OTDR system

Abstract

The embodiment of the invention provides an OTDR (Optical Time Domain Reflectometer) system, which relates to the technical field of optical communication and comprises an optical switch and an OTDR optical module inserted into network equipment, the OTDR optical module is connected with the optical switch through an optical fiber; the at least one optical fiber line connected with the optical switch is combined with the optical fiber line connected with the at least one communication optical module inserted into the network equipment one by one; and the OTDR optical module is used for sending an OTDR optical signal to the optical switch, receiving a feedback optical signal of the OTDR optical signal, and generating a detection result of the optical fiber line according to the OTDR optical signal and the feedback optical signal. According to the scheme, the convenience of management and maintenance work of an optical fiber line can be improved, and the OTDR upgrading flexibility is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of optical communication technology, and in particular to an OTDR system. Background Art

[0002] With the continuous development of optical communication technology, the complexity of optical networks is increasing. In order to ensure the smooth and stable operation of optical communication lines, an optical time domain reflectometer (OTDR) is usually connected to the optical network to detect the optical fiber line and realize the daily management and maintenance of the optical fiber line.

[0003] The current OTDR is expensive. If users want to experience the advantages of OTDR detection of optical fiber lines, they need to buy expensive OTDR. However, facing the high price, users are very reluctant to buy expensive OTDR if they do not know the advantages of OTDR detection of optical fiber lines. This has led to the inability of OTDR to be quickly and widely used, and the management and maintenance of optical fiber lines have become more difficult.

[0004] In addition, when the OTDR needs to be upgraded, the entire OTDR and routing device need to be replaced, and then all fiber optic connections need to be re-plugged. The larger the optical network, the greater the workload, and the flexibility of OTDR upgrade is poor. Summary of the invention

[0005] The purpose of the embodiment of the present application is to provide an OTDR system to improve the convenience of management and maintenance of optical fiber lines and improve the flexibility of OTDR upgrades. The specific technical solution is as follows:

[0006] The embodiment of the present application provides an OTDR system, the OTDR system comprising an optical switch and an OTDR optical module inserted into a network device; the OTDR optical module is connected to the optical switch via an optical fiber; at least one optical fiber line connected to the optical switch is merged with an optical fiber line connected to at least one communication optical module inserted into the network device;

[0007] The OTDR optical module is used to send an OTDR optical signal to the optical switch and receive a feedback optical signal of the OTDR optical signal, and to generate a detection result of the optical fiber line according to the OTDR optical signal and the feedback optical signal.

[0008] In some embodiments, the optical switch is disposed in a routing device, and the OTDR system further comprises at least one coupler disposed in the routing device;

[0009] The at least one communication optical module is connected to the at least one coupler one by one through optical fibers, and the optical switches are respectively connected to the at least one coupler through optical fibers.

[0010] In some embodiments, the OTDR system further includes a first control module disposed within the routing device;

[0011] The OTDR optical module is electrically connected to the first control module;

[0012] The OTDR optical module is specifically used to send a control signal to the first control module, wherein the control signal is used to instruct to conduct the optical fiber line between the optical switch and the designated coupler;

[0013] The first control module is used to control the optical switch to conduct the optical fiber line between the OTDR optical module and the designated coupler based on the control signal.

[0014] In some embodiments, the OTDR optical module includes an OTDR optical port and a communication port; the OTDR optical port is connected to the optical switch via an optical fiber; the communication port is electrically connected to the first control module;

[0015] The OTDR optical port is used to send an OTDR optical signal to the optical switch and receive a feedback optical signal of the OTDR optical signal;

[0016] The communication port is used to send the control signal to the first control module.

[0017] In some embodiments, the communication port connects a sending line and a receiving line electrically connected to the first control module.

[0018] In some embodiments, the OTDR optical module is adapted to an SFP module port in the network device;

[0019] The pin of the OTDR optical module connected to the data input pin of the transmitting part of the SFP module port is connected to the transmitting line, and the pin of the OTDR optical module connected to the reverse data input pin of the transmitting part of the SFP module port is connected to the receiving line; or,

[0020] A register is configured in the OTDR optical module, the register is connected to the integrated circuit bus pin of the SFP module port, and the register is connected to the sending line and the receiving line.

[0021] In some embodiments, the communication port is also connected to a 12V power supply circuit and a ground circuit electrically connected to a mainboard of the routing device.

[0022] In some embodiments, the OTDR optical module is adapted to an SFP module port in the network device;

[0023] The pin connecting the OTDR optical module to the reverse data output pin of the receiving part of the SFP module port is connected to the 12V power supply line, and the pin connecting the OTDR optical module to the data output pin of the receiving part of the SFP module port is connected to the ground line.

[0024] In some embodiments, the optical switch is disposed in the network device, and the OTDR optical module includes a first OTDR optical port and a second OTDR optical port;

[0025] The first OTDR optical port and the second OTDR optical port are connected via an optical fiber, the second OTDR optical port is connected to the optical switch via an optical fiber, and the optical switch is connected to the at least one communication optical module via the optical fiber;

[0026] The first OTDR optical port is used to send an OTDR optical signal to the optical switch through the second OTDR optical port, and to receive a feedback optical signal of the OTDR optical signal, and to generate a detection result of the optical fiber line according to the OTDR optical signal and the feedback optical signal.

[0027] In some embodiments, the OTDR system further includes a second control module disposed in the network device; the second control module is connected to the optical switch via an optical fiber;

[0028] The second control module is used to obtain a control signal, and based on the control signal, control the optical switch to conduct the optical fiber line between the second OTDR optical port and the designated communication optical module.

[0029] In some embodiments, a connector seat and at least one communication optical port are provided on the mainboard of the network device, and the connector seat is connected to the optical switch via an optical fiber;

[0030] The plug of the communication optical module is inserted into the communication optical port through the socket of the communication optical port. The plug is provided with gold fingers connected with the pins of the communication optical port and an optical fiber head connected with the connector seat.

[0031] In some embodiments, a guide groove and an optical fiber hole are provided on the side of the communication optical port opposite to the socket; the side wall of the plug passes through the guide groove, and the optical fiber head passes through the optical fiber hole.

[0032] In some embodiments, along the direction in which the plug is inserted into the communication optical port, the length of the side wall of the plug is greater than the length of the optical fiber head.

[0033] Beneficial effects of the embodiments of the present application:

[0034] In the technical solution provided by the embodiment of the present application, an OTDR optical module is inserted into the network device, and the OTDR optical module is connected to the optical switch through an optical fiber; at least one optical fiber line connected to the optical switch is merged with the optical fiber line connected to the communication optical module, and then, through the OTDR optical module, it is possible to detect multiple optical fiber lines communicating on the network device. The cost of the optical module is relatively low, and users can experience the advantages of OTDR detection of optical fiber lines at a relatively low cost, thereby promoting users to install OTDR in the optical network and improving the convenience of management and maintenance of optical fiber lines.

[0035] In addition, when the OTDR needs to be upgraded, in the embodiment of the present application, only one OTDR optical module needs to be replaced, without having to re-plug all optical fiber connections, thereby improving the flexibility of OTDR upgrades.

[0036] Of course, implementing any product or method of the present application does not necessarily require achieving all of the advantages described above at the same time. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0037] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present application or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present application, and for ordinary technicians in this field, other embodiments can also be obtained based on these drawings.

[0038] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the OTDR measurement curve;

[0039] Figure 2a This is the first schematic diagram of the OTDR network architecture;

[0040] Figure 2b A schematic diagram of the interior of the OTDR and routing device;

[0041] Figure 3 This is the second schematic diagram of the OTDR network architecture;

[0042] Figure 4a A first schematic diagram of an OTDR system provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0043] Figure 4b for Figure 4a A schematic diagram of the interior of a routing device in an OTDR system shown;

[0044] Figure 4c A second schematic diagram of an OTDR system provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0045] Figure 4d for Figure 4cA first schematic diagram of the interior of a network device in an OTDR system is shown;

[0046] Figure 5a A third schematic diagram of an OTDR system provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0047] Figure 5b for Figure 5a A schematic diagram of the interior of a routing device in an OTDR system shown;

[0048] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of an OTDR optical module provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0049] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the pin definition of a standard SFP module port provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0050] Figure 8 for Figure 4c A second schematic diagram of the interior of a network device in an OTDR system is shown;

[0051] Figure 9a A schematic diagram of a mainboard of a network device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0052] Figure 9b A schematic diagram of a communication optical module provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0053] Fig.9c A schematic diagram of a communication optical port provided in an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0054] The following will be combined with the drawings in the embodiments of the present application to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present application, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field based on the present application belong to the scope of protection of the present application.

[0055] The Optical Time Domain Reflectometer (OTDR) displays the test results by plotting the relationship between the reflected and backscattered light and the distance along the optical fiber. Figure 1In the measurement curve shown, the horizontal axis represents the position of the point on the optical fiber line relative to the OTDR, in kilometers (km), and the vertical axis represents the reflectivity of the optical signal emitted by the OTDR, in decibels (dB). The detection results of the OTDR can characterize any reflective and non-reflective events in the optical fiber line, such as the total loss of the optical fiber line, the abnormal reduction of reflectivity attenuation at the access front end, fusion point, connector, bend, crack, access end, and adapter on the optical fiber line, so as to intuitively show customers the physical health of the optical fiber line in the optical network.

[0056] With the continuous development of optical communication technology, the complexity of optical networks is increasing. In order to ensure the smooth and stable operation of optical communication lines, OTDR is usually connected to the optical network to detect the optical fiber lines and realize the daily management and maintenance of the optical fiber lines.

[0057] OTDR can include the following three forms:

[0058] The first type is a three-way tester. This type of OTDR can only temporarily locate the fault of a single optical fiber line.

[0059] The second type is the Small Form-factor Pluggables (SFP) type. This type of OTDR is an optical module that can only test a single optical fiber line and can only detect dark optical fiber lines, and cannot detect working optical fiber lines online.

[0060] The third type is a complete plug-in form. Figure 2a The OTDR network architecture shown and Figure 2b The OTDR and routing device are integrated and connected between the network device and the terminal. The control communication module of the network device is connected to the control communication module of the OTDR and routing device, and the communication optical module of the network device is connected to the communication optical input port of the OTDR and routing device (such as Figure 2b The communication light source 1 in and the communication light source n in, where n is a positive integer) are connected through optical fibers, and the communication light source output port of the OTDR and the routing device (such as Figure 2b The communication light source 1 out and the communication light source n out) are connected to the remote terminal (such as Figure 2a and Figure 2b Terminal 1 and terminal n) in the communication light source are connected by optical fiber. The communication light source input port and the communication light source output port correspond one to one. Figure 2a and Figure 2b In the example, only n communication optical modules (such as Figure 2aThe OTDR light source is connected to the optical switch, and the optical switch is connected to the coupler on the optical fiber line of each communication light source, so that the optical fiber line of the communication light source and the optical fiber line of the OTDR light source are coupled through the coupler. The working principle of this form of OTDR is:

[0061] The control communication module of the network device sends a control signal to the control communication module of the OTDR and the routing device. Based on the control signal, the control communication module of the OTDR and the routing device controls the optical switch to conduct the optical fiber line between the OTDR light source and a coupler, such as conducting the optical fiber line between the OTDR light source and the coupler on the optical fiber line corresponding to the communication light source input port 1, and then the OTDR light source sends an OTDR optical signal, which is transmitted along the optical fiber line between the OTDR light source and the terminal 1 to detect the optical fiber line between the OTDR light source and the terminal 1. In the process of detecting the optical fiber line, the detected optical fiber line can be in a working state, that is, the detected optical fiber line can transmit the communication optical signal, and the communication optical signal is the optical signal transmitted by the communication optical module.

[0062] This type of OTDR can support online detection of multiple optical fiber lines, but cannot detect the complete working path. The section of the optical fiber line from the network equipment to the OTDR and the routing device is a blind area. Figure 3 As shown, the blind area cannot be detected.

[0063] The above three types of OTDR are all peripherals, and the price of peripheral OTDR is high. If users want to experience the advantages of OTDR detection of optical fiber lines, they need to buy expensive OTDR. However, facing the high price, if users do not know the advantages of OTDR detection of optical fiber lines, their willingness to buy expensive OTDR will be very low. This leads to the inability of OTDR to be quickly and widely used, and the management and maintenance of optical fiber lines become more difficult.

[0064] In addition, when the OTDR needs to be upgraded, the entire OTDR and routing device need to be replaced, and then all fiber optic connections need to be re-plugged. The larger the optical network, the greater the workload, and the flexibility of OTDR upgrade is poor.

[0065] To solve the above problems, the present application provides an OTDR system, such as Figure 4a to Figure 4b and Figure 4c to Figure 4d As shown, the OTDR system includes an optical switch 41, and an OTDR optical module 51 inserted into a network device 50; the OTDR optical module 51 is connected to the optical switch 41 through an optical fiber; at least one optical fiber line connected to the optical switch 41 is merged with an optical fiber line connected to at least one communication optical module 52 inserted into the network device 50;

[0066] The OTDR optical module 51 is used to send an OTDR optical signal to the optical switch 41 and receive a feedback optical signal of the OTDR optical signal, and to generate a detection result of the optical fiber line according to the OTDR optical signal and the feedback optical signal.

[0067] In the technical solution provided by the embodiment of the present application, an OTDR optical module is provided on the network device, and the OTDR optical module is connected to the optical switch through an optical fiber; at least one optical fiber line connected to the optical switch is merged with the optical fiber line connected to the communication optical module, and then, through the OTDR optical module, it is possible to detect multiple optical fiber lines communicating on the network device. The cost of the optical module is relatively low, and users can experience the advantages of OTDR detection of optical fiber lines at a relatively low cost, thereby promoting users to install OTDR in the optical network and improving the convenience of management and maintenance of optical fiber lines.

[0068] In addition, when the OTDR needs to be upgraded, in the embodiment of the present application, only one OTDR optical module needs to be replaced, without having to re-plug all optical fiber connections, thereby improving the flexibility of OTDR upgrades.

[0069] In the embodiment of the present application, one or more communication optical modules 52 may be inserted into the network device 50. The number of optical fiber lines connected by the optical switch 41 is the same as the number of communication optical modules 52. Figure 4a to Figure 4d As shown, the optical switch 41 is connected to n optical fiber lines, and the network device is inserted with n communication optical modules 52. When an optical fiber line connected to the optical switch is turned on, it can be understood that the OTDR optical signal sent by the OTDR optical module 51 is transmitted along the optical fiber line.

[0070] In the embodiment of the present application, the optical switch 41 may be arranged in the routing device 40, such as Figure 4b As shown, the optical switch 41 may also be disposed in the network device 50, such as Figure 4d The following two cases are described respectively.

[0071] (1) The optical switch 41 is provided in the routing device 40 .

[0072] In an embodiment of the present application, the OTDR system may further include at least one coupler 42 arranged in the routing device 40; the at least one communication optical module 52 is connected one-to-one with the at least one coupler 42 through optical fiber, and the optical switch 41 is respectively connected with the at least one coupler 42 through optical fiber.

[0073] The number of couplers 42 is the same as the number of communication optical modules 52. Figure 4a to Figure 4bAs shown, n couplers 42 are arranged in the routing device 40, and n communication optical modules 52 are inserted into the network device 50. Through the at least one coupler 42, the optical fiber line connected to the optical switch 41 and the optical fiber line connected to the communication optical module 52 are merged one by one.

[0074] exist Figure 4a to Figure 4b In the network architecture shown, an OTDR light source inlet, a communication light source inlet (such as communication light source 1 in ~ communication light source n in), and a communication light source outlet (such as communication light source 1 out ~ communication light source n out) are provided on the routing device 40. The OTDR light source inlet is connected to the optical switch 41 through an optical fiber, and the communication light source inlet is connected to the coupler 42 one by one through an optical fiber.

[0075] The OTDR optical module 51 is connected to the OTDR light source entrance through an external optical fiber, thereby realizing the connection between the OTDR optical module 51 and the optical switch 41 through the optical fiber. The communication optical module 52 is connected to the communication light source entrance through an external optical fiber, thereby realizing the connection between the communication optical module 52 and the coupler 42 through the optical fiber. When the optical fiber is external, the optical fiber length between the OTDR optical module 51 and the optical switch 41 can be flexibly adjusted to solve the dead zone problem during OTDR detection.

[0076] Each communication optical module 52 receives an electrical signal from the mainboard of the network device 50 and converts the electrical signal into an optical signal, and sends the optical signal to a remote terminal (such as terminal 1 to terminal n) along the optical fiber line through the coupler 42.

[0077] When it is necessary to detect a certain optical fiber line and locate a physical fault in the optical fiber line, the user can adjust the optical switch 41 to conduct the optical fiber line connected to the optical switch 41 and merged with the optical fiber line. For example, if it is necessary to detect the optical fiber line from the communication optical module 1 to the terminal 1, the user can adjust the optical switch 41 to conduct the optical fiber line from the optical switch 41 to the coupler 1.

[0078] The OTDR optical module 51 sends an OTDR optical signal, and then transmits the OTDR optical signal along the optical fiber line of the optical switch 41-coupler 42-remote terminal; in addition, the OTDR optical module 51 receives the OTDR optical signal (i.e., feedback optical signal) fed back by the optical fiber line of the optical switch 41-coupler 42-remote terminal, and the OTDR optical module 51 generates the detection result of the optical fiber line according to the OTDR optical signal and the feedback optical signal, as described above Figure 1 The graph shown.

[0079] Here, the optical fiber line from the optical switch 41 to the coupler 42, that is, the optical fiber line connected to the optical switch 41, can be understood as the optical signal sent by the OTDR optical module 51 can be transmitted along the optical fiber line to the optical switch 41, transmitted along the optical fiber line to the coupler 42, and then transmitted along the optical fiber line (that is, the communication line that needs to be detected) to the remote terminal.

[0080] In the embodiment of the present application, the optical switch 41 can be used to fix the optical fiber line to be tested. In order to reduce labor costs and improve the convenience and efficiency of optical fiber line testing, Figure 5a to Figure 5b As shown, the OTDR system may further include a first control module 43 disposed in the routing device 40; the OTDR optical module 51 is electrically connected to the first control module 43. The first control module 43 may be an independent software module or may be integrated in the optical switch 41, which is not limited.

[0081] In this case, the OTDR optical module 51 can be used to send a control signal to the first control module 43, and the control signal is used to instruct to connect the optical fiber line between the optical switch 41 and the specified coupler; the first control module 43 is used to control the optical switch 41 to connect the optical fiber line between the OTDR optical module 51 and the specified coupler based on the control signal. The specified coupler is any coupler 42 set in the routing device 40.

[0082] exist Figure 5a to Figure 5b In the network architecture shown, the routing device 40 may be provided with an OTDR light source inlet, a communication light source inlet (such as communication light source 1 in ~ communication light source n in), a communication light source outlet (such as communication light source 1 out ~ communication light source n out), and a control communication port. The OTDR light source inlet is connected to the optical switch 41 through an optical fiber, the communication light source inlet is connected to the coupler 42 one by one through an optical fiber, and the control communication port is electrically connected to the first control module 43. The OTDR optical module 51 is electrically connected to the control communication port, thereby realizing the electrical connection between the OTDR optical module 51 and the first control module 43.

[0083] In this case, the OTDR optical module 51 can send a control signal to the first control module 43; based on the control signal, the first control module 43 controls the optical switch 41 to connect the optical fiber line between the OTDR optical module 51 and the specified coupler, that is, to connect the optical fiber line between the optical switch 41 and the specified coupler.

[0084] In the embodiment of the present application, the OTDR optical module 51 needs to be connected to the first control module 43 and the optical switch 41. To facilitate the connection, Figure 5a , Figure 6 As shown, the OTDR optical module 51 may include an OTDR optical port 511 (i.e. Figure 5a Port 1 on the OTDR optical module 51) and communication port 512 (i.e. Figure 5a The OTDR optical port 511 is connected to the optical switch 41 through an optical fiber; the communication port 512 is electrically connected to the first control module 43, and the ... communication port 512 is electrically connected to the first control module 43. Figure 5a to Figure 5b In the network architecture shown, the OTDR optical port 511 is connected to the OTDR light source entrance through an external optical fiber, so that the OTDR optical port 511 is connected to the optical switch 41 through the optical fiber, and then the OTDR optical module 51 is connected to the optical switch 41 through the optical fiber; the communication port 512 is electrically connected to the control communication port, so that the communication port 512 is electrically connected to the first control module 43, and then the OTDR optical module 51 is electrically connected to the first control module 43.

[0085] The OTDR optical port 511 is used to send an OTDR optical signal to the optical switch 41 and receive a feedback optical signal of the OTDR optical signal; the communication port 512 is used to send a control signal to the first control module 43 .

[0086] In the embodiment of the present application, the OTDR optical port 511 may be a luminescent connector (Lucent Connector, LC) optical port, or may be other types of optical ports, which are not limited thereto.

[0087] The communication port 512 can be a two-line communication port, that is, the communication port 512 is connected to two lines, and the two lines are electrically connected to the first control module 43, that is, the communication port 512 is connected to the sending line and the receiving line electrically connected to the first control module 43, such as the two lines are electrically connected to the control communication port. Of the two lines, one line is a sending line, that is, used for the OTDR optical module 51 to send a control signal to the first control module 43, and the other line is a receiving line, that is, used for the OTDR optical module 51 to receive a feedback signal sent by the first control module 43. In this case, a local power supply is provided on the routing device 40 to provide power for the mainboard of the routing device 40.

[0088] The communication port 512 can also be a four-wire communication port, that is, the communication port is connected to four lines, such as Figure 5b As shown, among these four circuits, two circuits are electrically connected to the first control module 43, and two circuits are electrically connected to the main board of the routing device 40, that is, the communication port 512 is connected to the sending circuit and the receiving circuit electrically connected to the first control module 43, and the communication port 512 is also connected to the 12V power supply circuit and the ground circuit electrically connected to the main board of the routing device 40.

[0089] Among them, of the two lines connected to the first control module 43, one line is a sending line, that is, used for the OTDR optical module 51 to send a control signal to the first control module 43, and the other line is a receiving line, that is, used for the OTDR optical module 51 to receive a feedback signal sent by the first control module 43. Of the two lines connected to the mainboard of the routing device 40, one line can be a grounding line (i.e., a ground wire), and the other line can be a 12V power line to provide power for the mainboard of the routing device 40. In this case, the routing device 40 supports remote power supply, simplifies the structure of the routing device 40, reduces the cost of the routing device 40, and expands the flexibility of the deployment of the routing device 40.

[0090] In some embodiments, the OTDR optical module 51 is adapted to the SFP module port, and the SFP module is a standard SFP optical module.

[0091] In the prior art, the pin definition of the standard SFP module port is as follows: Figure 7 As shown, the standard SFP module port includes pins 1 to 20, and the names and functions of pins 1 to 20 are shown in Table 1.

[0092] Table 1

[0093]

[0094]

[0095] When the communication port 512 is a two-wire communication port, the following two methods can be used to connect the OTDR optical module 51 to the first control module 43 through a two-wire connector.

[0096] Method 1: The data input pin (such as pin 18) of the transmitting part of the SFP module port is defined as the transmitting pin, and the reverse data input pin (such as pin 19) of the transmitting part of the SFP module port is defined as the receiving pin. The pin connected to the OTDR optical module 51 and the pin 18 of the SFP module port is connected to the transmitting line, and the pin connected to the OTDR optical module 51 and the pin 19 of the SFP module port is connected to the receiving line. Pins 18 and 19 of the SFP module port are used to connect the signal line of the OTDR optical module remote communication. The above-mentioned transmitting line and receiving line are respectively connected to the first control module 43. The transmitting line and the receiving line are used as signal lines, and the signal lines can execute the RS232 protocol or the RS485 protocol, and can also execute other protocols, which are not limited.

[0097] The definitions of pin 1, pin 3 to pin 6, pin 10 to pin 11, pin 14 to pin 17, and pin 20 of the SFP module port are consistent with the standard SFP module port in the prior art, as shown in Table 1 above, to ensure the normal operation of the OTDR optical module 51. Pin 2, pin 12 to pin 13, pin 7 to pin 9 of the SFP module port can be flexibly used, such as defined as access to a logical I / O port.

[0098] The pin definitions of the OTDR optical module 51 within the single board are compatible with the power, ground, I2C, in-position, and optical enable signals in the SFP module standard definition; other pins have no destructive effect on the outside, ensuring that when the OTDR optical module 51 is inserted into the ordinary SFP module port, the OTDR optical module 51 can also use the OTDR function, but the external control communication channel cannot be used, that is, the OTDR optical signal can be sent, and the feedback optical signal of the OTDR optical signal can be received to generate the detection result of the optical fiber line, but the optical switch 41 cannot be controlled to switch the conductive optical fiber line.

[0099] Method 2: A register is configured in the OTDR optical module 51, and the register is connected to the integrated circuit bus pin (such as pin 4 to pin 5) of the SFP module port, and the register connects two lines, namely the sending line and the receiving line. The integrated circuit bus (Inter-Integrated Circuit, I2C) includes two I2C communication data lines, such as the data line connected to the above pins 4 to 5.

[0100] The sending line and the receiving line are respectively connected to the first control module 43. The sending line and the receiving line are used as signal lines, and the signal lines can execute RS232 protocol or RS485 protocol, and can also execute other protocols, which are not limited.

[0101] The definitions of pin 1, pin 3 to pin 6, pin 10 to pin 11, pin 14 to pin 17, and pin 20 of the SFP module port are consistent with the standard SFP module port in the prior art, as shown in Table 1 above, to ensure the normal operation of the OTDR optical module 51. Pin 2, pin 12 to pin 13, pin 7 to pin 9, and pin 18 to pin 19 of the SFP module port can be flexibly used, such as defined as access to a logical I / O port.

[0102] The pin definitions of the OTDR optical module 51 within the single board are compatible with the power, ground, in-position, and optical enable signals in the SFP module standard definition; other pins have no destructive effect on the outside, ensuring that when the OTDR optical module 51 is inserted into the ordinary SFP module port, the OTDR optical module 51 can also use the OTDR function, and the external control communication channel can also be used, that is, it can send OTDR optical signals, and receive feedback optical signals of OTDR optical signals, generate detection results of optical fiber lines, and can also control the optical switch 41 to switch the conductive optical fiber line.

[0103] When the communication port 512 is a four-wire communication port, the following two methods can be used to connect the OTDR optical module 51 to the first control module 43 through a four-wire connector: Figure 6 shown.

[0104] Method 1: The receiving part reverse data output pin (such as pin 12) of the SFP module port is defined as a 12V power pin, and the receiving part data output pin (such as pin 13) is defined as a ground pin. The pin connected to the OTDR optical module 51 and the pin 12 of the SFP module port is connected to the 12V power line, and the pin connected to the OTDR optical module 51 and the pin 13 of the SFP module port is connected to the ground line (i.e., the ground wire). The 12V power line and the ground wire are respectively electrically connected to the main board of the routing device 40 to provide power for the main board of the routing device 40, that is, the pins 12 and 13 of the SFP module port are used to connect the power line of the remote power supply of the OTDR optical module. The main board of the routing device 40 can be a printed circuit board (PCB) or other types of main boards.

[0105] The data input pin of the transmitting part of the SFP module port (such as pin 18) is defined as the transmitting pin, and the reverse data input pin of the transmitting part (such as pin 19) is defined as the receiving pin. The pin connecting the OTDR optical module 51 to the pin 18 of the SFP module port is connected to the transmitting line, and the pin connecting the OTDR optical module 51 to the pin 19 of the SFP module port is connected to the receiving line. Pins 18 and 19 of the SFP module port are used to connect the signal line of the OTDR optical module remote communication. The transmitting line and the receiving line are respectively connected to the first control module 43. The signal line can execute the RS232 protocol or the RS485 protocol, and can also execute other protocols, which are not limited.

[0106] The definitions of pins 1, 3 to 6, 10 to 11, 14 to 17, and 20 of the SFP module port are consistent with the standard SFP module port in the prior art, as shown in Table 1 above, to ensure the normal operation of the OTDR optical module 51. Pins 2 and 7 to 9 of the SFP module port can be flexibly used, such as defined as access logic I / O ports.

[0107] The pin definitions of the OTDR optical module 51 within the single board are compatible with the power, ground, I2C, in-position, and optical enable signals in the SFP module standard definition; other pins have no destructive effect on the outside, ensuring that when the OTDR optical module 51 is inserted into the ordinary SFP module port, the OTDR optical module 51 can also use the OTDR function, but the external control communication channel cannot be used, that is, the OTDR optical signal can be sent, and the feedback optical signal of the OTDR optical signal can be received to generate the detection result of the optical fiber line, but the optical switch 41 cannot be controlled to switch the conductive optical fiber line, and remote power supply cannot be achieved.

[0108] Method 2: The reverse data output pin (such as pin 12) of the receiving part of the SFP module port is defined as a 12V power pin, and the data output pin (such as pin 13) of the receiving part is defined as a ground pin. The pin connecting the OTDR optical module 51 to pin 12 of the SFP module port is connected to the 12V power line, and the pin connecting the OTDR optical module 51 to pin 13 of the SFP module port is connected to the ground wire. The 12V power line and the ground wire are electrically connected to the main board of the routing device 40 to provide power for the main board of the routing device 40, that is, pins 12 and 13 of the SFP module port are used to connect the power line for remote power supply of the OTDR optical module.

[0109] The OTDR optical module 51 is configured with a register, which is connected to the integrated circuit bus pin (such as pin 4 to pin 5) of the SFP module port. The I2C register connects two lines, namely the sending line and the receiving line. The integrated circuit bus (Inter-Integrated Circuit, I2C) includes two I2C communication data lines, such as the data line connected to the above pins 4 to 5.

[0110] The sending line and the receiving line are respectively connected to the first control module 43. The sending line and the receiving line are used as signal lines, and the signal lines can execute RS232 protocol or RS485 protocol, and can also execute other protocols, which are not limited.

[0111] The pin definitions of the OTDR optical module 51 within the single board are compatible with the power, ground, in-position, and optical enable signals in the SFP module standard definition; other pins have no destructive effect on the outside, ensuring that when the OTDR optical module 51 is inserted into the ordinary SFP module port, the OTDR optical module 51 can also use the OTDR function, but the external control communication channel part cannot be used, that is, the OTDR optical signal can be sent, and the feedback optical signal of the OTDR optical signal can be received, the detection result of the optical fiber line can be generated, and the optical switch 41 can be controlled to switch the conductive optical fiber line, but remote power supply cannot be achieved.

[0112] Using the method of situation (1), the form of OTDR can be understood as including two parts: a new form of OTDR optical module + a routing device. This form of OTDR system has the following specific beneficial effects:

[0113] 1) Existing OTDR systems (such as Figure 2a and Figure 2b The OTDR shown in the figure has a small amount of modification. It only needs to configure an SFP module port adapted to the OTDR optical module 51 on the network device. It is even not necessary to configure an optical port adapted to the OTDR optical module 51. The OTDR optical module 51 can be inserted into an ordinary optical port (i.e., a standard SFP module port) to realize the OTDR detection function. The realization of the OTDR detection function is easier.

[0114] If the user does not want to use OTDR, the user does not need to insert the special OTDR optical module 51 into the network device. For the network device, only the position of a special optical port (such as the SFP module port adapted to the OTDR optical module 51) is lost, and the cost will not be increased too much.

[0115] 2) If the user wants to try out the effect of the OTDR system, when a fiber line from a communication optical module to a terminal fails, the user can manually insert the OTDR optical module 51 into the fault port to locate the physical fault in the fiber line. The fault port is the communication optical port on the network device to which the failed fiber line is connected.

[0116] When the user uses the OTDR optical module 51 and finds that single-path fault location is more practical, he or she will expect to perform real-time optical fiber line monitoring, and then add an OTDR routing device (such as the above-mentioned routing device 40) to achieve real-time monitoring of multiple optical fiber lines.

[0117] 3) If the user has a strong demand for the OTDR system, the user can directly install a special OTDR optical module 51 and a routing device 40. For the upgrade of the OTDR system, such as upgrading the OTDR system to test positioning accuracy and resolution, or to identify special characteristic curves, the user can directly replace the OTDR optical module without re-plugging all optical fiber connections, which improves the flexibility of OTDR upgrades.

[0118] In addition, on the tested optical fiber line, although a section of the optical fiber line close to the OTDR light source can transmit the OTDR optical signal, the condition of this section of the optical fiber line cannot be accurately tested. This section of the optical fiber line is called dead zone fiber. Figure 3 The length of the dead zone fiber is determined by factors such as the emission power of the OTDR light source.

[0119] In an embodiment of the present application, the OTDR optical module 51 and the routing device 40 can be connected via an external optical fiber, and the length of the external optical fiber can be flexibly changed according to the upgrade and change of the OTDR optical module. This can achieve the control of the dead zone optical fiber between the coupler 42 and the OTDR optical module 51 without adjusting other connections, such as the need to adjust the optical fiber length inside the routing device 40, further improving the flexibility of the OTDR system upgrade.

[0120] (2) The optical switch 41 is provided in the network device 50 .

[0121] In the embodiment of the present application, the OTDR optical module 51 includes a first OTDR optical port 513 and a second OTDR optical port 514. The first OTDR optical port 513 and the second OTDR optical port 514 are connected through optical fiber, the second OTDR optical port 514 is connected to the optical switch 41 through optical fiber, and the optical switch 41 is connected to at least one communication optical module 52 through optical fiber; here, the first OTDR optical port 513 and the second OTDR optical port 514 can be connected through an external optical fiber.

[0122] In this case, the first OTDR optical port 513 is used to send an OTDR optical signal to the optical switch 41 through the second OTDR optical port 514, and receive a feedback optical signal of the OTDR optical signal, and generate a detection result of the optical fiber line according to the OTDR optical signal and the feedback optical signal.

[0123] In the embodiment of the present application, the second OTDR optical port 514 does not have an OTDR detection function, and it can be understood that the second OTDR optical port 514 is a section of optical fiber line, and the OTDR optical module 51 is connected through an external optical fiber loop. The OTDR optical module 51 sends an OTDR optical signal to the optical switch 41 through the OTDR light source outlet T (i.e., the first OTDR optical port 513) and the OTDR light source inlet R (i.e., the second OTDR optical port 514).

[0124] exist Figure 4c to Figure 4d In the network architecture shown, the routing device 40 is omitted, and the communication optical module 52 on the network device 50 is directly connected to the remote terminal (such as terminal 1 to terminal n) through an optical fiber. At this time, it can be considered that a coupler is integrated inside the communication optical module 52 to achieve a one-to-one merging of at least one optical fiber line connected to the optical switch 41 and an optical fiber line connected to at least one communication optical module 52 inserted into the network device 50.

[0125] Each communication optical module 52 receives an electrical signal from the mainboard of the network device 50, converts the electrical signal into an optical signal, and sends the optical signal to a remote terminal (such as terminal 1 to terminal n) along an optical fiber line.

[0126] When it is necessary to detect a certain optical fiber line and locate a physical fault in the optical fiber line, the user can adjust the optical switch 41 to conduct the optical fiber line connected to the optical switch 41 and merged with the optical fiber line. For example, if it is necessary to detect the optical fiber line from the communication optical module 1 to the terminal 1, the user can adjust the optical switch 41 to conduct the optical fiber line from the optical switch 41 to the communication optical module 1.

[0127] The OTDR optical module 51 sends an OTDR optical signal, and then transmits the OTDR optical signal along the optical fiber line of the optical switch 41-communication optical module 52-remote terminal; in addition, the OTDR optical module 51 receives the optical signal (i.e., feedback optical signal) fed back from the optical fiber line of the optical switch 41-communication optical module 52-remote terminal, and the OTDR optical module 51 generates the detection result of the optical fiber line according to the OTDR optical signal and the feedback optical signal, as described above Figure 1 The graph shown.

[0128] Here, the optical fiber line from the optical switch 41 to the communication optical module 52, that is, the optical fiber line connected to the optical switch 41, can be understood as the optical signal sent by the OTDR optical module 51 can be transmitted along the optical fiber line to the optical switch 41, transmitted along the optical fiber line to the communication optical module 52, and then transmitted along the optical fiber line to the remote terminal.

[0129] In the embodiment of the present application, the optical switch 41 can be used to fix the optical fiber line to be tested. In order to reduce labor costs and improve the convenience and efficiency of optical fiber line testing, Figure 8 As shown, the OTDR system may further include a second control module 53 disposed in the network device 50; the second control module 53 is electrically connected to the optical switch 41. The second control module 53 may be an independent software module, or may be integrated in the optical switch 41, which is not limited. In this case, the second control module 53 is used to obtain a control signal, and based on the control signal, control the optical switch 41 to conduct the optical fiber line between the second OTDR optical port 514 and the designated communication optical module. The designated communication optical module may be any one of the at least one communication optical module 52.

[0130] In the embodiment of the present application, the main board of the network device 50 may be a printed circuit board (PCB). A connector seat 54 and at least one communication optical port 55 may be provided on the main board of the network device 50. Figure 9a As shown, the connector seat 54 is connected to the optical switch 41 through an optical fiber;

[0131] like Figure 9bAs shown, the plug 521 of the communication optical module 52 is inserted into the communication optical port 55 through the socket 551 of the communication optical port 55 , and the plug 521 is provided with a gold finger 523 connected to the pin of the communication optical port 55 and an optical fiber head 522 connected to the connector seat 54 .

[0132] To achieve accurate connection between the optical fiber head 522 and the connector seat 54, as Fig.9c As shown, a guide groove 552 and an optical fiber hole 553 are provided on the side of the communication optical port 55 opposite to the socket 551; the side wall of the plug 521 passes through the guide groove 552, and the optical fiber head 522 passes through the optical fiber hole 553. The guide groove 552 guides the insertion of the optical fiber hole 553 into the connector seat 54, ensuring that the optical fiber hole 553 is accurately inserted into the connector seat 54.

[0133] In some embodiments, along the direction in which the plug 521 is inserted into the communication optical port 55, the length L1 of the side wall of the plug 521 is greater than the length L2 of the optical fiber head. Figure 9b As shown; in this way, the side wall of the plug 521 can act as a guide pin, further ensuring the precise connection between the optical fiber head 522 and the connector seat 54.

[0134] In the embodiment of the present application, for the communication optical module 52, the communication optical module 52 can receive the electrical signal from the mainboard of the network device 50 through the communication optical port 55, and convert the electrical signal into an optical signal, and send the optical signal to the remote terminal; the communication optical module 52 can also receive the OTDR optical signal from the OTDR optical module 51 through the optical fiber head 522 to detect the optical fiber line.

[0135] By adopting the method of situation (2), the OTDR system has the following beneficial effects:

[0136] 1) The optical fiber lines that the OTDR system can test can cover the complete optical communication working link (ie, the optical fiber line from the communication optical module 52 to the remote terminal). There is no blind spot in the test of the optical fiber line, and monitoring can be achieved without omission.

[0137] 2) For the upgrade of the OTDR system, the user can complete the system upgrade by replacing the OTDR optical module 51, thereby improving the flexibility of OTDR upgrade.

[0138] In addition, the first OTDR optical port and the second OTDR optical port included in the OTDR optical module 51 can be connected via an external optical fiber, and the length of the external optical fiber can be flexibly changed according to the upgrade and change of the OTDR optical module. This can achieve the control of the dead zone optical fiber between the communication optical module 52 and the OTDR optical module 51 without adjusting other connections, further improving the flexibility of the OTDR system upgrade.

[0139] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present application and is not intended to limit the protection scope of the present application. Any modification, equivalent replacement, improvement, etc. made within the spirit and principle of the present application are included in the protection scope of the present application.

Claims

1. An OTDR system, characterized in that: The OTDR system comprises an optical switch and an OTDR optical module inserted into a network device; the OTDR optical module is connected to the optical switch via an optical fiber; at least one optical fiber line connected to the optical switch is merged with an optical fiber line connected to at least one communication optical module inserted into the network device; The OTDR optical module is used to send an OTDR optical signal to the optical switch and receive a feedback optical signal of the OTDR optical signal, and to generate a detection result of the optical fiber line according to the OTDR optical signal and the feedback optical signal.

2. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that The optical switch is arranged in the routing device, and the OTDR system further comprises at least one coupler arranged in the routing device; The at least one communication optical module is connected to the at least one coupler one by one through optical fibers, and the optical switches are respectively connected to the at least one coupler through optical fibers.

3. The system according to claim 2, characterized in that The OTDR system also includes a first control module disposed in the routing device; The OTDR optical module is electrically connected to the first control module; The OTDR optical module is specifically used to send a control signal to the first control module, wherein the control signal is used to instruct to conduct the optical fiber line between the optical switch and the designated coupler; The first control module is used to control the optical switch to conduct the optical fiber line between the OTDR optical module and the designated coupler based on the control signal.

4. The system according to claim 3, characterized in that The OTDR optical module includes an OTDR optical port and a communication port; the OTDR optical port is connected to the optical switch via an optical fiber; the communication port is electrically connected to the first control module; The OTDR optical port is used to send an OTDR optical signal to the optical switch and receive a feedback optical signal of the OTDR optical signal; The communication port is used to send the control signal to the first control module.

5. The system according to claim 4, characterized in that The communication port is connected to a sending line and a receiving line electrically connected to the first control module.

6. The system according to claim 5, characterized in that The OTDR optical module is adapted to the SFP module port in the network device; The pin connected to the transmitting part data input pin of the OTDR optical module and the SFP module port is connected to the transmitting line, and the pin connected to the transmitting part reverse data input pin of the OTDR optical module and the SFP module port is connected to the receiving line; or, A register is configured in the OTDR optical module, the register is connected to the integrated circuit bus pin of the SFP module port, and the register is connected to the sending line and the receiving line.

7. The system according to any one of claims 5-6, characterized in that: The communication port is also connected to a 12V power supply circuit and a ground circuit which are electrically connected to the mainboard of the routing device.

8. The system according to claim 7, characterized in that The OTDR optical module is adapted to the SFP module port in the network device; The pin connecting the OTDR optical module to the reverse data output pin of the receiving part of the SFP module port is connected to the 12V power supply line, and the pin connecting the OTDR optical module to the data output pin of the receiving part of the SFP module port is connected to the ground line.

9. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that The optical switch is arranged in the network device, and the OTDR optical module comprises a first OTDR optical port and a second OTDR optical port; The first OTDR optical port and the second OTDR optical port are connected via an optical fiber, the second OTDR optical port is connected to the optical switch via an optical fiber, and the optical switch is connected to the at least one communication optical module via the optical fiber; The first OTDR optical port is used to send an OTDR optical signal to the optical switch through the second OTDR optical port, and to receive a feedback optical signal of the OTDR optical signal, and to generate a detection result of the optical fiber line according to the OTDR optical signal and the feedback optical signal.

10. The system according to claim 9, characterized in that The OTDR system further comprises a second control module disposed in the network device; the second control module is connected to the optical switch via an optical fiber; The second control module is used to obtain a control signal, and based on the control signal, control the optical switch to conduct the optical fiber line between the second OTDR optical port and the designated communication optical module.

11. The system according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that: A connector seat and at least one communication optical port are arranged on the mainboard of the network device, and the connector seat is connected to the optical switch via an optical fiber; The plug of the communication optical module is inserted into the communication optical port through the socket of the communication optical port. The plug is provided with gold fingers connected with the pins of the communication optical port and an optical fiber head connected with the connector seat.

12. The system according to claim 11, characterized in that A guide groove and an optical fiber hole are arranged on the side of the communication optical port opposite to the socket; the side wall of the plug passes through the guide groove, and the optical fiber head passes through the optical fiber hole.

13. The system according to claim 12, characterized in that Along the direction in which the plug is inserted into the communication optical port, the length of the side wall of the plug is greater than the length of the optical fiber head.

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