Energy saving method of optical line terminal and optical line terminal

Abstract

The application provides an optical line terminal and an energy-saving method of the optical line terminal, and belongs to the technical field of optical communication. The optical line terminal comprises an ODN detection single board, at least one service single board and at least one optical module connected with each service single board. The method comprises the following steps: in the case that a first optical module meets a first energy-saving condition, a first function of the first optical module is controlled to be closed, wherein the first optical module is any optical module connected with the service single board, and the first function comprises a sending function. The ODN detection single board is controlled to send a probe optical signal to an ODN link corresponding to the first optical module, and a reflected optical signal corresponding to the probe optical signal is received. Whether the ODN link corresponding to the first optical module is connected with an optical network terminal (ONT) is determined based on the reflected optical signal. In the case that the ODN link corresponding to the first optical module is connected with the ONT, the first function of the first optical module is controlled to be started. According to the application, the energy-saving of the OLT can be realized.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of optical communication technology, and in particular to an energy-saving method for an optical line terminal and the optical line terminal itself. Background Technology

[0002] An optical line terminal (OLT) is a device located in a carrier's central office or equipment room. It is the core component of a passive optical network (PON) system. An OLT typically consists of a chassis, a main control board, service boards, and optical modules. The main control board and service boards are housed in the chassis, while the optical modules are inserted into the optical interface slots of the main control board and service boards.

[0003] Currently, after the OLT is deployed, the main control board, service boards, and optical modules within the OLT are fully powered on and kept powered on to allow optical network terminals (ONTs) to connect at any time. This means that even without an ONT connection, the optical modules and service boards need to remain powered on, wasting a significant amount of power. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides an energy-saving method for an optical line terminal and an optical line terminal itself, which can reduce the waste of electrical energy by the optical line terminal. The technical solution is as follows:

[0005] In a first aspect, an energy-saving method for an optical line terminal is provided. The optical line terminal includes an ODN detection board, at least one service board, and at least one optical module connected to each service board, wherein:

[0006] When the first optical module meets the first energy-saving condition, the first optical module is controlled to disable its first function. The first optical module is any optical module connected to the service board, and the first function includes transmission. The ODN detection board is controlled to send a probe optical signal to the ODN link corresponding to the first optical module and receive the reflected optical signal corresponding to the probe optical signal. Based on the reflected optical signal, it is determined whether the ODN link corresponding to the first optical module is connected to an Optical Network Terminal (ONT). If the ODN link corresponding to the first optical module is connected to an ONT, the first optical module is controlled to activate its first function.

[0007] In the technical solution provided in this application embodiment, optical modules that meet energy-saving conditions can be controlled to disable their first function, including the transmission function, so that the optical modules no longer send auto-discovery messages, effectively saving power. Furthermore, the OLT detects whether an ONT is connected to an ODN link through the ODN detection board. When an ONT connection is detected on a certain ODN link, the optical module corresponding to that ODN link is specifically activated. In this way, energy saving of the OLT can be achieved without affecting ONT access.

[0008] In one possible implementation, the optical line terminal (OLT) may further include a multiplexing and port switching unit. The OLT also includes multiplexing and port switching units, each with an output port corresponding to an optical module connected to a service board in the OLT. Each output port of the multiplexing and port switching unit is connected to an ODN link. Correspondingly, controlling the ODN detection board to send a probe optical signal to the ODN link corresponding to the first optical module and receiving the reflected optical signal corresponding to the probe optical signal includes:

[0009] The control ODN detection board sends a probe light signal to the multiplexing and port switching unit, and the control multiplexing and port switching unit sends a probe light signal through the output port corresponding to the first optical module, and receives the reflected light signal corresponding to the probe light signal, and sends the reflected light signal to the ODN detection board.

[0010] In the technical solution provided in this application, the main control board can determine that the optical modules with the first function disabled are shut down, and can send a detection message to the multiplexing and port switching unit device. The detection message carries indication information for each optical module with the first function disabled. The indication information for the optical modules can consist of the serial number of the passive optical network (PON) port to which the optical module is connected and the serial number of the service board. Based on the indication information for each optical module with the first function disabled carried in the detection message, the multiplexing and port switching unit device determines the output port corresponding to each optical module with the first function disabled, and then sends probe optical signals to the corresponding output ports of each optical module with the first function disabled, and receives the corresponding transmit optical signals through these output ports.

[0011] In one possible implementation, determining whether the ODN link corresponding to the first optical module is connected to an ONT based on the reflected optical signal includes:

[0012] Determine the first number of reflection peaks within a specified range in the OTDR curve corresponding to the reflected optical signal. Based on the first number, determine whether the ODN link corresponding to the first optical module is connected to an ONT.

[0013] In the technical solution provided in this application, the OTDR curve corresponding to the reflected light signal can reflect the status of the ODN link, including whether there is an abnormality in the ODN link, whether there is an ONT connection, etc.

[0014] In one possible implementation, when the end of the ODN link is a super-physical contact UPC connector, determining whether the ODN link corresponding to the first optical module is connected to an ONT based on a first number includes:

[0015] If the first number is 2, it is determined that the ODN link corresponding to the first optical module is connected to an ONT; if the first number is 1, it is determined that the ODN link corresponding to the first optical module is not connected to an ONT.

[0016] In the technical solution provided in this application, when the end of the ODN link is a super-physical contact UPC connector, the UPC connector reflects the probe light signal, causing a reflection peak to appear within a specified range of the OTDR curve. If the UPC connector is connected to an ONT, the ONT's 0° filter will also reflect the probe light signal, causing another reflection peak to appear within the specified range of the OTDR curve. Based on this principle, the presence of an ONT in the ODN link can be determined by counting the number of reflection peaks within the specified range of the OTDR curve.

[0017] In one possible implementation, when the end of the ODN link is an angled physical contact APC connector, determining whether the ODN link corresponding to the first optical module is connected to an ONT based on a first number includes:

[0018] If the first number is 1, it is determined that the ODN link corresponding to the first optical module is connected to an ONT; if the first number is 0, it is determined that the ODN link corresponding to the first optical module is not connected to an ONT.

[0019] In the technical solution provided in this application, when the end of the ODN link is an angled physical contact APC connector, the APC connector has a reflection suppression effect, so there will be no reflection peak within the specified range of the OTDR curve. If the UPC connector is connected to an ONT, the 0° filter of the ONT will reflect the probe light signal, causing a reflection peak to appear within the specified range of the OTDR curve. Based on this principle, the number of reflection peaks within the specified range of the OTDR curve can be used to determine whether the ODN link is connected to an ONT.

[0020] In one possible implementation, without distinguishing the interface type at the end of the ODN link, determining whether the ODN link corresponding to the first optical module is connected to an ONT based on a first number includes:

[0021] Obtain the second number of reflection peaks within a specified range in the OTDR curve corresponding to the reflected optical signal previously received through the ODN link corresponding to the first optical module. If the first number and the second number are different, it is determined that the ODN link corresponding to the first optical module is connected to an ONT. If the first number and the second number are the same, it is determined that the ODN link corresponding to the first optical module is not connected to an ONT.

[0022] In the technical solution provided in this application, regardless of whether the end of the ODN link is a UPC connector or an APC connector, the number of reflection peaks within a specified range in the OTDR curve before connecting the ONT and the number of reflection peaks within a specified range in the OTDR curve after connecting the ONT will change. Based on this principle, it is possible to determine whether the ODN link is connected to an ONT by judging the number of reflection peaks within a specified range in the OTDR curve.

[0023] In one possible implementation, energy saving can be further performed on the optical line terminal. Accordingly, if the first service board connected to the first optical module meets the second energy-saving condition, the first service board is controlled to disable the second function. Here, the first service board is any service board included in the optical line terminal, and the second function includes an automatic discovery function. If the ODN link corresponding to the first optical module is connected to an ONT, the service board connected to the first optical module is controlled to enable the second function.

[0024] In the technical solution provided in this application, in order to further save energy for the optical line terminal, energy saving can also be achieved for service boards that meet the second energy saving conditions. The second function, including the automatic discovery function, is controlled to be turned off. When an ONT is accessed by the optical module connected to it, the second function that was turned off is then turned on, so that the ONT can be successfully brought online in a timely manner.

[0025] Secondly, an optical line terminal is provided, comprising an optical distribution network (ODN) detection board, at least one service board, and at least one optical module connected to each service board, wherein the optical line terminal is used for:

[0026] When the first optical module meets the first energy-saving condition, the first optical module is controlled to shut down the first function, wherein the first optical module is any optical module connected to the service board, and the first function includes the transmission function;

[0027] The ODN detection board is controlled to send a probe light signal to the ODN link corresponding to the first optical module, and to receive the reflected light signal corresponding to the probe light signal.

[0028] Based on the reflected light signal, determine whether the ODN link corresponding to the first optical module is connected to an optical network terminal (ONT).

[0029] When the ODN link corresponding to the first optical module is connected to the ONT, control the first optical module to start the first function.

[0030] In one possible implementation, the optical line terminal further includes a multiplexing and port switching unit, wherein the output port of the multiplexing and port switching unit corresponds one-to-one with the optical module connected to the service board in the optical line terminal, and each output port of the multiplexing and port switching unit is connected to an ODN link.

[0031] The optical line terminal is used for:

[0032] The ODN detection board is controlled to send a probe optical signal to the multiplexing and port switching unit.

[0033] The control unit for multiplexing and port switching emits the detection light signal through the output port corresponding to the first optical module, receives the reflected light signal corresponding to the detection light signal, and sends the reflected light signal to the ODN detection board.

[0034] In one possible implementation, the optical line terminal is used for:

[0035] Determine the first number of reflection peaks within a specified range in the optical time-domain reflectometry (OTDR) curve corresponding to the reflected light signal;

[0036] Based on the first number, determine whether the ODN link corresponding to the first optical module is connected to an ONT.

[0037] In one possible implementation, where the end of the ODN link is a Hyperphysical Contact UPC connector, the OLT is used for:

[0038] If the first number is 2, then it is determined that the ODN link corresponding to the first optical module is connected to an ONT;

[0039] If the first number is not 2, then it is determined that the ODN link corresponding to the first optical module is not connected to the ONT.

[0040] In one possible implementation, where the end of the ODN link is an angled physical contact APC connector, the OLT is used for:

[0041] If the first number is 1, then it is determined that the ODN link corresponding to the first optical module is connected to an ONT;

[0042] If the first number is not 1, then it is determined that the ODN link corresponding to the first optical module is not connected to the ONT.

[0043] In one possible implementation, the OLT is used for:

[0044] Obtain the second number of reflection peaks within the specified range in the OTDR curve corresponding to the reflected light signal previously received through the ODN link corresponding to the first optical module;

[0045] If the first number and the second number are different, then it is determined that the ODN link corresponding to the first optical module is connected to an ONT;

[0046] If the first number and the second number are the same, it is determined that the ODN link corresponding to the first optical module is not connected to the ONT.

[0047] In one possible implementation, the OLT is also used for:

[0048] When the first service board connected to the first optical module meets the second energy-saving condition, the first service board is controlled to shut down the second function, wherein the first service board is any service board included in the optical line terminal, and the second function includes an automatic discovery function.

[0049] When the ODN link corresponding to the first optical module is connected to the ONT, the service board connected to the first optical module is controlled to start the second function.

[0050] Thirdly, an energy-saving device for an OLT is provided. The OLT includes an ODN detection board, at least one service board, and at least one optical module connected to each service board. The device includes at least one module for performing the energy-saving method described in the first aspect and any possible implementation thereof.

[0051] Fourthly, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, including computer program instructions that, when executed by an OLT, enable the OLT to perform the energy-saving method of the OLT as described in the second aspect above.

[0052] Fifthly, a computer program product containing instructions is provided, which, when executed by an OLT, cause the OLT to perform the energy-saving method of the OLT as described in the first aspect above. Attached Figure Description

[0053] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an implementation scenario provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0054] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of an OLT architecture provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0055] Figure 3 This is a flowchart of an energy-saving method for an OLT provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0056] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of an OLT architecture provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0057] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of an energy-saving device structure for an OLT provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0058] This application provides an energy-saving method for an OLT (Optical Line Terminal), which can be applied to an OLT. The OLT can be applied to a passive optical network (PON) architecture, where the PON architecture can be applied to fiber-to-the-home / office (FTTH / O) networks. See also... Figure 1 This diagram illustrates an FTTH / O network architecture. The OLT connects to upstream network-side devices (such as switches and routers) and connects to downstream optical network terminals (ONTs) via an optical distribution network (ODN). The ODN includes passive optical splitters for optical power distribution, a backbone fiber connecting the passive optical splitters and the OLT, and branch fibers connecting the passive optical splitters and ONTs. When transmitting downlink signals, the downlink signal sent by the OLT is transmitted to each ONT through the splitter. The ONT selectively receives downlink data belonging to itself from the downlink signal. When transmitting uplink signals, the uplink signals sent by N ONTs are combined into a single optical signal by the splitter and transmitted to the OLT.

[0059] like Figure 2 As shown, an OLT can consist of a chassis (not shown in the figure), a main control board, an ODN detection board, service boards, and optical modules. The main control board, ODN detection board, and service boards are housed in the chassis, while the optical modules are inserted into the optical interface slots of these boards (optical modules are not shown in the figure). The main control board manages the entire OLT device and forwards data from the service boards to the upper-layer network. The service boards send data to the optical distribution network (ODN) via optical modules, and then from the ODN to the user-side ONT. They also receive data from the ONT via optical modules. The ODN detection board sends probe optical signals to a designated ODN link to detect abnormal reflections and attenuation in the ODN link.

[0060] Currently, after the OLT is deployed, the OLT's main control board, service boards, and optical modules are powered on and all functions are enabled. In order for the ONT to be able to connect and come online at any time, the service boards will periodically send automatic discovery messages through the optical modules to promptly detect ONT connections, thereby enabling the ONT to access the network in a timely manner.

[0061] However, for service boards and optical modules, if there is no ONT connection, the auto-discovery function will be executed continuously, sending auto-discovery messages, which will waste a lot of power.

[0062] In the energy-saving method for the OLT provided in this application embodiment, optical modules that meet the energy-saving conditions can be controlled to disable their first function, including the transmission function, so that the optical modules no longer send auto-discovery messages, effectively saving power. Furthermore, the OLT detects whether an ONT is connected to an ODN link through the ODN detection board. When an ONT connection is detected on a certain ODN link, the optical module corresponding to that ODN link is specifically activated. In this way, energy saving of the OLT can be achieved without affecting ONT access.

[0063] The energy-saving method of the OLT provided in the embodiments of this application is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. This method can be implemented by the OLT. See [link to accompanying drawings]. Figure 3 The method may include the following steps:

[0064] Step 101: If the first optical module meets the first energy-saving condition, control the first optical module to turn off the first function.

[0065] The first optical module is any optical module included in the OLT, and the first function includes the transmission function.

[0066] In practice, after the OLT is deployed, all or some of the optical modules in the OLT can shut down the first function if the first energy-saving condition is met.

[0067] Taking the first optical module in the OLT as an example, if there is no ONT connection within the first period after the first optical module is powered on, it is determined that the first optical module meets the first energy-saving condition, and then the first optical module is controlled to shut down the first function. The first period can be configured by relevant personnel according to actual needs. This application embodiment does not limit it. For example, the first period can be 24 hours.

[0068] The method for determining whether the first optical module has an ONT connection is as follows:

[0069] Because the service board periodically sends auto-discovery messages to the ONT via the optical module, if the optical module has an ONT connected, the ONT will return a response message after receiving the auto-discovery message. If the optical module does not have an ONT connected, it will not receive a corresponding response message after sending the auto-discovery message. Therefore, if the first optical module does not receive a response message from the ONT within the first period after power-on, it is determined that the first optical module has no ONT connection.

[0070] The aforementioned first function includes a transmitting function, which specifically may include the related functions of the optical transmitting component of the optical module. Besides the transmitting function, the first function may also include receiving functions, etc. As for which functions of the optical module are specifically disabled, this can be configured according to actual needs, and this application embodiment does not limit this. In this application embodiment, it is only necessary to ensure that the first optical module can restart the first function under control when it is disabled. The control method can be that the first function is started by the service board, or the first optical module can start the first function itself, or the first function can be started by the main control board. This application embodiment does not limit the specific control method.

[0071] Furthermore, the entity that determines whether the first optical module meets the first energy-saving condition can be the first optical module itself, the service board connected to the first optical module, or the main control board. Correspondingly, the entity that controls the first optical module to disable the first function can be the first optical module, the service board connected to the first optical module, or the main control board. This application embodiment does not limit the entity that determines whether the first optical module meets the first energy-saving condition and controls the first optical module to disable the first function.

[0072] In one possible implementation, to further save energy in the OLT, the secondary function of the service board can be disabled. The corresponding processing could be as follows:

[0073] If the first service board meets the second energy-saving condition, the second function of the first service board is disabled. The first service board is any service board included in the OLT, and the second function may include automatic discovery of ONTs.

[0074] In practice, after the OLT deployment is completed, all or some of the service boards in the OLT can disable the second function if the second energy-saving condition is met.

[0075] Taking the first service board in the OLT as an example, if there is no ONT connection within the second period after the first service board is powered on, it is determined that the first service board meets the second energy-saving condition, and therefore, the second function of the first service board is turned off. Here, "no ONT connection on the first service board" can mean that none of the optical modules connected to the first service board have an ONT connection. The second period can be configured by relevant personnel according to actual needs. The second period can be the same as or different from the first period. This application embodiment does not limit this; for example, the second period can be 36 hours.

[0076] The aforementioned second function includes automatic discovery of ONTs, and may also include other service functions. As for which specific functions of the service board are to be disabled, they can be configured according to actual needs. This application embodiment does not limit this. In this application embodiment, it is only necessary to ensure that the second function can be restarted under control when the first service board is disabled. The control method can be that the second function is started by the main control board, or the first service board can start the second function on its own. This application embodiment does not limit the specific control method.

[0077] Furthermore, the entity that determines whether the first service board meets the second energy-saving condition can be either the first service board or the main control board. Correspondingly, the entity that controls the first service board to disable the second function can also be either the first service board or the main control board. This application does not limit the entity that determines whether the first service board meets the second energy-saving condition and controls the disabling of the second function.

[0078] Step 102: The ODN detection board sends a probe light signal to the ODN link corresponding to the first optical module and receives the reflected light signal corresponding to the probe light signal.

[0079] In implementation, a detection cycle can be set. At the beginning of each detection cycle, the main control board can determine that the optical module with the first function is turned off, and control the ODN detection board to send probe optical signals to the ODN links corresponding to the optical modules with the first function turned off, and receive the corresponding reflected optical signals for each ODN link's probe optical signal.

[0080] In one possible implementation, see Figure 4The OLT may also include a multiplexing and port switching unit, which can be built into the OLT chassis or placed outside the OLT chassis. The multiplexing and port switching unit includes multiple output ports, each output port corresponding to an optical module, and each output port is connected to an ODN link. The multiplexing and port switching unit also includes multiple input ports. Each optical module connected to the service board is connected to one input port of the multiplexing and port switching unit, and the ODN detection board is also connected to one input port of the multiplexing and port switching unit.

[0081] To facilitate understanding, the following section will first explain the use of the multiplexing and port switching unit and the ODN detection board:

[0082] Assume the multiplexing and port switching unit includes input ports 0, 1, 2, 3...N, and output ports 1, 2, 3...N. The ODN detection board is connected to input port 0, optical module 1 connected to the service board is connected to input port 1, optical module 2 connected to the service board is connected to input port 2, optical module 3 connected to the service board is connected to input port 3..., and so on, optical module N connected to the service board is connected to input port N. When detecting the ODN link connected to output port 1, the multiplexing and port switching unit combines the probe optical signal input from the ODN detection board through input port 0 with the optical signal input from optical module 1 through input port 1, and outputs the combined optical signal through output port 1 to detect the ODN link connected to output port 1. In this case, the ODN link connected to output port 1 can be called the ODN link corresponding to optical module 1, and output port 1 can be called the output port corresponding to optical module 1.

[0083] exist Figure 4 In the OLT shown, step 102 above can be implemented as follows:

[0084] At the start of each detection cycle, the main control board can determine that the optical module with the first function is disabled and send a detection message to the multiplexing and port switching unit. This detection message carries an indication that the optical module with the first function is disabled. Here, the indication information for the optical module can consist of the serial number of the passive optical network (PON) port to which the optical module is connected and the serial number of the service board.

[0085] There are several ways for the main control board to send detection messages to the multiplexing and port switching unit. Two examples are listed below for illustration:

[0086] Method 1:

[0087] The main control board communicates directly with the multiplexing and port switching unit, sending detection messages to the multiplexing and port switching unit.

[0088] Method 2:

[0089] The main control board communicates with the ODN detection board and sends detection messages to the ODN detection board. Then, the ODN detection board communicates with the multiplexing and port switching unit and sends detection messages to the multiplexing and port switching unit.

[0090] In addition, the ODN detection board can also send probe light signals to the multiplexing and port switching units.

[0091] Based on the indication information of each optical module that has disabled the first function carried in the detection message, the multiplexing and port switching unit determines the input port and the corresponding output port connected to the indication information of each optical module that has disabled the first function.

[0092] Then, for the first optical module whose first function is disabled, the multiplexing and port switching unit switches the optical switch to the input port connected to the optical module, and combines the probe optical signal sent from the ODN detection board with the optical signal input to the input port. The combined optical signal is then output through the corresponding output port of the first optical module. Since the optical module's transmission function is disabled at this time, there is no optical signal input to the input port connected to the optical module. Therefore, the combined optical signal is still the probe optical signal. Subsequently, the multiplexing and port switching unit receives the reflected optical signal corresponding to the probe optical signal through the corresponding output port of the first optical module.

[0093] The following example illustrates this:

[0094] Assume the multiplexing and port switching unit includes input ports 0, 1, 2, 3...N, and output ports 1, 2, 3...N. The ODN detection board is connected to input port 0, optical module 1 connected to the service board is connected to input port 1, optical module 2 connected to the service board is connected to input port 2, optical module 3 connected to the service board is connected to input port 3... and so on, optical module N connected to the service board is connected to input port N. The detection message received by the multiplexing and port switching unit carries indication information for optical module 1 and optical module 3. In this case, the multiplexing and port switching unit can first detect the ODN link corresponding to optical module 1. The unit can then switch the optical switch to input port 1, multiplexing the probe optical signal input from the ODN detection board through input port 0 with the optical signal input from input port 1, and output the multiplexed optical signal (probe optical signal) through output port 1. Finally, the unit receives the reflected optical signal corresponding to the probe optical signal through output port 1. Next, the ODN link corresponding to optical module 2 is detected. The multiplexing and port switching unit can first switch the optical switch to input port 2, and then combine the probe optical signal input by the OND detection board through input port 0 with the optical signal input by input port 2. The combined optical signal (probe optical signal) is then output through output port 2, and then the reflected optical signal corresponding to the probe optical signal is received through output port 2.

[0095] After receiving the reflected light signal corresponding to the probe light signal, the beam combiner and port switching unit can send the reflected light signal to the ODN detection board.

[0096] Step 103: Based on the reflected light signal, determine whether the ODN link corresponding to the first optical module is connected to an ONT.

[0097] In implementation, the ODN detection board can determine whether the ODN link corresponding to the first optical module is connected to an optical network terminal (ONT) based on the reflected light signal. Alternatively, the ODN detection board can send the reflected light signal to the main control board, which can then determine whether the ODN link corresponding to the first optical module is connected to an ONT based on the reflected light signal.

[0098] In one possible implementation, the process of determining whether the ODN link corresponding to the first optical module is connected to an ONT can be as follows:

[0099] An optical time-domain reflectometer (OTDR) curve corresponding to the reflected light signal is generated. Then, the first number of reflection peaks within a specified range in the OTDR curve is determined. Based on this first number, it is determined whether the ODN link corresponding to the first optical module is connected to an ONT. The specified range is the end portion of the OTDR curve, used to reflect the connector at the end of the ODN link and the connection status between the connector and the ONT.

[0100] There are several methods to determine whether the ODN link corresponding to the first optical module is connected to an ONT based on the first number. Several of these methods are illustrated below:

[0101] Method 1:

[0102] The end of the ODN link is an ultra-physical contact (UPC) connector.

[0103] In this situation, the UPC connector will reflect the probe light signal, causing a reflection peak to appear within the specified range of the OTDR curve. If the UPC connector is connected to an ONT, the 0° filter of the ONT's receiving optical component will also reflect the probe light signal, causing another reflection peak to appear within the specified range of the OTDR curve. Accordingly, the processing of Method 1 can be as follows:

[0104] If the first number is 2, it is determined that the ODN link corresponding to the first optical module is connected to an ONT. If the first number is not 2, it is determined that the ODN link corresponding to the first optical module is not connected to an ONT. If the first number is not 2, it may be 1.

[0105] Method 2:

[0106] The end of the ODN link is an angled physical contact (APC) connector.

[0107] In this case, the APC connector suppresses reflections, so there will be no reflection peak within the specified range of the OTDR curve. If the APC connector is connected to an ONT, the 0° filter of the ONT's receiving optical component will reflect the probe light signal, causing a reflection peak to appear within the specified range of the OTDR curve. Accordingly, the processing in Method Two can be as follows:

[0108] If the first number is 1, it indicates that the ODN link corresponding to the first optical module is connected to an ONT. If the first number is not 1, it indicates that the ODN link corresponding to the first optical module is not connected to an ONT. When the first number is not 1, it may be 0.

[0109] Method 3:

[0110] Regardless of whether the ODN link ends with a UPC connector or an APC connector, the number of reflection peaks within a specified range in the OTDR curve before connecting the ONT and the number of reflection peaks within a specified range in the OTDR curve after connecting the ONT will change. Accordingly, the processing in Method 3 can be as follows:

[0111] Obtain the second number of reflection peaks within a specified range in the OTDR curve corresponding to the reflected light signal received through the ODN link corresponding to the first optical module in the previous detection cycle. If the first number and the second number are different, it is determined that the ODN link corresponding to the first optical module is connected to an ONT. If the first number and the second number are the same, it is determined that the ODN link corresponding to the first optical module is not connected to an ONT.

[0112] Step 104: When the ODN link corresponding to the first optical module is connected to the ONT, control the first optical module to start the first function.

[0113] In practice, when the ODN detection board determines whether the ODN link corresponding to the first optical module is connected to the ONT, if it is determined that the ODN link corresponding to the first optical module is connected to the ONT, the ODN detection board sends the indication information of the first optical module to the main control board, and the main control board controls the first optical module to restart the first function.

[0114] Here, the main control board controls the first optical module to restart the first function. This can be achieved by the main control board communicating directly with the first optical module to control the first optical module to restart the first function, or by the main control board communicating with the service board connected to the first optical module to instruct the service board connected to the first optical module to control the first optical module to restart the first function.

[0115] If the first optical module connection service board disables the second function, the main control board can control the first optical module connection service board to restart the second function.

[0116] In the energy-saving method for the OLT provided in this application embodiment, optical modules that meet the energy-saving conditions can be controlled to disable their first function, including the transmission function, so that the optical modules no longer send auto-discovery messages, effectively saving power. Furthermore, the OLT detects whether an ONT is connected to an ODN link through the ODN detection board. When an ONT connection is detected on a certain ODN link, the optical module corresponding to that ODN link is specifically activated. In this way, energy saving of the OLT can be achieved without affecting ONT access.

[0117] Based on the same technical concept, this application also provides an energy-saving device for an OLT. The OLT includes a main control board, an optical distribution network (ODN) detection board, at least one service board, and at least one optical module connected to each service board. The energy-saving device is applied to the OLT. See [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 5 The device includes a control module 510 and a detection module 520, wherein:

[0118] Control module 510 is used to control the first optical module to shut down a first function when the first optical module meets the first energy-saving condition, wherein the first optical module is any optical module connected to the service board, and the first function includes a transmission function.

[0119] The detection module 520 is used to control the ODN detection board to send a detection optical signal to the ODN link corresponding to the first optical module, and to receive the reflected optical signal corresponding to the detection optical signal.

[0120] The control module 510 is further configured to determine, based on the reflected light signal, whether the ODN link corresponding to the first optical module is connected to an optical network terminal (ONT); if the ODN link corresponding to the first optical module is connected to an ONT, control the first optical module to start the first function.

[0121] In one possible implementation, the optical line terminal further includes a multiplexing and port switching unit, wherein the output port of the multiplexing and port switching unit corresponds one-to-one with the optical module connected to the service board in the optical line terminal, and each output port of the multiplexing and port switching unit is connected to an ODN link.

[0122] The control module 510 is used for:

[0123] The ODN detection board is controlled to send a probe optical signal to the multiplexing and port switching unit.

[0124] The control unit for multiplexing and port switching emits the detection light signal through the output port corresponding to the first optical module, receives the reflected light signal corresponding to the detection light signal, and sends the reflected light signal to the ODN detection board.

[0125] In one possible implementation, the control module 510 is configured to:

[0126] Determine the first number of reflection peaks within a specified range in the optical time-domain reflectometry (OTDR) curve corresponding to the reflected light signal;

[0127] Based on the first number, determine whether the ODN link corresponding to the first optical module is connected to an ONT.

[0128] In one possible implementation, where the end of the ODN link is a Hyperphysical Contact UPC connector, the control module 510 is configured to:

[0129] If the first number is 2, then it is determined that the ODN link corresponding to the first optical module is connected to an ONT;

[0130] If the first number is not 2, then it is determined that the ODN link corresponding to the first optical module is not connected to the ONT.

[0131] In one possible implementation, where the end of the ODN link is an angled physical contact APC connector, the control module 510 is configured to:

[0132] If the first number is 1, then it is determined that the ODN link corresponding to the first optical module is connected to an ONT;

[0133] If the first number is not 1, then it is determined that the ODN link corresponding to the first optical module is not connected to the ONT.

[0134] In one possible implementation, the control module 510 is configured to:

[0135] Obtain the second number of reflection peaks within the specified range in the OTDR curve corresponding to the reflected light signal previously received through the ODN link corresponding to the first optical module;

[0136] If the first number and the second number are different, then it is determined that the ODN link corresponding to the first optical module is connected to an ONT;

[0137] If the first number and the second number are the same, it is determined that the ODN link corresponding to the first optical module is not connected to the ONT.

[0138] In one possible implementation, the control module 510 is further configured to:

[0139] When the first service board connected to the first optical module meets the second energy-saving condition, the first service board is controlled to shut down the second function, wherein the first service board is any service board included in the optical line terminal, and the second function includes an automatic discovery function.

[0140] When the ODN link corresponding to the first optical module is connected to the ONT, the service board connected to the first optical module is controlled to start the second function.

[0141] In the energy-saving method for the OLT provided in this application embodiment, optical modules that meet the energy-saving conditions can be controlled to disable their first function, including the transmission function, so that the optical modules no longer send auto-discovery messages, effectively saving power. Furthermore, the OLT detects whether an ONT is connected to an ODN link through the ODN detection board. When an ONT connection is detected on a certain ODN link, the optical module corresponding to that ODN link is specifically activated. In this way, energy saving of the OLT can be achieved without affecting ONT access.

[0142] It should be noted that the energy-saving device for the OLT provided in the above embodiments is only illustrated by the division of the above functional modules. In actual applications, the above functions can be assigned to different functional modules as needed. That is, the internal structure of the OLT's main control board and / or service board and / or ODN detection board can be divided into different functional modules to complete all or part of the functions described above. In addition, the energy-saving device for the OLT provided in the above embodiments and the energy-saving method embodiments for the OLT belong to the same concept. The specific implementation process is detailed in the method embodiments and will not be repeated here.

[0143] In this application, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used to distinguish identical or similar items that have essentially the same function. It should be understood that there is no logical or temporal dependency between "first," "second," and "nth," nor does it limit the quantity or order of execution. It should also be understood that although the following description uses the terms "first," "second," etc., to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by the terms. These terms are merely used to distinguish one element from another.

[0144] It should also be understood that, in the various embodiments of this application, the sequence number of each process does not imply the order of execution. The execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of this application.

[0145] In this application, the term "at least one" means one or more, and the term "multiple" means two or more. For example, multiple second devices means two or more second devices. The terms "system" and "network" are often used interchangeably herein.

[0146] It should be understood that the terminology used in the description of the various examples herein is for the purpose of describing particular examples only and is not intended to be limiting. As used in the description of the various examples and the appended claims, the singular forms “a” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0147] It should also be understood that the term "and / or" as used herein refers to and covers any and all possible combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. The term "and / or" describes an association between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist; for example, A and / or B can represent: A alone, A and B simultaneously, or B alone. Additionally, the character " / " in this application generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects are in an "or" relationship.

[0148] It should also be understood that the terms “if” and “if” can be interpreted as meaning “when” or “upon”, or “in response to determination” or “in response to detection”. Similarly, depending on the context, the phrases “if determination…” or “if detection [the stated condition or event]” can be interpreted as meaning “when determination…”, or “in response to determination…”, or “when detection [the stated condition or event]” or “in response to detection [the stated condition or event]”.

[0149] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application, and are not intended to limit them. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the protection scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application.

[0150] All information, data, and signals involved in this application are authorized by the user or by all parties, and the collection, use, and processing of such data must comply with the relevant laws, regulations, and standards of the relevant countries and regions.

[0151] This application also provides a computer program product containing instructions. The computer program product may be a software or program product containing instructions, capable of running on an OLT or stored on any available medium. When the computer program product runs on the OLT, it causes the OLT to perform energy-saving methods.

[0152] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium that can be stored in an OLT or a data storage device such as a data center containing one or more available media. The available medium can be a magnetic medium (e.g., floppy disk, hard disk, magnetic tape), an optical medium (e.g., DVD), or a semiconductor medium (e.g., solid-state drive). The computer-readable storage medium includes instructions that instruct the OLT to perform energy-saving methods of the OLT.

[0153] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application, and are not intended to limit them. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the protection scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application.

[0154] All information, data, and signals involved in this application are authorized by the user or by all parties, and the collection, use, and processing of such data must comply with the relevant laws, regulations, and standards of the relevant countries and regions.

Claims

1. An energy-saving method for an optical line terminal, characterized in that, The optical line terminal includes an optical distribution network (ODN) detection board, at least one service board, and at least one optical module connected to each service board, wherein: When the first optical module meets the first energy-saving condition, the first optical module is controlled to shut down the first function, wherein the first optical module is any optical module connected to the service board, and the first function includes the transmission function; The ODN detection board is controlled to send a probe light signal to the ODN link corresponding to the first optical module, and to receive the reflected light signal corresponding to the probe light signal. Based on the reflected light signal, determine whether the ODN link corresponding to the first optical module is connected to an optical network terminal (ONT). When the ODN link corresponding to the first optical module is connected to the ONT, control the first optical module to start the first function.

2. The energy-saving method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The optical line terminal also includes a multiplexing and port switching unit. The output ports of the multiplexing and port switching unit correspond one-to-one with the optical modules connected to the service boards in the optical line terminal. Each output port of the multiplexing and port switching unit is connected to an ODN link. The control of the ODN detection board to send a probe optical signal to the ODN link corresponding to the first optical module and to receive the reflected optical signal corresponding to the probe optical signal includes: The ODN detection board is controlled to send a probe optical signal to the multiplexing and port switching unit. The control unit for multiplexing and port switching emits the detection light signal through the output port corresponding to the first optical module, receives the reflected light signal corresponding to the detection light signal, and sends the reflected light signal to the ODN detection board.

3. The energy-saving method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The step of determining whether the ODN link corresponding to the first optical module is connected to an ONT based on the reflected optical signal includes: Determine the first number of reflection peaks within a specified range in the optical time-domain reflectometry (OTDR) curve corresponding to the reflected light signal; Based on the first number, determine whether the ODN link corresponding to the first optical module is connected to an ONT.

4. The energy-saving method according to claim 3, characterized in that, When the end of the ODN link is a super physical contact UPC connector, determining whether the ODN link corresponding to the first optical module is connected to an ONT based on the first number includes: If the first number is 2, then it is determined that the ODN link corresponding to the first optical module is connected to an ONT; If the first number is not 2, then it is determined that the ODN link corresponding to the first optical module is not connected to the ONT.

5. The energy-saving method according to claim 3, characterized in that, When the end of the ODN link is an angled physical contact APC connector, determining whether the ODN link corresponding to the first optical module is connected to an ONT based on the first number includes: If the first number is 1, then it is determined that the ODN link corresponding to the first optical module is connected to an ONT; If the first number is not 1, then it is determined that the ODN link corresponding to the first optical module is not connected to the ONT.

6. The energy-saving method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The step of determining whether the ODN link corresponding to the first optical module is connected to an ONT based on the first number includes: Obtain the second number of reflection peaks within the specified range in the OTDR curve corresponding to the reflected light signal previously received through the ODN link corresponding to the first optical module; If the first number and the second number are different, then it is determined that the ODN link corresponding to the first optical module is connected to an ONT; If the first number and the second number are the same, it is determined that the ODN link corresponding to the first optical module is not connected to the ONT.

7. The energy-saving method according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The method further includes: When the first service board connected to the first optical module meets the second energy-saving condition, the first service board is controlled to turn off the second function. The first service board is any service board included in the optical line terminal, and the second function includes an automatic discovery function. When the ODN link corresponding to the first optical module is connected to the ONT, the service board connected to the first optical module is controlled to start the second function.

8. An optical line terminal, characterized in that, The optical line terminal includes an optical distribution network (ODN) detection board, at least one service board, and at least one optical module connected to each service board. The optical line terminal is used for: When the first optical module meets the first energy-saving condition, the first optical module is controlled to shut down the first function, wherein the first optical module is any optical module connected to the service board, and the first function includes the transmission function; The ODN detection board is controlled to send a probe light signal to the ODN link corresponding to the first optical module, and to receive the reflected light signal corresponding to the probe light signal. Based on the reflected light signal, determine whether the ODN link corresponding to the first optical module is connected to an optical network terminal (ONT). When the ODN link corresponding to the first optical module is connected to the ONT, control the first optical module to start the first function.

9. The optical line terminal according to claim 8, characterized in that, The optical line terminal also includes a multiplexing and port switching unit. The output ports of the multiplexing and port switching unit correspond one-to-one with the optical modules connected to the service boards in the optical line terminal. Each output port of the multiplexing and port switching unit is connected to an ODN link. The optical line terminal is used for: The ODN detection board is controlled to send a probe optical signal to the multiplexing and port switching unit. The control unit for multiplexing and port switching emits the detection light signal through the output port corresponding to the first optical module, receives the reflected light signal corresponding to the detection light signal, and sends the reflected light signal to the ODN detection board.

10. The optical line terminal according to claim 9, characterized in that, The optical line terminal is used for: Determine the first number of reflection peaks within a specified range in the optical time-domain reflectometry (OTDR) curve corresponding to the reflected light signal; Based on the first number, determine whether the ODN link corresponding to the first optical module is connected to an ONT.

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