specifically, when an input strength is input from PM 150, the switch control unit 111 uses the switch 130 to connect the user device 120 and the control transceiver 140. Inputting an input strength from PM 150 is synonymous with light being detected by PM 150. Furthermore, the switch control unit 111 uses the switch 130 to switch the connection destination of the user device 120 to the communication destination requested by the user device 120.

[0035] The acquisition unit 112 acquires communication destination information, which indicates the communication destination to which the user device 120 requests a connection, via the control transceiver 140. The allocation unit 113 allocates wavelengths to the user device 120 based on the communication destination information acquired by the acquisition unit 112. Specifically, the allocation unit 113, in cooperation with a wavelength controller (not shown), an optical switcher controller, and a management database that manages connection information for all subscribers using the user device, allocates individual wavelengths for use by the user device. The notification unit 114 notifies the user device 120 via the control transceiver 140 of the wavelength information indicating the wavelengths allocated by the allocation unit 113. In the following description, "communication destination information" will sometimes be simply referred to as "communication destination".

[0036] When user equipment 120 terminates communication, it sends a connection disconnection request to management control unit 110. Management control unit 110 sends control information to user equipment 120 and switch 130 respectively via control transceiver 140. This causes user equipment 120 to stop light output, and the path of the port on switch 130 connected to the terminated user equipment 120 becomes disconnected from all connections. If the path cannot be disconnected via switch 130, a certain port becomes a non-reflective terminal, and the path is connected to that port.

[0037] According to the above-described structural example 1, the optical communication device 100 allocates a wavelength to the user device 120 based on the detection of light by the PM150. Then, the optical communication device 100 connects the user device 120 to the communication destination requested by the user device 120. In this way, by automatically performing wavelength allocation and other connection settings for the user device 120, the burden and errors on the operator caused by manual operation can be reduced. Furthermore, according to structural example 1, the management control unit 110 allocates the wavelength of the user device 120 while maintaining the original optical signal and controls the connection to the communication destination, thereby enabling direct optical communication. Thus, in structural example 1, since the optical signal can be processed while maintaining its original state, the delay can be significantly reduced compared to the processing of converting the optical signal into an electrical signal.

[0038] (Structure Example 2)

[0039] In the above structural example 1, PM150 is a different structure from switch 130, but it can also be a structure in which PM is included in switch.

[0040] Figure 3 This is a block diagram illustrating the structure of the optical communication system 20 in Structural Example 2 of the embodiment. The optical communication system 20 consists of an optical communication device 200 and a plurality of user devices 220-1, 220-2, 220-N (N being an integer of 1 or more). Hereinafter, without specifically distinguishing each of the user devices 220-1, 220-2, 220-N, any one of them will be referred to as user device 220. User device 220 is connected to optical communication device 200.

[0041] The optical communication device 200 comprises a management and control unit 210, a switch 230, and a control transceiver 240. The management and control unit 210 controls the entire optical communication device 200. The switch 230 includes PM250-1, 250-2, and 250-N. Hereinafter, without specifically distinguishing each of PM250-1, 250-2, and 250-N, any one of them will be referred to as PM250.

[0042] The management control unit 210 controls the entire optical communication device 200. When the number of ports on the user device 220 side is set to N, the switch 230 is an N×M switch. Here, M = N + the number of control transceivers. The switch 230 connects the user device 220 to the control transceiver 240, or connects the user device 220 to the communication destination requested by the user device 220, according to the instructions of the management control unit 210. PM250 is configured for each user device 220. PM250 detects the light output from the connected user device 220. PM250 outputs the intensity of the detected light as input intensity to the management control unit 210.

[0043] In structural example 2, the port of the switch 230 connected to the user device 220 corresponds one-to-one with the PM 250. Furthermore, the management control unit 210 manages the mapping between the port and the corresponding PM 250. Therefore, when the PM 250 outputs an input strength signal, the management control unit 210 can determine the port connected to the user device 220.

[0044] Although Figure 3 Only one control transceiver 240 is depicted, but multiple control transceivers 240 can be configured. The control transceiver 240 transmits wavelength information, indicating the wavelength allocated to the user device 220 from the management control unit 210, to the user device 220. Furthermore, the control transceiver 240 sends the communication destination requested by the user device 220 to the management control unit 210.

[0045] The structure of the management control unit 210 is the same as that of the management control unit 110 in Structural Example 1. Specifically, the switch control unit 111, acquisition unit 112, allocation unit 113, and notification unit 114 in Structural Example 2 will be described. The switch control unit 111 is an example of a connection unit and a communication destination switching unit, and it controls the switch 230. Specifically, when an input intensity is input from the PM 250, the switch control unit 111 uses the switch 230 to connect the user device 220 and the control transceiver 240. Inputting an input intensity from the PM 250 is synonymous with light being detected by the PM 250. Furthermore, the switch control unit 111 uses the switch 230 to switch the connection destination of the user device 220 to the communication destination requested by the user device 220.

[0046] The acquisition unit 112 acquires communication destination information, which indicates the communication destination to which the user device 220 requests a connection, via the control transceiver 240. The allocation unit 113 allocates wavelengths to the user device 220 based on the communication destination information acquired by the acquisition unit 112. Specifically, the allocation unit 113, in cooperation with a wavelength controller (not shown), an optical switcher controller, and a management database that manages connection information for all subscribers using the user device, allocates individual wavelengths for use by the user device. The notification unit 114 notifies the user device 220 via the control transceiver 240 of the wavelength information indicating the wavelengths allocated by the allocation unit 113.

[0047] When user equipment 220 terminates communication, it sends a connection disconnection request to management control unit 210. Management control unit 210 sends control information to user equipment 220 and switch 230 respectively via control transceiver 240. This causes user equipment 220 to stop light output, and the path of the port on switch 230 connected to the terminated user equipment 220 becomes disconnected from all connections. If the path cannot be disconnected via switch 230, a certain port becomes a non-reflective terminal, and the path is connected to that port.

[0048] According to the above-described structural example 2, the optical communication device 200 allocates a wavelength to the user device 220 based on the detection of light by the PM250. Then, the optical communication device 200 connects the user device 220 to the communication destination requested by the user device 220. In this way, by automatically performing wavelength allocation and other connection settings for the user device 220, the burden and errors on the operator caused by manual operation can be reduced. Furthermore, according to structural example 2, the management control unit 210 allocates the wavelength of the user device 220 while maintaining the original optical signal and controls the connection to the communication destination, thereby enabling direct optical communication. Thus, in structural example 2, since the optical signal can be processed while maintaining its original state, the delay can be significantly reduced compared to the processing of converting the optical signal into an electrical signal.

[0049] (Structure Example 3)

[0050] In Structural Examples 1 and 2, the PM is set up for each user device. Structural Example 3 is a structural example where the PM is set up as one.

[0051] Figure 4 This is a block diagram illustrating the structure of the optical communication system 30 in Structural Example 3 of the embodiment. The optical communication system 30 consists of an optical communication device 300 and multiple user devices 320-1, 320-2, and 320-N. Hereinafter, without specifically distinguishing each of the user devices 320-1, 320-2, and 320-N (N being an integer of 1 or more), any one of them will be referred to as user device 320. User device 320 is connected to optical communication device 300.

[0052] The optical communication device 300 consists of a management and control unit 310, a switch 330, 360, a control transceiver 340, and a PM350.

[0053] The management and control unit 310 controls the entire optical communication device 300. When the number of ports on the user equipment 320 side is set to N, the switch 330 is an N×M switch. Here, M = N + the number of control transceivers. The switch 330 connects the user equipment 320 to the control transceiver 340, or connects the user equipment 320 to the communication destination requested by the user equipment 320, according to the instructions of the management and control unit 310. PM350 is connected to the switch 360. PM350 detects the light output from the user equipment 320 connected via the switch 360. PM350 outputs the intensity of the detected light as input intensity to the management and control unit 310.

[0054] Switch 360 is an example of a user device switching unit. Whenever predetermined conditions are met, switch 360 switches the user device 320 connected to PM350. Furthermore, switch 360 outputs port information showing the port to which the user device 320 connected to PM350 is connected to to the management control unit 310. Moreover, the user device 320 switched by switch 360 is a user device 320 other than one already communicating with the communication destination. That is, switch 360 skips user devices 320 communicating with the communication destination and connects to user devices 320 that are not currently communicating.

[0055] In this embodiment, a predetermined time has elapsed as a specified condition. For example, user equipment 320-1 and PM350 are connected at time t1, and user equipment 320-2 and PM350 are connected at time t2, after a predetermined time has elapsed from time t1. Other specified conditions include situations where a switching instruction is received from the management control unit 310.

[0056] Figure 5 This diagram illustrates an example of the input intensity output by the PM350 and the port information output by the switcher 360. At times t1 to t2, the PM350 outputs an input intensity greater than 0. The switcher 360 output can determine port "1" as port information. At times t2 to t3, the PM350 does not detect light and therefore does not output input intensity. The switcher 360 output can determine port "2" as port information. At times t3 to t4, the PM350 outputs an input intensity greater than 0. The switcher 360 output can determine port "3" as port information.

[0057] Thus, since the input strength and port information are input to the management control unit 310, the management control unit 310 is able to determine the port connected to the user device 320.

[0058] Although Figure 4Only one control transceiver 340 is depicted, but multiple control transceivers 340 may be configured. The control transceiver 340 transmits wavelength information, indicating the wavelength allocated to the user device 320 from the management control unit 310, to the user device 320. Furthermore, the control transceiver 340 transmits the communication destination requested by the user device 320 to the management control unit 310.

[0059] The structure of the management control unit 310 is the same as that of the management control unit 110 in Structural Example 1. Specifically, the switch control unit 111, acquisition unit 112, allocation unit 113, and notification unit 114 in Structural Example 3 will be described. The switch control unit 111 is an example of a connection unit and a communication destination switching unit, and it controls the switch 330. Specifically, when an input strength is input from the PM350, the switch control unit 111 uses the switch 330 to connect the user device 320 and the control transceiver 340. Inputting an input strength from the PM350 is synonymous with light being detected by the PM350. Furthermore, the switch control unit 111 uses the switch 330 to switch the connection destination of the user device 320 to the communication destination requested by the user device 320.

[0060] The acquisition unit 112 acquires communication destination information, which indicates the communication destination to which the user device 320 requests a connection, via the control transceiver 340. The allocation unit 113 allocates wavelengths to the user device 320 based on the communication destination information acquired by the acquisition unit 112. Specifically, the allocation unit 113, in cooperation with a wavelength controller (not shown), an optical switcher controller, and a management database that manages connection information for all subscribers using the user device, allocates individual wavelengths for use by the user device. The notification unit 114 notifies the user device 320 via the control transceiver 340 of the wavelength information indicating the wavelengths allocated by the allocation unit 113.

[0061] When user equipment 320 terminates communication, it sends a connection disconnection request to management control unit 310. Management control unit 310 sends control information to user equipment 320 and switch 330 respectively via control transceiver 340. This causes user equipment 320 to stop light output, and the path of the port in switch 330 connected to the terminated user equipment 320 becomes disconnected from all connections. If the path cannot be disconnected via switch 330, a certain port becomes a non-reflective terminal, and the path is connected to that port.

[0062] According to the above-described structural example 3, the optical communication device 300 allocates a wavelength to the user device 320 based on the detection of light by the PM350. Then, the optical communication device 300 connects the user device 320 to the communication destination requested by the user device 320. In this way, by automatically performing wavelength allocation and other connection settings for the user device 320, the burden and errors on the operator caused by manual operation can be reduced. Furthermore, according to structural example 3, the management control unit 310 allocates the wavelength of the user device 320 while maintaining the original optical signal and controls the connection to the communication destination, thereby enabling direct optical communication. Thus, in structural example 3, since the optical signal can be processed while maintaining its original state, the delay can be significantly reduced compared to the processing of converting the optical signal into an electrical signal.

[0063] Furthermore, in structural example 3, one PM is sufficient, thus lower costs can be expected compared to structural examples 1 and 2. In particular, the more user devices 320 there are, the lower the cost compared to structural examples 1 and 2.

[0064] (Structure Example 4)

[0065] In Structural Examples 1 and 2, a PM is set up for each user device. Structural Example 4 is a structural example where only one PM is set up. Furthermore, in Structural Example 3, a structure with two switches is set up. Structural Example 4 is a structural example where only one switch is set up.

[0066] Figure 6 This is a block diagram illustrating the structure of the optical communication system 40 in Structural Example 4 of the embodiment. The optical communication system 40 consists of an optical communication device 400 and multiple user devices 420-1, 420-2, and 420-N. Hereinafter, without specifically distinguishing each of the user devices 420-1, 420-2, and 420-N (N being an integer of 1 or more), any one of them will be referred to as user device 420. User device 420 is connected to optical communication device 400.

[0067] The optical communication device 400 consists of a management and control unit 410, a switch 430, a control transceiver 440, and a PM 450.

[0068] The management and control unit 410 controls the entire optical communication device 400. The switch 430, according to the instructions of the management and control unit 410, connects the user device 420 to the control transceiver 440, or connects the user device 420 to the communication destination requested by the user device 420. Furthermore, the switch 430 is connected to the PM450.

[0069] PM450 detects light output from user equipment 420 connected via switch 430. PM450 outputs the intensity of the detected light as input intensity to management control unit 410.

[0070] Switch 430 is an example of a user equipment switching unit. When the number of ports on the user equipment 420 side is set to N, switch 430 is an N×M switch. Here, M = N + 1 (for PM) + the number of control transceivers. Whenever a predetermined condition is met, switch 430 switches the user equipment 420 connected to PM 450. Furthermore, switch 430 outputs port information to management control unit 410 showing the ports connected to the user equipment 420 connected to PM 450. Moreover, the user equipment 420 switched by switch 430 is a user equipment 420 other than one already communicating with the communication destination. That is, switch 430 skips user equipment 420 communicating with the communication destination and connects to user equipment 420 that is not currently communicating.

[0071] In this embodiment, a predetermined time has elapsed as a specified condition. For example, user equipment 420-1 and PM450 are connected at time t1, and user equipment 420-2 and PM450 are connected at time t2, after a predetermined time has elapsed from time t1. Other specified conditions include situations where a switching instruction is received from the management control unit 410.

[0072] The output examples of the PM450's input strength and the switch 430's port information are shown below. Figure 5 The same applies. Since the input strength and port information are input to the management control unit 410, the management control unit 410 is able to determine the port to which the user device 420 is connected.

[0073] Although Figure 6 Only one control transceiver 440 is depicted, but multiple control transceivers 440 may be configured. The control transceiver 440 sends wavelength information to the user device 420, indicating the wavelength allocated to the user device 420 by the management control unit 410. Furthermore, the control transceiver 440 sends the communication destination requested by the user device 420 to the management control unit 410.

[0074] The structure of the management control unit 410 is the same as that of the management control unit 110 in Structural Example 1. Specifically, the switch control unit 111, acquisition unit 112, allocation unit 113, and notification unit 114 in Structural Example 4 will be described. The switch control unit 111 is an example of a connection unit and a communication destination switching unit, and it controls the switch 430. Specifically, when an input strength is input from the PM 450, the switch control unit 111 uses the switch 430 to connect the user device 420 and the control transceiver 440. Inputting an input strength from the PM 450 is synonymous with light being detected by the PM 450. Furthermore, the switch control unit 111 uses the switch 430 to switch the connection destination of the user device 420 to the communication destination requested by the user device 420.

[0075] The acquisition unit 112 acquires communication destination information, which indicates the communication destination to which the user device 420 requests a connection, via the control transceiver 440. The allocation unit 113 allocates wavelengths to the user device 420 based on the communication destination information acquired by the acquisition unit 112. Specifically, the allocation unit 113, in cooperation with a wavelength controller (not shown), an optical switcher controller, and a management database that manages connection information for all subscribers using the user device, allocates individual wavelengths for use by the user device. The notification unit 114 notifies the user device 420 via the control transceiver 440 of the wavelength information indicating the wavelengths allocated by the allocation unit 113.

[0076] When user equipment 420 terminates communication, it sends a connection disconnection request to management control unit 410. Management control unit 410 sends control information to user equipment 420 and switch 430 respectively via control transceiver 440. This causes user equipment 420 to stop light output, and the path of the port in switch 430 connected to the terminated user equipment 420 becomes disconnected from all connections. If the path cannot be disconnected via switch 430, a certain port becomes a non-reflective terminal, and the path is connected to that port.

[0077] According to the above-described structural example 4, the optical communication device 400 allocates a wavelength to the user device 420 based on the detection of light by the PM450. Then, the optical communication device 400 connects the user device 420 to the communication destination requested by the user device 420. In this way, by automatically performing wavelength allocation and other connection settings for the user device 420, the burden and errors of manual operation on the operator can be reduced. Furthermore, according to structural example 4, the management control unit 410 allocates the wavelength of the user device 420 while maintaining the original optical signal and controls the connection to the communication destination, thereby enabling direct optical communication. Thus, in structural example 4, since the optical signal can be processed while maintaining its original state, the delay can be significantly reduced compared to the processing of converting the optical signal into an electrical signal.

[0078] Furthermore, in structural example 4, one PM is sufficient, thus lower costs can be expected compared to structural examples 1 and 2. In particular, the more user devices 420 there are, the lower the cost compared to structural examples 1 and 2. In addition, in structural example 4, one switcher is sufficient, thus lower costs can be expected compared to structural example 3.

[0079] Management control units 110, 210, 310, and 410 can also be constructed using processors such as CPUs (Central Processing Units) and memory. In this case, the processor executes programs for management control units 110, 210, 310, and 410, thereby enabling them to function as management control units 110, 210, 310, and 410. Furthermore, all or part of the functions of management control units 110, 210, 310, and 410 can be implemented using hardware such as ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits), PLDs (Programmable Logic Devices), and FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Arrays). The aforementioned programs can be recorded on computer-readable recording media. Computer-readable recording media refers to removable media such as floppy disks, magneto-optical disks, ROMs, CD-ROMs, semiconductor storage devices (e.g., SSDs: Solid State Drives), and storage devices such as hard disks or semiconductor storage devices built into a computer system. The aforementioned programs can also be transmitted via electrical communication lines.

[0080] The embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the specific structure is not limited to these embodiments, and may also include designs that do not depart from the spirit of the present invention.

[0081] Industrial availability

[0082] This invention is applicable to optical communication devices and optical transmission systems connected to user equipment.

[0083] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0084] 10, 20, 30, 40... Optical communication system; 100, 200, 300, 400... Optical communication device; 110, 210, 310, 410... Management and control unit; 111... Switch control unit; 112... Acquisition unit; 113... Distribution unit; 114... Notification unit; 120, 120-1, 120-2, 120-N, 220, 220-1, 220-2, 220-N, 320, 320-1, 320-2, 320-N, 420, 420-1, 420-2, 420-N... User equipment; 130, 230, 330, 360, 430... Switch; 140, 240, 340, 440... Control transceiver.

Claims

1. An optical communication device, connected to multiple user devices, wherein, The optical communication device includes: Multiple detection units detect the light output from the connected user equipment. The connection unit, taking the detection of light by any one of the plurality of detection units as an opportunity, based on the correspondence between the plurality of detection units and the plurality of ports of the switch, maintains the original optical signal and uses the switch to connect the user device and the control transceiver corresponding to the detection unit that detected the light; The acquisition unit acquires communication destination information indicating the communication destination to which the user equipment requests connection, via the control transceiver connected to the user equipment while maintaining the optical signal as is through the switch. The allocation unit allocates wavelengths to the user equipment based on the communication destination information obtained by the acquisition unit; as well as The notification unit notifies the user device of wavelength information via the control transceiver, the wavelength information indicating the wavelength allocated by the allocation unit.

2. The optical communication device according to claim 1, wherein, The device includes a communication destination switching unit, which switches the connection destination of the user device to the communication destination when the wavelength information is notified by the notification unit.

3. The optical communication device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The detection unit is provided for each of the user devices.

4. The optical communication device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The system includes a user device switching unit, which switches the user device connected to the detection unit whenever predetermined conditions are met. When light is detected by the detection unit, the connection unit connects the user device connected to the detection unit and the control transceiver.

5. The optical communication device according to claim 4, wherein, The user device switched by the user device switching unit is a user device other than the user device that is already communicating with the communication destination.

6. The optical communication device according to claim 1, wherein, The allocation unit allocates wavelengths to the user equipment while maintaining the original optical signal according to the communication destination information.

7. The optical communication device according to claim 1, wherein, The detection unit detects the input intensity of the light output from the connected user device. The connection unit uses a switch to connect the user device and the control transceiver based on the input intensity of the light.

8. A control method executed by an optical communication device connected to multiple user devices, wherein, The control method comprises: The detection process involves detecting the light output from the connected user device through multiple detection units. The connection step involves taking the detection of light by any one of the plurality of detection units as an opportunity, and based on the correspondence between the plurality of detection units and the plurality of ports of the switch, maintaining the original optical signal, and using the switch to connect the user device and the control transceiver corresponding to the detection unit that detected the light. The step involves obtaining the communication destination requested by the user equipment via a control transceiver that maintains the optical signal as is connected to the user equipment through the switch. The allocation step involves allocating wavelengths to the user equipment based on the communication destination obtained through the acquisition step. as well as The notification step involves notifying the user device of wavelength information via the control transceiver, the wavelength information indicating the wavelength allocated through the allocation step.

9. An optical communication system comprising multiple user devices and connected optical communication devices, wherein, The optical communication device includes: Multiple detection units detect the light output from the connected user equipment. The connection unit, taking the detection of light by any one of the plurality of detection units as an opportunity, based on the correspondence between the plurality of detection units and the plurality of ports of the switch, maintains the original optical signal and uses the switch to connect the user device and the control transceiver corresponding to the detection unit that detected the light; The acquisition unit acquires communication destination information indicating the communication destination to which the user equipment requests connection, via the control transceiver connected to the user equipment while maintaining the optical signal as is through the switch. The allocation unit allocates wavelengths to the user equipment based on the communication destination information obtained by the acquisition unit; as well as The notification unit notifies the user device of wavelength information via the control transceiver, the wavelength information indicating the wavelength allocated by the allocation unit.

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