Communication system, communication device, optical module and related methods

Abstract

The application provides a communication system, a communication device, an optical module and related methods for diagnosing channel quality through the optical module, so that the channel quality between the communication devices connected by optical fibers can be diagnosed without deploying additional diagnostic devices after networking. Moreover, the output ends of the optical receiving units are connected to the diagnostic units and the communication devices respectively, and the diagnostic units and the communication devices receive the electrical signals output by the optical receiving units respectively, thereby reducing the complexity of optical network networking under the premise of ensuring high reliability and low latency of data transmission.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of optical communication technology, and in particular to a communication system, communication equipment, optical module and related methods. Background Technology

[0002] The advent of the cloud era has spurred the rapid development of various internet applications, greatly enriching people's lives. This has led to an exponential increase in network traffic, placing higher demands on the bandwidth, latency, power consumption, reliability, scalability, and flexibility of the data centers behind them. To achieve high bandwidth, lower latency, and lower power consumption, the deployment of optical networks in data centers is being considered.

[0003] With the increase in services on optical networks, the monitoring and management of these networks have become increasingly important issues. How to diagnose the channel quality between communication devices connected via optical fibers after network deployment has become an urgent problem to be solved. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Optical modules are fundamental components in fiber optic network-based communication systems. They carry signal processing capabilities such as photoelectric conversion or electro-optic conversion. This application provides a communication system, communication equipment, optical modules, and related methods for diagnosing channel quality through optical modules. This eliminates the need for additional diagnostic equipment after network deployment, enabling the diagnosis of channel quality between communication devices connected by optical fibers.

[0005] In a first aspect, this application provides a communication system comprising a first communication device and a second communication device connected via an optical communication medium. The first communication device includes a first communication unit and a first optical module. The first optical module includes an optical receiving unit and a diagnostic unit, wherein the output terminal of the optical receiving unit is connected to the diagnostic unit and the first communication unit, respectively. The second communication device is used to transmit an optical signal to the first communication device via the optical communication medium. The optical receiving unit is used to receive the optical signal via the optical communication medium, perform photoelectric conversion on the optical signal, obtain and output a first electrical signal. The first communication unit is used to receive and process the first electrical signal from the output terminal. The diagnostic unit is used to receive the first electrical signal from the output terminal and diagnose the channel quality between the first communication device and the second communication device based on the first electrical signal. The first communication device is also used to acquire diagnostic results.

[0006] Optical modules are fundamental components in fiber-optic network-based communication systems. They carry signal processing capabilities such as photoelectric conversion or electro-optic conversion. The underlying physical state of the communication network is visible to the optical modules; therefore, as receivers, they can diagnose channel quality based on the electrical signals converted from photoelectric signals. The output of the optical receiving unit is connected to both the diagnostic unit and the first communication device, which respectively receive the electrical signals output by the optical receiving unit. Thus, when the diagnostic unit performs diagnostics based on the received electrical signals, even if the data carried by the signals is service data, the first communication device can still receive the signals and obtain the service data. This reduces the complexity of the optical network while ensuring high reliability and low latency in data transmission between the first and second communication devices.

[0007] Optionally, when the target conditions are met, the diagnostic unit can diagnose the channel quality based on the received electrical signal. This helps to limit the power consumption cost of the diagnostic unit performing the diagnosis.

[0008] Optionally, the information carried by the optical signal may or may not include the first information, whereby the first information is used to instruct the diagnostic unit to diagnose the channel quality, and the target condition is that the information carried by the optical signal includes the first information. The diagnostic unit is further configured to detect the first information in the first electrical signal after receiving it, but before diagnosing the channel quality based on the first electrical signal; specifically, the diagnostic unit is configured to diagnose the channel quality based on the first electrical signal after detecting the first information. In this way, by selectively adding the first information to the optical signal, the second communication device can remotely control the diagnostic unit in the first communication device to perform or not perform diagnosis, simplifying the complexity of diagnostic control.

[0009] Optionally, the diagnostic unit is specifically used to parse the first electrical signal, and based on the parsed frame including the first field, determine that the first information was detected from the first electrical signal.

[0010] Optionally, the diagnostic unit is specifically used to demultiplex the first electrical signal, obtain an electrical signal in the first frequency domain based on the demultiplexing, and determine that the first information was detected from the first electrical signal.

[0011] Optionally, the second communication device includes a second communication unit and a second optical module. The second communication unit is used to send a first signal or a second signal to the second optical module. The first signal includes a data signal and a first control signal, and the second signal includes a data signal. The first control signal instructs the addition of the first information to the information carried by the data signal. The second optical module is used to, based on receiving the first signal, add the first information to the information carried by the data signal according to the instruction of the first control signal, perform photoelectric conversion on the data signal after adding the first information, obtain and transmit the optical signal, or, based on receiving the second signal, perform electro-optical conversion on the second signal, obtain and transmit the optical signal. The data signal can carry service information. Thus, during the transmission of service information from the second communication device to the first communication device, the diagnostic unit can perform diagnostics without separately transmitting diagnostic information, improving the transmission efficiency of service information.

[0012] Optionally, the second communication device includes a second communication unit and a second optical module. The second communication unit is used to send a data signal or a second control signal to the second optical module. The second control signal instructs the generation of a second electrical signal. The information carried by the second electrical signal includes the first information and diagnostic information, and the diagnostic information is used to diagnose the channel quality. The second optical module is used to perform electro-optical conversion on the received data signal to obtain and transmit the optical signal, or, based on the received second control signal, generate the second electrical signal according to the instruction of the second control signal, perform electro-optical conversion on the second electrical signal, obtain and transmit the optical signal. By sending a control signal to the second optical module, the second communication unit can control the second optical module to transmit the optical signal carrying the first information and diagnostic information, without requiring the second communication unit to send diagnostic information, thus reducing the complexity of the second communication unit.

[0013] Optionally, the information carried by the second electrical signal further includes second information, which indicates the type of diagnostic information and / or the type of diagnostic result. The second information indicating the type of diagnostic information facilitates the second communication device in flexibly adjusting the type of diagnostic information. The second information indicating the type of diagnostic result facilitates the second communication device in flexibly controlling the type of diagnostic information obtained by the diagnostic unit in the first communication device.

[0014] Optionally, the diagnostic results are used to indicate at least one of bit error rate, bit error distribution, signal-to-noise ratio, or frequency response.

[0015] Optionally, the optical receiving unit is further configured to perform at least one of the following processes on the photoelectric converted electrical signal to obtain the first electrical signal: analog-to-digital conversion, signal equalization, signal compensation, or clock data recovery.

[0016] Secondly, this application provides a method in a communication system, the communication system including a first communication device and a second communication device connected via an optical communication medium, the first communication device including a first communication unit and a first optical module, the first optical module including an optical receiving unit and a diagnostic unit, wherein the output terminal of the optical receiving unit is respectively connected to the diagnostic unit and the first communication unit, the method including: the second communication device transmitting an optical signal to the first communication device via the optical communication medium; the optical receiving unit receiving the optical signal via the optical communication medium, performing photoelectric conversion on the optical signal to obtain and output a first electrical signal; the first communication unit receiving and processing the first electrical signal from the output terminal; the diagnostic unit receiving the first electrical signal from the output terminal and diagnosing the channel quality between the first communication device and the second communication device based on the first electrical signal; and the first communication device acquiring the diagnostic result.

[0017] The methods and effects performed by each device in the communication system provided in the second aspect can be understood by referring to the functions and effects achieved by the corresponding devices in the first aspect.

[0018] Thirdly, this application provides a communication device, which includes a communication apparatus and an optical module. The optical module includes an optical receiving unit and a diagnostic unit. The output terminal of the optical receiving unit is connected to the diagnostic unit and the communication apparatus, respectively. The optical receiving unit is used to receive optical signals sent by other communication devices, perform photoelectric conversion on the optical signals, and obtain and output electrical signals. The communication apparatus is used to receive and process the electrical signals from the output terminal. The diagnostic unit is used to receive the electrical signals from the output terminal and diagnose the channel quality between the communication apparatus and the other communication devices based on the electrical signals. The communication apparatus is also used to acquire diagnostic results.

[0019] The specific implementation method and effects of the communication equipment provided in the third aspect can be understood by referring to the implementation method and effects of the first communication equipment in the first aspect.

[0020] Fourthly, this application provides a method in a communication device, the communication device including a communication apparatus and an optical module, the optical module including an optical receiving unit and a diagnostic unit, the output terminal of the optical receiving unit being connected to the diagnostic unit and the communication apparatus respectively, the method including: the optical receiving unit receiving an optical signal sent by another communication device, performing photoelectric conversion on the optical signal to obtain and output an electrical signal; the communication apparatus receiving and processing the electrical signal from the output terminal; the diagnostic unit receiving the electrical signal from the output terminal and diagnosing the channel quality between the communication device and the other communication device based on the electrical signal; and the communication apparatus acquiring the diagnostic result.

[0021] The methods and effects of the communication equipment provided in the fourth aspect can be understood by referring to the implementation method and effects of the first communication equipment in the first aspect.

[0022] Fifthly, this application provides an optical module comprising an optical receiving unit, a diagnostic unit, and an interface unit. The interface unit is used to connect to a communication device. The output terminal of the optical receiving unit is connected to both the diagnostic unit and the interface unit. The optical receiving unit is used to receive optical signals transmitted by other communication devices, perform photoelectric conversion on the optical signals, and obtain and output electrical signals. The interface unit is used to receive the electrical signals from the output terminal and transmit them to the communication device. The diagnostic unit is used to receive the electrical signals from the output terminal and diagnose the channel quality between the communication device and the other communication devices based on the electrical signals. The interface unit is also used to acquire and transmit diagnostic results to the communication device.

[0023] The specific implementation method and effect of the optical module provided in the fifth aspect can be understood by referring to the implementation method and effect of the first optical module in the first aspect.

[0024] Sixthly, this application provides a method in an optical module, the optical module including an optical receiving unit, a diagnostic unit, and an interface unit, the interface unit being used to connect to a communication device, the output terminal of the optical receiving unit being connected to the diagnostic unit and the interface unit respectively, the method including: the optical receiving unit receiving an optical signal sent by another communication device, performing photoelectric conversion on the optical signal to obtain and output an electrical signal; the interface unit receiving the electrical signal from the output terminal and sending it to the communication device; the diagnostic unit receiving the electrical signal from the output terminal and diagnosing the channel quality between the communication device and the other communication device based on the electrical signal; and the interface unit acquiring and sending the diagnostic result to the communication device.

[0025] The methods and effects of the optical module provided in the sixth aspect can be understood by referring to the implementation method and effects of the first optical module in the first aspect.

[0026] In a seventh aspect, this application provides a communication device, comprising a communication apparatus and an optical module; the communication apparatus is used to send a first electrical signal to the optical module; the optical module is used to receive the first electrical signal and, based on the first electrical signal, send an optical signal to other communication devices, wherein the information carried by the optical signal may or may not include the first information, and the first information is used to instruct the other communication devices to diagnose the channel quality between the communication device and the other communication devices. Thus, by selectively adding the first information to the optical signal, the communication device can remotely control other communication devices connected to it to perform or not perform diagnostics, simplifying the complexity of diagnostic control.

[0027] Optionally, the electrical signal is a first signal or a second signal. The first signal includes a data signal and a first control signal, and the second signal includes a data signal. The first control signal instructs the addition of the first information to the information carried by the data signal. The optical module is used to add the first information to the information carried by the data signal according to the instruction of the first control signal based on receiving the first signal, perform electro-optical conversion on the data signal after adding the first information, and obtain and transmit the optical signal. Alternatively, it can perform electro-optical conversion on the second signal based on receiving the second signal to obtain and transmit the optical signal.

[0028] Data signals can carry service information. In this way, during the process of the second communication device transmitting service information to the first communication device, the diagnostic unit can perform diagnosis without transmitting diagnostic information separately, thereby improving the transmission efficiency of service information.

[0029] Optionally, the electrical signal is a data signal or a second control signal, the second control signal instructing the generation of a second electrical signal, the information carried by the second electrical signal including the first information and diagnostic information, the diagnostic information being used to diagnose the channel quality; the second optical module is used to perform electro-optical conversion on the received data signal to obtain and transmit the optical signal, or, based on the received second control signal and according to the instruction of the second control signal, generate the second electrical signal, perform electro-optical conversion on the second electrical signal, and obtain and transmit the optical signal.

[0030] The second communication device can control the second optical module to send optical signals carrying the first information and diagnostic information by sending control signals to the second optical module, without the need for the second communication device to send diagnostic information, thus reducing the complexity of the second communication device.

[0031] Eighthly, this application provides a method in a communication device, the communication device including a communication apparatus and an optical module, the method comprising: the communication apparatus sending a first electrical signal to the optical module; the optical module receiving the first electrical signal and sending an optical signal to another communication device based on the first electrical signal, wherein the information carried by the optical signal may include or exclude the first information, the first information being used to instruct the other communication device to diagnose the channel quality between the communication device and the other communication device.

[0032] The methods and effects of the communication equipment provided in the eighth aspect can be understood by referring to the implementation methods and effects of the communication equipment provided in the seventh aspect.

[0033] Ninthly, this application provides a communication device, the communication device including a communication apparatus and an optical module, the optical module including an optical transmitting unit and a diagnostic unit, the output terminal of the communication apparatus being connected to the diagnostic unit and the optical transmitting unit respectively; the communication apparatus is used to output an electrical signal; the optical transmitting unit is used to receive the electrical signal from the output terminal, perform electro-optical conversion on the electrical signal, obtain and transmit the optical signal to other communication devices; the diagnostic unit is used to receive the electrical signal from the output terminal and diagnose the channel quality between the communication apparatus and the other communication devices based on the electrical signal; the communication apparatus is also used to acquire diagnostic results.

[0034] Optical modules are fundamental components in fiber-optic network-based communication systems. They carry signal processing capabilities such as photoelectric conversion or electro-optical conversion. The underlying physical state of the communication network is visible to the optical modules; therefore, as the transmitting end, the optical modules can diagnose channel quality based on the electrical signals used for electro-optical conversion. The communication device is connected to both the diagnostic unit and the optical transmitting unit, which receive the electrical signals output by the communication device. Thus, when the diagnostic unit performs diagnostics based on the received electrical signals, even if the data carried by the electrical signals is service data, the communication device can still receive the signals, perform electro-optical conversion, obtain and transmit optical signals, reducing the complexity of the optical network while ensuring high reliability and low latency in data transmission.

[0035] Optionally, when the target conditions are met, the diagnostic unit can diagnose the channel quality based on the received electrical signal. This helps to limit the power consumption cost of the diagnostic unit performing the diagnosis.

[0036] Optionally, the information carried by the electrical signal may or may not include the first information, wherein the first information is used to instruct the diagnostic unit to diagnose the channel quality, and the target condition is that the electrical signal output by the communication device carries the first information. The diagnostic unit is further configured to detect the first information in the electrical signal after receiving it and before diagnosing the channel quality based on the electrical signal; specifically, the diagnostic unit is configured to diagnose the channel quality based on the electrical signal after detecting the first information from it.

[0037] In this way, by selectively adding first information to the electrical signal sent to the optical transmitting unit, the communication device can control the diagnostic unit to perform or not perform diagnostics, thus simplifying the complexity of diagnostic control.

[0038] Optionally, the diagnostic unit is further configured to receive a control signal; specifically, the diagnostic unit is configured to diagnose the channel quality based on the electrical signal after receiving the control signal.

[0039] Optionally, the control signal comes from a signal periodically generated within the communication device or the optical module.

[0040] Tenthly, this application provides a method in a communication device, the communication device including a communication apparatus and an optical module, the optical module including an optical transmitting unit and a diagnostic unit, the output terminal of the communication apparatus being connected to the diagnostic unit and the optical transmitting unit respectively, the method including: the communication apparatus outputting an electrical signal; the optical transmitting unit receiving the electrical signal from the output terminal, performing electro-optical conversion on the electrical signal to obtain and transmit the optical signal to other communication devices; the diagnostic unit receiving the electrical signal from the output terminal and diagnosing the channel quality between the communication apparatus and the other communication devices based on the electrical signal; and the communication apparatus acquiring the diagnostic result.

[0041] The methods and effects of the communication equipment provided in the tenth aspect can be understood by referring to the implementation methods and effects of the communication equipment provided in the ninth aspect.

[0042] Eleventhly, this application provides an optical module, the optical module including an optical transmitting unit, a diagnostic unit, and an interface unit. The interface unit is used to connect to the output terminal of a communication device, and the interface unit is connected to both the diagnostic unit and the optical transmitting unit. The interface unit is used to receive electrical signals transmitted by the communication device. The optical transmitting unit is used to receive the electrical signals from the interface unit, perform electro-optical conversion on the electrical signals, obtain and transmit the optical signals to other communication devices. The diagnostic unit is used to receive the electrical signals from the interface unit and diagnose the channel quality between the communication device and the other communication devices based on the electrical signals. The interface unit is also used to acquire and transmit diagnostic results to the communication device.

[0043] The implementation method and effect of the optical module provided in the eleventh aspect can be understood by referring to the implementation method and effect of the optical module in the communication equipment provided in the ninth aspect.

[0044] In a twelfth aspect, this application provides a method in an optical module, the optical module including an optical transmitting unit, a diagnostic unit, and an interface unit, the interface unit being used to connect to the output end of a communication device, the interface unit being connected to the diagnostic unit and the optical transmitting unit respectively, the method including: the interface unit receiving an electrical signal transmitted by the communication device; the optical transmitting unit receiving the electrical signal from the interface unit, performing electro-optical conversion on the electrical signal, obtaining and transmitting the optical signal to other communication devices; the diagnostic unit receiving the electrical signal from the interface unit, and diagnosing the channel quality between the communication device and the other communication devices based on the electrical signal; the interface unit acquiring and transmitting the diagnostic result to the communication device.

[0045] The methods and effects of the optical modules provided in the twelfth aspect can be understood by referring to the implementation methods and effects of the optical modules in the communication equipment provided in the ninth aspect.

[0046] In a thirteenth aspect, this application provides a computer-readable storage medium including instructions that, when executed on a computer device, cause the computer device to perform a method performed by any of the aforementioned means, for example, to perform a method performed by a diagnostic unit, or to perform a method performed by a communication device.

[0047] In a fourteenth aspect, a computer program product is provided that, when run on a computer device, causes the computer device to execute a method executed by any of the aforementioned devices, for example, executing a method executed by a diagnostic unit, or executing a method executed by a communication device. Attached Figure Description

[0048] Figures 1-4 The structures of optical networks are schematically illustrated respectively;

[0049] Figure 5 This diagram schematically illustrates a structure of an optical network with diagnostic capabilities.

[0050] Figure 6 The schematic diagram illustrates the structure of the optical network with receiving-end diagnostic function provided in this application;

[0051] Figure 7 schematically shown Figure 6 One specific structure of the optical module 2 shown;

[0052] Figures 8-10 The present application provides schematic illustrations of the following: Figure 6 Example of a method in the optical network shown;

[0053] Figure 11 schematically shown Figure 10 A specific structure of the optical module 1 shown;

[0054] Figure 12 This schematically illustrates a frame structure carrying a signal containing first information;

[0055] Figure 13 schematically shown Figure 6 Another example of a method in the optical network shown;

[0056] Figure 14 This schematically illustrates a frequency domain structure of a signal carrying first information;

[0057] Figure 15 This schematically illustrates another frame structure for a signal carrying the first information;

[0058] Figure 16 This schematically illustrates another frequency domain structure of the signal carrying the first information;

[0059] Figures 17-20 Examples of the structure and method of the optical network with origin diagnosis function provided in this application are illustrated schematically. Detailed Implementation

[0060] First, let's introduce the system to which this application applies.

[0061] This system can be a communication system, specifically an optical communication system, also known as an optical network. Optical networks offer advantages such as high switching speeds, low optical power loss, low latency, low cost, and no wavelength contention. Optical networks can be applied to data center networks (DCNs), metropolitan area networks (MANs), passive optical networks (PONs), optical transport networks (OTNs), and more, with no specific limitations. Figure 1 This schematically illustrates one possible structure of an optical network. (Reference) Figure 1 An optical network includes, but is not limited to, communication device 1, communication device 2, communication device 3, and an optical interconnection network. Different communication devices can transmit optical signals through the optical interconnection network. An optical network may include more or fewer communication devices.

[0062] Figure 1 The devices or networks represented by the different rectangles in the diagram can be deployed in different or the same geographical locations. For example, an optical network can be deployed in a single rack or multiple racks in a data center. Figure 2 This schematic illustrates one possible deployment method for an optical network. (Reference) Figure 2 Optical networks can be located in racks within data centers, which are used to house various communication devices and optical interconnects.

[0063] An optical interconnect network may include one or more optical communication links. Hereinafter, we will use optical fiber as an example for the optical communication link. Optionally, the optical interconnect network may also include one or more optical switching devices used to switch optical signals.

[0064] Figure 3 The diagram schematically illustrates the structure of communication device 1 and communication device 2 connected in an optical network. For example... Figure 3 As shown, communication device 1 includes a communication unit 1 and optical modules 11 to 1N installed on the communication unit 1. Communication device 2 includes a communication unit 2 and optical modules 21 to 2N installed on the communication unit 2. Optical modules 11 to 1N are connected to optical modules 21 to 2N respectively via optical fibers 1 to N. Here, N is a positive integer. This application does not limit the number of optical modules in a single communication device.

[0065] Optionally, an optical network may also include other types of equipment besides communication equipment and optical interconnects. For example... Figure 3 As shown, optionally, the optical network may also include an operation, administration and maintenance (OAM) unit, which is connected to network device 1 and network device 2 respectively.

[0066] Figure 4 This schematically illustrates another configuration for communication device 1 and communication device 2 in an optical network. For example... Figure 4 As shown, communication device 1 includes a communication unit 1 and an optical module 1, and communication device 2 includes a communication unit 2 and an optical module 2. Optical module 1 and optical module 2 are connected via optical fiber 1. Communication device 1 may include a greater number of optical modules; for example, optical module 1 may be... Figure 3 The optical module shown can be any one of optical modules 11 to 1N, and optical module 2 can be... Figure 3 Any one of the optical modules 21 to 2N shown.

[0067] Optical modules in communication equipment can be mounted on the communication device of that equipment. Mounting an optical module on a communication device can be understood as the optical module being fixed to the communication device, and a communication connection being established between the optical module and the communication device. An example of this type of optical module is a co-packaged optics (CPO). Alternatively, the optical module can be pluggably mounted on the communication device, or alternatively, it can be non-pluggably integrated into the communication device. An example of this type of optical module is a linear-drive pluggable optics (LPO).

[0068] This application does not limit the type of communication equipment. For example, the communication equipment may be an optical line terminal (OLT), an optical network unit (ONU), a server, an optical access device, an optical switching device, an optical amplification device, an optical transport network (OTN) transmission device, or a computer device, etc.

[0069] Optical modules are used for photoelectric conversion. For example, an optical module can convert an electrical signal into an optical signal, or an optical signal into an electrical signal, or both.

[0070] The following section uses communication device 1 for transmitting optical signals through optical module 1 and communication device 2 for receiving optical signals through optical module 2 as an example to introduce the functions of communication device 1 and communication device 2 and the methods in an optical network. Optionally, communication device 1 can also receive optical signals through optical module 1, and communication device 2 can also transmit optical signals through optical module 2.

[0071] To improve the reliability of optical networks, they can have diagnostic capabilities to monitor network performance by diagnosing signals within the network. For example, an optical module may include a diagnostic unit used to diagnose channel quality between communication devices based on signals within the module. The diagnostic results can then be used to monitor the optical network's performance. This application example uses the diagnostic unit diagnosing electrical signals; optionally, the diagnostic unit can also diagnose other types of signals.

[0072] Assumption Figure 4 The optical network shown has diagnostic capabilities. Figure 5 This schematically illustrates one structure of an optical network. For example... Figure 5 As shown, optical module 1 may include a diagnostic unit 1 and an optical transmitting unit. The optical transmitting unit is connected to communication device 1 through the diagnostic unit 1. Optical module 2 may include a diagnostic unit 2 and an optical receiving unit. The optical receiving unit is connected to communication device 2 through the diagnostic unit 2. Communication device 1 can control optical module 1 to operate in service mode 1 or diagnostic mode 1, and communication device 2 can control optical module 2 to operate in service mode 2 or diagnostic mode 2.

[0073] When optical module 1 operates in service mode 1, it can receive electrical signals from communication device 1. Diagnostic unit 1 transmits these electrical signals to optical transmitting unit, which converts them into optical signals and sends them to optical fiber 1. When optical module 2 operates in service mode 2, it can receive optical signals from optical fiber 1. Optical receiving unit converts these signals into electrical signals, and diagnostic unit 2 transmits them to communication device 2. When optical modules 1 and 2 operate in service mode 1 and service mode 2 respectively, communication device 1 can send service data to communication device 2 through the communication link between them.

[0074] When optical module 1 operates in diagnostic mode 1, diagnostic unit 1 can generate a certain type of diagnostic data (referred to as type 1), such as a pseudo-random bit sequence 1, and carry the diagnostic data on an electrical signal. The optical transmitting unit can convert the electrical signal into an optical signal and transmit the optical signal to optical fiber 1. When optical module 2 operates in service mode 2, optical module 2 can receive optical signals from optical fiber 1. The optical receiving unit converts the optical signal into an electrical signal, and diagnostic unit 2 diagnoses the channel quality of the communication link (referred to as link 1) between communication device 1 and communication device 2 based on the electrical signal and sends the diagnostic result to communication device 2, instead of transparently transmitting the received electrical signal to communication device 2. When optical module 1 and optical module 2 operate in diagnostic mode 1 and diagnostic mode 2 respectively, communication device 2 can obtain diagnostic results indicating the channel quality of link 1.

[0075] When diagnostic unit 2 is operating in diagnostic mode 2, if the data carried by the electrical signal received by diagnostic unit 2 is service data, communication device 2 will be unable to receive the electrical signal carrying the service data, reducing the reliability of data transmission between communication device 1 and communication device 2.

[0076] To ensure the reliability of the communication system, the optical network can use a network management system to control and schedule the operating modes of optical module 1 and optical module 2, keeping their operating modes synchronized. For example, the network management system can send control signals to communication device 1 to instruct it to control optical module 1 to enter diagnostic mode 1 or service mode 1. Similarly, the network management system can send control signals to communication device 2 to instruct it to control optical module 2 to enter diagnostic mode 2 or service mode 2.

[0077] However, the scheduling mode of optical module 1 and optical module 2 by the network management system is more complex, which increases the complexity of optical network construction. In addition, it requires the support of communication equipment 1, communication equipment 2 and network management system, which reduces the availability and versatility of the solution.

[0078] Therefore, this application improves the structure of communication equipment in optical networks and provides a corresponding communication method based on the improved structure.

[0079] Taking the pluggable installation of optical modules on communication devices as an example, Figure 6 The schematic diagram illustrates the structure of the optical network with receiving-end diagnostic functionality provided in this application. For example... Figure 6 As shown, the optical network includes communication device 1 and communication device 2. Communication device 1 includes a communication unit 1 and an optical module 1, and communication device 2 includes a communication unit 2 and an optical module 2. Optical module 1 and optical module 2 are connected via optical fiber 1. Optical module 2 includes an optical receiving unit, a diagnostic unit 2, and an interface unit 2. The output terminal of the optical receiving unit ( Figure 6 (As shown in the black circle in the middle) Connect the diagnostic unit 2 and the interface unit 2 respectively. The interface unit 2 is used to connect the communication device 2. For example, the interface unit 2 is used to pluggably install the optical module 2 onto the communication device 2. Figure 6 In the example of optical receiving unit 2 and diagnostic unit 2 being connected to communication device 2 through interface unit 2, when optical module 2 is integrated on communication device 2 in a non-pluggable manner, optical module 2 may not include interface unit 2, and optical receiving unit 2 and diagnostic unit 2 may be directly connected to communication device 2. Figure 6 In the optical network shown, fiber 1 can be replaced with other types of optical communication media.

[0080] and Figure 5 The optical receiving unit in the optical module 2 shown is connected to the communication device 2 via the diagnostic unit 2. (The last two sentences appear to be incomplete and possibly contain errors.) Figure 6In the optical module 2 shown, the output of the optical receiving unit is connected to the diagnostic unit 2 and the communication device 2, respectively. The diagnostic unit 2 and the communication device 2 receive the electrical signals output by the optical receiving unit. Thus, when the diagnostic unit 2 performs diagnostics based on the received electrical signals, even if the data carried by the electrical signals is service data, the communication device 2 can still receive the electrical signals and obtain the service data. This reduces the complexity of the optical network architecture while ensuring the reliability of data transmission between the communication device 1 and the communication device 2.

[0081] Figure 6 As an example only, optical module 2 may include more structures or units. Figure 7 This schematically illustrates another structure of optical module 2. For example... Figure 7 As shown, interface unit 2 may include interface 21 and interface 22. The optical receiving unit is connected to interface 21, and the diagnostic unit 2 is connected to interface 22. Taking interface unit 2 as a gold finger as an example, interface 21 and interface 22 can be different pins in the gold finger.

[0082] This application does not limit the implementation of the optical receiving unit. For example, such as... Figure 7 As shown, the optical receiving unit may include a photodetector, an analog-to-digital converter (ADC), and a signal processing unit 2. The output of the signal processing unit 2 is connected to the diagnostic unit 2 and the interface 21, respectively. The photodetector is used to receive optical signals from optical fiber 1 and convert the optical signals into analog electrical signals. The photodetector can be replaced with other types of optical receivers. The ADC is used to convert the analog electrical signals into electrical signals, and the signal processing unit 2 is used to process the electrical signals. For example, the signal processing unit 2 is used to perform at least one of the following processes on the electrical signals: equalization, compensation, or clock data recovery (CDR). Figure 7 The optical receiving unit shown is merely an example. The optical receiving unit may include more or fewer devices. For example, the optical receiving unit may not include the signal processing unit 2, and the output of the ADC may be connected to the diagnostic unit 2 and the interface 21 respectively.

[0083] This application does not limit the implementation of the diagnostic unit 2. For example, such as... Figure 7 As shown, the diagnostic unit 2 may include a diagnostic subunit 2, a central processing unit 2, and a storage unit 2. The diagnostic subunit 2 is used to receive electrical signals from the output of the optical receiving unit, diagnose the channel quality based on the electrical signals to obtain diagnostic results, and then send the diagnostic results to the central processing unit 2. The central processing unit 2 is used to store the diagnostic results in the storage unit 2. Figure 7 Taking the central processing unit 2 connected to the storage unit 2 via bus 2 as an example, this application does not limit the connection method between the central processing unit 2 and the storage unit 2. Figure 7As shown, interface 22 is connected to storage unit 2, and communication device 2 can obtain diagnostic results from storage unit 2 through interface 22. Figure 7 Taking the connection of interface 22 to storage unit 2 via bus 2 as an example, this application does not limit the connection method between interface 22 and storage unit 2.

[0084] Optionally, the diagnostic unit 2 may not include the central processing unit 2, and the diagnostic subunit 2 may directly write the diagnostic results to the storage unit 2. Optionally, the central processing unit 2 may be replaced with other types of processing units.

[0085] based on Figure 6 or Figure 7 The optical network shown Figure 8 An example of the method provided in this application is illustrated schematically. Figure 8 The method may include S801 to S807.

[0086] S801, Communication device 1 sends an optical signal to communication device 2 through optical fiber 1, and correspondingly, communication device 2 can receive the optical signal through optical fiber 1;

[0087] Communication device 1 can send optical signals to communication device 2 via optical fiber 1. For example... Figure 8 As shown, the communication device 1 may include a communication unit 1 and an optical module 1. The output end of the optical module 1 is connected to one end of the optical fiber 1, and the communication unit 1 can control the optical module 1 to output an optical signal to the optical fiber 1. Since the other end of the optical fiber 1 is connected to the communication device 2, the optical signal output by the optical module 1 to the optical fiber 1 can be sent to the communication device 2, and the communication device 2 can receive the optical signal.

[0088] S802, The optical receiving unit converts the optical signal into an electrical signal r;

[0089] After receiving an optical signal from optical fiber 1, the optical receiving unit can convert the optical signal into an electrical signal r. This application does not limit the specific method by which the optical receiving unit converts the optical signal into an electrical signal.

[0090] For example, after the optical receiving unit receives the optical signal, the photodetector can convert the optical signal into an analog electrical signal, and the optical receiving unit can output the analog electrical signal. Accordingly, the analog electrical signal is an electrical signal r.

[0091] Or, for example, such as Figure 7 As shown, after the photodetector converts the optical signal into an analog electrical signal, the ADC converts the analog electrical signal into a digital electrical signal, and the optical receiving unit can output the digital electrical signal. Correspondingly, the digital electrical signal is an electrical signal r.

[0092] Or, for example, such as Figure 7As shown, after the photodetector converts the optical signal into an analog electrical signal, the ADC converts the analog electrical signal into a digital electrical signal. The signal processing unit 2 processes the digital electrical signal, for example, by performing at least one of the following processes: equalization, compensation, or CDR. The optical receiving unit can output the digital electrical signal processed by the signal processing unit 2. Correspondingly, the digital electrical signal processed by the signal processing unit 2 is an electrical signal r.

[0093] Alternatively, for example, after the photodetector converts the optical signal into an analog electrical signal, the signal processing unit 2 processes the analog electrical signal, and the optical receiving unit can output the analog electrical signal processed by the signal processing unit 2. Accordingly, the analog electrical signal processed by the signal processing unit 2 is an electrical signal r.

[0094] S803, Communication device 2 receives electrical signal r from the output of optical receiving unit;

[0095] The optical receiving unit outputs an electrical signal r, and the communication device 2 can receive the electrical signal r from the output of the optical receiving unit.

[0096] like Figure 8 As shown, the output of the optical receiving unit can be connected to interface unit 2, and interface unit 2 is connected to communication device 2. After the optical receiving unit outputs an electrical signal r, communication device 2 can receive the electrical signal r through interface unit 2. Figure 7 As shown, the output of the optical receiving unit can be specifically connected to interface 21 in interface unit 2, and the communication device 2 can receive the electrical signal r through interface 21.

[0097] S804, Communication device 2 processes the electrical signal r;

[0098] After receiving the electrical signal output by the optical receiving unit, the communication device 2 can process the electrical signal. For example, the communication device 2 can parse the electrical signal to obtain the information carried by the electrical signal r, and then process the information.

[0099] This application does not limit the manner in which the communication device 2 processes the information carried by the electrical signal r. For example, the communication device 2 may store the information, perform calculations on the information, or forward the information.

[0100] S805, Diagnostic unit 2 receives electrical signal r from the output of optical receiving unit;

[0101] After the optical receiving unit outputs an electrical signal r, not only can the communication device 2 receive the electrical signal r, but the diagnostic unit 2 can also receive the electrical signal r. This application does not limit the method by which the diagnostic unit 2 receives the electrical signal r.

[0102] For example, the optical module further includes a splitter unit, through which the diagnostic unit 2 and the communication device 2 are respectively connected to the output of the optical receiving unit. The splitter unit includes an input terminal, a first output terminal, and a second output terminal. The input terminal of the splitter unit is connected to the output of the optical receiving unit, the first output terminal is connected to the communication device 2, and the second output terminal is connected to the diagnostic unit 2. The splitter unit receives the electrical signal r output by the optical receiving unit through its input terminal, and then outputs the electrical signal r through both the first and second output terminals. The electrical signal output through the first output terminal is the same as the electrical signal received through the input terminal, and the electrical signal output through the second output terminal is the same as the electrical signal received through the input terminal.

[0103] Alternatively, for example, the optical module further includes a sampling unit, through which the diagnostic unit 2 is connected to the output of the optical receiving unit. The sampling unit samples the electrical signal r output by the optical receiving unit and outputs the sampling result to the diagnostic unit 2. The communication device 2 may not be connected to the output of the optical receiving unit through a sampling unit.

[0104] S806, Diagnostic unit 2 diagnoses the channel quality between communication device 1 and communication device 2 based on the electrical signal r;

[0105] After receiving the electrical signal r, the diagnostic unit 2 can diagnose the channel quality between the communication device 1 and the communication device 2 based on the electrical signal r and obtain the diagnostic result.

[0106] Continue to refer to Figure 7 The diagnostic subunit 2 receives electrical signals from the output of the optical receiving unit, diagnoses the channel quality based on the electrical signals, obtains diagnostic results, and then sends the diagnostic results to the central processing unit 2. The central processing unit 2 stores the diagnostic results in the storage unit 2.

[0107] This application does not limit the type of diagnostic result. For example, the diagnostic result is used to indicate at least one of bit error rate, bit error distribution, signal-to-noise ratio, or frequency response.

[0108] This application does not limit the specific way in which the diagnostic unit 2 performs the diagnosis. Examples of the specific way in which the diagnostic unit 2 performs the diagnosis will be given later, and will not be elaborated here.

[0109] S807, Communication device 2 obtains the diagnostic results from optical module 2.

[0110] After the diagnostic unit 2 obtains the diagnostic results, the communication device 2 can acquire the diagnostic results from the optical module 2.

[0111] This application does not limit the method by which the communication device 2 obtains diagnostic results. For example, see below. Figure 7After the diagnostic subunit 2 stores the diagnostic result in the storage unit 2, the communication device 2 can retrieve the diagnostic result from the storage unit 2 through the interface 22. Alternatively, for example, the diagnostic subunit 2 can actively send the diagnostic result to the communication device 2.

[0112] like Figure 8 As shown, the output terminal of diagnostic unit 2 (e.g.) Figure 8 The black-filled circle on the diagnostic unit 2 can be connected to the interface unit 2, which in turn connects to the communication device 2. The communication device 2 can obtain diagnostic results from the diagnostic unit 2 through the interface unit 2. Figure 7 As shown, the output of the diagnostic unit 2 can be specifically connected to the interface 22 in the interface unit 2, and the communication device 2 can obtain the diagnostic results from the diagnostic unit 2 through the interface 22.

[0113] For communication systems with diagnostic capabilities, if existing technical methods are used, then... Figure 5 As shown, the optical receiving unit is connected to the communication device 2 via the diagnostic unit 2. According to this application... Figures 6-8 In an example, the output of the optical receiver unit is connected to both the diagnostic unit 2 and the communication device 2. It can be seen that the difference lies in the following: in the prior art, when the diagnostic unit 2 performs diagnosis based on the received electrical signal, it cannot send the electrical signal output by the optical receiver unit to the communication device 2; while in this application, when the diagnostic unit 2 performs diagnosis based on the received electrical signal, the communication device 2 can still receive the electrical signal output by the optical receiver unit. In practical applications, to ensure the reliability of data transmission between communication device 1 and communication device 2, the network management system schedules the working modes of optical module 1 and optical module 2, which is a complex scheduling scheme. The solution provided in this application can reduce the complexity of optical network topology while ensuring the reliability of data transmission between communication device 1 and communication device 2.

[0114] This application does not limit the type of information carried in the optical signal by the communication device 1.

[0115] In one implementation, communication device 1 carries service information in an optical signal, and correspondingly, the electrical signal r output by the optical receiving unit also carries this service information. Diagnostic unit 2 can perform diagnostics based on the electrical signal r carrying the service information. Thus, during the transmission of service information from communication device 1 to communication device 2, diagnostic unit 2 can perform diagnostics without needing to transmit diagnostic information separately, improving the transmission efficiency of service information.

[0116] Optionally, the diagnostic unit 2 performing diagnosis based on the electrical signal r carrying service information can be understood as performing diagnosis based on the service information. For example, the communication device 1 can encode the service information with a redundancy correction code, adding extra redundant information to the service information. After the diagnostic unit 2 parses the electrical signal r, it can decode the redundancy correction code on the parsed information and determine the channel quality (such as bit error rate and / or bit error distribution) by comparing the decoded information with the information before decoding.

[0117] This application does not limit the type of redundancy correction code. For example, the redundancy correction code can be a parity check code, a cyclic redundancy check (CRC) code, or a Hamming code, etc.

[0118] This application does not limit the diagnostic unit 2 to performing diagnostics based on all electrical signals output by the optical receiving unit. Optionally, the diagnostic unit 2 can perform diagnostics when certain conditions are met. These conditions can be pre-configured or predefined. The following example, in conjunction with a method example, illustrates the conditions (referred to as triggering conditions) under which the diagnostic unit 2 performs diagnostics.

[0119] In the first implementation of the triggering condition, the triggering condition can be that the diagnostic unit 2 receives a control signal generated in the communication device 2.

[0120] Taking the control signal as a periodic signal generated and output within optical module 2 as an example, Figure 9 This schematically illustrates an example of the system architecture and method corresponding to the first implementation of diagnostic conditions. For example... Figure 9 As shown, the optical module 2 also includes a clock unit 2, which generates and outputs a periodic control signal, referred to as a clock signal. Optionally, the communication device 2 can configure the period of the control signal output by the clock unit 2 through the interface unit 2. For example, the optical module 2 can control the frequency at which the diagnostic unit 2 performs diagnostics by means including but not limited to switching the clock source or modifying the frequency division or multiplication factor, thereby limiting the power consumption cost of diagnostics.

[0121] The following is an introduction Figure 9 The method shown. (As shown) Figure 9 As shown, the method may include S901 to S9014.

[0122] S901, Communication device 1 sends optical signal 1 to communication device 2 through optical fiber 1, and correspondingly, communication device 2 can receive optical signal 1 through optical fiber 1;

[0123] For example, communication device 1 sends data signal 1 to optical module 1, and data signal 1 carries service information 1. After receiving data signal 1, optical module 1 can perform electro-optical conversion on data signal 1 to obtain and transmit optical signal 1 through optical fiber 1.

[0124] S902, The optical receiving unit converts the optical signal 1 into an electrical signal r1;

[0125] S903, Communication device 2 receives electrical signal r1 from the output of optical receiving unit;

[0126] S904, Communication device 2 processes the electrical signal r1;

[0127] S905, Diagnostic unit 2 receives electrical signal r1 from the output of optical receiving unit;

[0128] For S901 to S905, please refer to the relevant content of S801 to S805, which will not be repeated here.

[0129] S906, Diagnostic unit 2 does not diagnose channel quality based on electrical signal r1;

[0130] After receiving the electrical signal r1 from the output of the optical receiving unit, the diagnostic unit 2 may not perform the diagnosis because it has not received the control signal, i.e., the triggering condition is not met.

[0131] S907. Communication device 1 sends optical signal 2 to communication device 2 through optical fiber 1, and correspondingly, communication device 2 can receive optical signal 2 through optical fiber 1.

[0132] For example, communication device 1 sends data signal 2 to optical module 1, and data signal 2 carries service information 2. After receiving data signal 2, optical module 1 can perform electro-optical conversion on data signal 2 and obtain and transmit optical signal 2 through optical fiber 1.

[0133] S908, the optical receiving unit converts optical signal 2 into electrical signal r2;

[0134] S909, Communication device 2 receives electrical signal r2 from the output of optical receiving unit;

[0135] S910, Communication device 2 processes the electrical signal r2;

[0136] For S907 to S910, please refer to the relevant content of S801 to S804, which will not be repeated here.

[0137] S911, clock unit 2 sends a control signal to diagnostic unit 2, and correspondingly, diagnostic unit 2 receives the control signal;

[0138] Clock unit 2 can generate and output periodic control signals, and diagnostic unit 2 can periodically receive these control signals. These periodic control signals can be referred to as clock signals. These control signals are used to instruct diagnostic unit 2 to perform diagnostics, that is, to diagnose the channel quality between communication device 1 and communication device 2 based on the electrical signals received from the output of the optical receiving unit.

[0139] S912, Diagnostic unit 2 receives electrical signal r2 from the output of optical receiving unit;

[0140] The S912 can be referenced from the relevant content of the S806, which will not be repeated here.

[0141] S913, Diagnostic unit 2 diagnoses channel quality based on electrical signal r2;

[0142] After receiving the electrical signal r2 from the output of the optical receiving unit, the diagnostic unit 2 meets the triggering condition since it has already received the control signal from the clock unit 2. The diagnostic unit 2 can perform diagnostics based on the electrical signal r2, for example, diagnosing the channel quality between communication device 1 and communication device 2 based on the received electrical signal r2, and obtaining the diagnostic result.

[0143] This application does not limit the conditions for the diagnostic unit 2 to end the diagnosis (referred to as the termination condition). For example, the diagnostic unit 2 may end the diagnosis after a preset time period following the receipt of a control signal. Alternatively, for example, the diagnostic unit 2 may also receive other control signals to indicate the end of the diagnosis, and the diagnostic unit 2 may end the diagnosis after receiving such other control signals.

[0144] S914, the communication device 2 obtains the diagnostic result from the diagnostic unit 2.

[0145] The S914 can refer to the relevant content of the S807, which will not be repeated here.

[0146] exist Figure 9 In the example, taking the generation of control signals within optical module 2 as an example, optionally, communication device 2 can generate and send control signals to diagnostic unit 2. For example, communication device 2 can send control signals to the diagnostic unit through interface 22. Figure 9 In the example, the control signal is a periodic signal. Optionally, the control signal may not be a periodic signal.

[0147] In a second implementation of the triggering condition, the triggering condition may be that the optical signal carries first information, and the diagnostic unit 2 detects the first information in the electrical signal r. In this way, by adding the first information to the optical signal, the communication device 1 can control the diagnostic unit 2 in the communication device 2 to perform diagnostics based on the received signal, reducing complexity.

[0148] This application does not limit the manner in which the optical signal carries the first information. For example, the communication device 2 adds a first field to the frame carrying the optical signal to enable the optical signal to carry the first information. Correspondingly, the diagnostic unit 2 can determine that the first information is detected in the electrical signal r by parsing the electrical signal r and identifying the first field in the parsed frame.

[0149] Communication device 2 can selectively transmit optical signals carrying the first field or optical signals not carrying the first field. This application does not limit the way communication device 2 selectively adds the first field to the optical signal.

[0150] For example, the communication device 2 can selectively send an electrical signal with or without the first field to the optical module 1. The optical module 1 converts the electrical signal into an optical signal, which can make the optical signal carry the first information or not carry the first information.

[0151] Or, for example, such as Figure 10 As shown, the optical module 2, in addition to including an optical transmitting unit, may also include a diagnostic unit 1. The optical transmitting unit converts the electrical signals transmitted by the communication device 1 into optical signals, and the diagnostic unit 1 selectively adds a first field to the electrical signals received by the optical transmitting unit. Optionally, and Figure 5 The optical module 1 shown has an optical transmitting unit connected to the communication device 1 via a diagnostic unit 1. Different units are connected in this way. Figure 10 In the optical module 1 shown, the input terminal of the optical transmitting unit (such as...) Figure 10 The black-filled circles on the light transmitting unit (as shown) are connected to the diagnostic unit 1 and the communication device 1, respectively.

[0152] Figure 10 As an example only, optical module 1 may include more structures or units. Figure 11 This schematically illustrates another structure of optical module 1. For example... Figure 11 As shown, interface unit 1 may include interface 11 and interface 12. The optical transmission unit is connected to interface 11, and the diagnostic unit 1 is connected to interface 12. Taking interface unit 1 as a gold finger as an example, interface 11 and interface 12 can be different pins in the gold finger.

[0153] This application does not limit the implementation of the optical transmission unit. For example, such as... Figure 11As shown, the optical transmitting unit may include a laser, a digital-to-analog converter (DAC), and a signal processing unit 1. The input terminals of the signal processing unit 1 are connected to the diagnostic unit 1 and the interface 11, respectively. The signal processing unit 1 is used to process the electrical signals input to the optical transmitting unit. For example, the signal processing unit 1 is used to perform at least one of the following processes on the electrical signals: equalization, compensation, or clock data recovery (CDR). The DAC is used to convert the digital electrical signals into analog electrical signals, and the laser is used to convert the analog electrical signals into optical signals. The laser can be replaced with other types of optical transmitters. Figure 11 The optical transmitting unit shown is merely an example. The optical transmitting unit may include more or fewer devices. For example, the optical transmitting unit may not include the signal processing unit 1, and the input of the DAC may be connected to the diagnostic unit 1 and the interface 11, respectively.

[0154] This application does not limit the implementation of diagnostic unit 1. For example, such as... Figure 11 As shown, the diagnostic unit 1 may include a diagnostic subunit 1, a central processing unit 1, and a storage unit 1. The diagnostic subunit 1 receives control signals from the central processing unit 1 and adds a first field to the electrical signal of the input optical transmission unit based on the control signals. Optionally, the diagnostic unit 1 may not include the central processing unit 1, and the diagnostic subunit 1 may directly receive control signals through interface 12. Optionally, the diagnostic unit 1 may not include the storage unit 1.

[0155] Taking the example of communication device 1 controlling diagnostic unit 1 to selectively add a first field to an electrical signal, Figure 10 This schematically illustrates a system architecture and method example corresponding to the second implementation of diagnostic conditions. The following section introduces... Figure 10 The method shown. (As shown) Figure 10 As shown, the method may include S1001 to S1019.

[0156] S1001, Communication device 1 sends data signal 1 to optical module 1, and correspondingly, optical module 1 receives data signal 1;

[0157] Communication device 1 can send data signal 1 to optical module 1, and correspondingly, optical module 1 can receive data signal 1. Data signal 1 can carry service information 1.

[0158] Continue to refer to Figure 11 Optionally, the communication device 1 can send data signal 1 to the optical transmitting unit through interface 11, and correspondingly, the optical transmitting unit can receive data signal 1 through interface 11.

[0159] S1002, Optical module 1 converts data signal 1 into optical signal 1;

[0160] After receiving data signal 1, the optical module 1 can perform electro-optical conversion on the data signal 1 to obtain optical signal 1.

[0161] Continue to refer to Figure 11 The optical transmitting unit can process data signal 1 and convert the processed data signal 1 into optical signal 1.

[0162] S1003, Optical module 1 transmits optical signal 1, and correspondingly, optical module 2 receives optical signal 1;

[0163] S1004, The optical receiving unit converts the optical signal 1 into an electrical signal r1;

[0164] S1005, Communication device 2 receives electrical signal r1 from the output of optical receiving unit;

[0165] S1006, Communication device 2 processes the electrical signal r1;

[0166] S1007, Diagnostic unit 2 receives electrical signal r1 from the output of optical receiving unit;

[0167] For S1003 to S1007, please refer to the relevant content of S801 to S805, which will not be repeated here.

[0168] S1008, diagnostic unit 2 analyzes electrical signal r1 and determines that the analyzed frame does not include the first field;

[0169] S1009, Diagnostic unit 2 does not diagnose channel quality based on electrical signal r1;

[0170] After the diagnostic unit 2 parses the electrical signal r1, if the parsed frame does not include the first field, meaning the triggering condition is not met, the diagnostic unit 2 may not perform the diagnosis.

[0171] S1010, Communication device 1 sends data signal 2 and control signal to optical module 1, and correspondingly, optical module 1 receives data signal 2 and control signal;

[0172] Communication device 1 can send data signal 2 and control signal to optical module 1, and correspondingly, optical module 1 can receive data signal 2 and control signal. Data signal 2 can carry service information 2, and control signal indicates that a first field is added to the frame carried by the data signal.

[0173] Continue to refer to Figure 11 Optionally, the communication device 1 can send data signal 2 to the optical transmitting unit through interface 11 and send control signal to the diagnostic unit 1 through interface 12. Correspondingly, the optical transmitting unit can receive data signal 2 and the diagnostic unit 1 can receive control signal.

[0174] S1011, Optical module 1 adds a first field to the frame carried by data signal 2 according to the control signal, and converts data signal 2' with the first field added into optical signal 2;

[0175] After receiving the control signal and the data signal 2, the optical module 1 can add a first field to the frame carried by the data signal 2 according to the instructions of the control signal, and convert the data signal 2' with the first field added into the optical signal 2.

[0176] Figure 12 This illustration schematically shows the frame structure after adding the first field. This application does not limit the location where the first field is added. Figure 12 Taking the example of adding the first field before the data field. Optionally, the first field can be added to the frame header. The data field can carry the aforementioned service information 2. In this application, the service information can also be referred to as service signal data.

[0177] Continue to refer to Figure 11 Optionally, after receiving the control signal through interface 12, the diagnostic unit 1 can add a first field to the frame carried by the data signal 2 of the input optical transmitting unit. The optical transmitting unit can receive the data signal 2 with the first field added (denoted as data signal 2'), and perform electro-optical conversion on the data signal 2' to obtain the optical signal 2.

[0178] S1012, Optical module 1 sends optical signal 2, and correspondingly, optical module 2 receives optical signal 2;

[0179] S1013, The optical receiving unit converts the optical signal 2 into an electrical signal r2;

[0180] S1014. Communication device 2 receives electrical signal r2 from the output of optical receiving unit;

[0181] S1015, Communication device 2 processes the electrical signal r2;

[0182] S1016, Diagnostic unit 2 receives electrical signal r2 from the output of optical receiving unit;

[0183] For S1012 to S1016, please refer to the relevant content of S801 to S805, which will not be repeated here.

[0184] S1017, Diagnostic unit 2 analyzes electrical signal r2 and determines that the analyzed frame includes the first field;

[0185] S1018, Diagnostic unit 2 diagnoses channel quality based on electrical signal r2;

[0186] After parsing the electrical signal r2, the diagnostic unit 2 can diagnose the channel quality based on the first field of the parsed frame, which indicates that the triggering condition is currently met. For example, it can diagnose the channel quality between communication device 1 and communication device 2 based on the received electrical signal r2 and obtain the diagnostic result.

[0187] This application does not limit the conditions for the diagnostic unit 2 to end the diagnosis (referred to as the termination condition). For example, the diagnostic unit 2 may end the diagnosis after a preset time period following the parsing of the first field. Alternatively, for example, the diagnostic unit 2 may also end the diagnosis after parsing a field indicating the end of the diagnosis in the received electrical signal.

[0188] S1019. The communication device 2 obtains the diagnostic result from the diagnostic unit 2.

[0189] For S1019, please refer to the relevant content of S807, which will not be repeated here.

[0190] This application does not limit the method by which the optical signal carries the first information. For example, the communication device 2 can multiplex multiple signals and convert the multiplexed signals into optical signals. In the multiple signals, the signal in frequency domain 0 is a data signal, and the signal in frequency domain 1 is a diagnostic signal. By adding the signal in frequency domain 1 to the multiple signals, the optical signal carries the first information. Correspondingly, the diagnostic unit 2 demultiplexes the electrical signal r and detects the signal in the first frequency domain in the demultiplexed signal. Based on the detected signal in the first frequency domain, for example, if the signal strength in the first frequency domain is higher than a threshold, it can be determined that the first information has been detected in the electrical signal r.

[0191] In this way, the diagnostic unit 2 in the communication device 2 can detect whether the electrical signal carries the first information by demultiplexing the electrical signal, thereby reducing the complexity of the diagnostic unit 2 in detecting the first information and improving the detection efficiency of the diagnostic unit 2.

[0192] For example, the communication device 2 can multiplex multiple signals and selectively add a signal in the frequency domain 1 to the multiple signals. Then, it sends the multiplexed electrical signal s to the optical module 1. The optical module 1 converts the electrical signal s into an optical signal, which can make the optical signal carry the first information or not carry the first information.

[0193] Or, for example, such as Figure 13 As shown, the communication device 1 is used to transmit data signals in the frequency domain 0 to the optical transmitting unit 1, and the diagnostic unit 1 is used to selectively transmit diagnostic signals in the frequency domain 1 to the optical transmitting unit. Optionally, the optical transmitting unit may include a multiplexing unit, which is used to multiplex multiple signals input to the optical transmitting unit into a single signal. Figure 13 This is just one example; other examples of optical module 1 can be found here. Figure 11 .

[0194] Taking the communication device 1 controlling the diagnostic unit 1 to selectively output the diagnostic signal in the frequency domain 1 as an example, Figure 13 This schematically illustrates another system architecture and method example corresponding to the second implementation of diagnostic conditions. The following section introduces... Figure 13 The method shown. (As shown) Figure 13 As shown, the method may include S1301 to S1319.

[0195] S1301, Communication device 1 sends data signal 1 in frequency domain 0 to optical module 1, and correspondingly, optical module 1 receives data signal 1 in frequency domain 0;

[0196] Communication device 1 can send data signal 1 in frequency domain 0 to optical module 1, and correspondingly, optical module 1 can receive data signal 1 in frequency domain 0. Data signal 1 can carry service information 1.

[0197] Continue to refer to Figure 11 Optionally, the communication device 1 can transmit the data signal 1 in the frequency domain 0 to the optical transmitting unit through the interface 11, and correspondingly, the optical transmitting unit can receive the data signal 1 in the frequency domain 0 through the interface 11.

[0198] S1302, Optical module 1 converts data signal 1 into optical signal 1;

[0199] After receiving data signal 1, the optical module 1 can perform electro-optical conversion on the data signal 1 to obtain optical signal 1.

[0200] Continue to refer to Figure 11 The optical transmitting unit can process the data signal 1 and convert the processed data signal 1 into an optical signal 1.

[0201] S1303, optical module 1 transmits optical signal 1, and correspondingly, optical module 2 receives optical signal 1;

[0202] S1304, The optical receiving unit converts the optical signal 1 into an electrical signal r1;

[0203] S1305, Communication device 2 receives electrical signal r1 from the output of optical receiving unit;

[0204] S1306, Communication device 2 processes the electrical signal r1;

[0205] S1307, Diagnostic unit 2 receives electrical signal r1 from the output of optical receiving unit;

[0206] For S1303 to S1307, please refer to the relevant content of S801 to S805, which will not be repeated here.

[0207] S1308, the diagnostic unit 2 demultiplexes the electrical signal r1 and determines that the demultiplexed signal does not include the signal in the frequency domain 1;

[0208] For example, if the signal strength in frequency domain 1 of the demultiplexed signal is less than a threshold, the diagnostic unit 2 can determine that the demultiplexed signal does not include the signal in frequency domain 1.

[0209] S1309, Diagnostic unit 2 does not diagnose channel quality based on electrical signal r1;

[0210] After the diagnostic unit 2 demultiplexes the electrical signal r1, since the demultiplexed signal does not include the signal in frequency domain 1, the triggering condition is not currently met, and the diagnostic unit 2 may not perform the diagnosis.

[0211] S1310, Communication device 1 sends control signal and data signal 2 in frequency domain 0 to optical module 1, and correspondingly, optical module 1 receives control signal and data signal 2 in frequency domain 0;

[0212] Communication device 1 can send control signals and data signals 2 in frequency domain 0 to optical module 1. Correspondingly, optical module 1 can receive control signals and data signals 2 in frequency domain 0. Data signal 2 can carry service information 2. The control signal indicates that the data signal 2 in frequency domain 0 and the diagnostic signal in frequency domain 1 are multiplexed and then electro-optically converted.

[0213] Continue to refer to Figure 11 Optionally, the communication device 1 can send a frequency domain 0 data signal 2 to the optical transmitting unit through interface 11, and send a control signal to the diagnostic unit 1 through interface 12. Correspondingly, the optical transmitting unit can receive the frequency domain 0 data signal 2 through interface 11, and the diagnostic unit 1 can receive the control signal through interface 12.

[0214] S1311, Optical module 1, according to the control signal, multiplexes the data signal in frequency domain 0 and the diagnostic signal in frequency domain 1, and converts the multiplexed signal into optical signal 2;

[0215] After receiving the control signal and data signal 2, optical module 1 can multiplex the data signal in frequency domain 0 and the diagnostic signal in frequency domain 1 according to the instructions of the control signal, and convert the multiplexed signal into optical signal 2.

[0216] Figure 14 The multiplexed signal is illustrated schematically. This application does not limit the size relationship between frequency domain 0 and frequency domain 1, nor does it limit the width of frequency domain 0 and frequency domain 1.

[0217] Continue to refer to Figure 11Optionally, after receiving the control signal through interface 12, diagnostic unit 1 can input a diagnostic signal in frequency domain 1 to the optical transmitting unit. The optical transmitting unit can multiplex the data signal in frequency domain 0 and the diagnostic signal in frequency domain 1, and perform electro-optic conversion on the multiplexed signal to obtain optical signal 2.

[0218] S1312, Optical module 1 sends optical signal 2, and correspondingly, optical module 2 receives optical signal 2;

[0219] S1313, The optical receiving unit converts the optical signal 2 into an electrical signal r2;

[0220] S1314. Communication device 2 receives electrical signal r2 from the output of optical receiving unit;

[0221] S1315, Communication device 2 processes the electrical signal r2;

[0222] S1316, Diagnostic unit 2 receives electrical signal r2 from the output of optical receiving unit;

[0223] For S1312 to S1316, please refer to the relevant content of S801 to S805, which will not be repeated here.

[0224] S1317, Diagnostic unit 2 demultiplexes the electrical signal r2 and determines that the demultiplexed signal includes the signal in frequency domain 1;

[0225] For example, based on the signal strength in frequency domain 1 of the demultiplexed signal being greater than a threshold, the diagnostic unit 2 can determine that the demultiplexed signal includes the signal in frequency domain 1. Based on the signal strength in frequency domain 1 of the demultiplexed signal being equal to a threshold, the diagnostic unit 2 can determine that the demultiplexed signal includes the signal in frequency domain 1 or determine that the demultiplexed signal does not include the signal in frequency domain 1.

[0226] S1318, Diagnostic unit 2 diagnoses channel quality based on electrical signal r2;

[0227] After the diagnostic unit 2 demultiplexes the electrical signal r2, based on the demultiplexed signal including the signal in frequency domain 1, i.e. the current triggering condition is met, the diagnostic unit 2 can diagnose the channel quality based on the electrical signal r2. For example, it can diagnose the channel quality between communication device 1 and communication device 2 based on the received electrical signal r2 and obtain the diagnostic result.

[0228] This application does not limit the conditions for the diagnostic unit 2 to end the diagnosis (referred to as the termination condition). For example, the diagnostic unit 2 may end the diagnosis after a preset time period following the demultiplexing of the diagnostic signal into frequency domain 1. Alternatively, for example, the diagnostic unit 2 may also demultiplex the signal into frequency domain 1 or frequency domain 2 from the received electrical signal, and the diagnostic unit 2 may end the diagnosis after parsing the signal into frequency domain 1 or frequency domain 2.

[0229] S1319. The communication device 2 obtains the diagnostic result from the diagnostic unit 2.

[0230] S1319 can refer to the relevant content of S807, which will not be repeated here.

[0231] This application does not limit the type of information carried by the communication device 1 in the optical signal. In another implementation, the communication device 1 carries service information or diagnostic mode information in the optical signal. The diagnostic mode information includes first information and diagnostic information. Correspondingly, the electrical signal r output by the optical receiving unit also carries the service information or the diagnostic mode information. When the diagnostic unit 2 determines that the electrical signal r carries the first information, it can perform a diagnosis based on the electrical signal r.

[0232] Optionally, the diagnostic unit 2 performing diagnosis based on the electrical signal r carrying diagnostic information can be understood as performing diagnosis based on this diagnostic information. For example, communication device 1 can carry predefined or preconfigured diagnostic information in the optical signal. After receiving the electrical signal r, diagnostic unit 2 can parse the information carried by the electrical signal r and determine the channel quality (such as bit error rate and / or bit error distribution) by comparing the parsed information with the predefined or preconfigured diagnostic information. This diagnostic information can be, for example, a pseudo-random bit sequence, which is generated using a specific algorithm and is a nearly random but predictable bit sequence. Alternatively, for example, communication device 1 can send a signal with a predefined or preconfigured waveform. After receiving the electrical signal r, diagnostic unit 2 can detect the waveform of the electrical signal r and determine the channel's signal-to-noise ratio and / or frequency response based on the waveform of the electrical signal r and the predefined or preconfigured waveform.

[0233] Optionally, the diagnostic mode information may further include second information. The second information indicates the type of the diagnostic information and / or the type of the diagnostic result. For example, the type of the diagnostic information may be the content of the diagnostic information; for instance, the second information may indicate that the diagnostic information is a first binary sequence or a second binary sequence, or a signal of a first waveform or a signal of a second waveform. After receiving the second information, the diagnostic unit 2 can determine the content of the diagnostic information. For example, the type of the diagnostic result may be a diagnostic parameter; for instance, the diagnostic parameter may be bit error rate, bit error distribution, signal-to-noise ratio, or frequency response.

[0234] This application does not limit the manner in which the communication device 1 carries diagnostic mode information in the optical signal. For example, the communication device 2 can selectively send an electrical signal carrying diagnostic mode information or an electrical signal carrying service information to the optical module 1. The optical module 1 converts the electrical signal into an optical signal, which can make the optical signal carry or not carry diagnostic mode information.

[0235] Alternatively, for example, optical module 1 can selectively add diagnostic mode information to the electrical signal sent by communication device 1, and convert the electrical signal with added diagnostic mode information into an optical signal. For example... Figure 11 As shown, optical module 2, in addition to the optical transmitting unit, may also include a diagnostic unit 1. The diagnostic unit 1 is used to selectively add diagnostic mode information to the electrical signal received by the optical transmitting unit. The method by which the diagnostic unit 1 adds first information to the electrical signal received by the optical transmitting unit was described earlier. Since the diagnostic mode information includes first information and diagnostic information, or includes first information, diagnostic information, and second information, therefore, and Figure 10 or Figure 13 The difference between the examples is that the information added to the electrical signal received by the diagnostic unit 1 from the optical transmitting unit includes not only the first information but also other information.

[0236] The following example illustrates how optical module 1 adds the first information to the received electrical signal.

[0237] In one possible implementation, the communication device 1 can selectively send a control signal to the optical module 1, the control signal instructing the generation of a signal carrying diagnostic mode information and converting the signal into an optical signal. (Continue to refer to...) Figure 11 Optionally, the communication device 1 can send control signals to the diagnostic unit 1 through the interface 12, and correspondingly, the diagnostic unit 1 can receive control signals through the interface 12.

[0238] Based on the control signal sent by the receiving communication device 1, the optical module 1 can generate a signal carrying diagnostic mode information according to the instruction of the control signal, and convert the signal into an optical signal 2. Figure 15 The diagram illustrates the frame structure of diagnostic mode information. For example... Figure 15 As shown, the frame includes a first field, a second field, and a diagnostic information field. The first field indicates first information, such as indicating the generation of a signal carrying diagnostic mode information and the conversion of that signal into optical signal 2. The second field indicates second information, and the diagnostic information field carries diagnostic information. This application does not limit the positional relationship between the three fields. Optionally, the first and second fields can be added to the frame header. In this application, the first field can be referred to as the trigger frame, the second field as mode data, and the third field as digital diagnostic signal data. Optionally, the frame may not include the second field. (Continue to the next step...) Figure 11 Optionally, after receiving the control signal through interface 12, diagnostic unit 1 can generate a signal carrying diagnostic mode information, and then input the signal to the optical transmitting unit. The optical transmitting unit can receive the signal, perform electro-optical conversion on the signal, and obtain optical signal 2.

[0239] After receiving the electrical signal, the diagnostic unit 2 can parse the electrical signal. If the parsed frame does not include the first field, that is, the trigger condition is not met, the channel quality is not diagnosed based on the received electrical signal. If the parsed frame includes the first field, that is, the trigger condition is met, the diagnostic unit 2 can diagnose the channel quality based on the electrical signal.

[0240] This application does not limit the conditions for the diagnostic unit 2 to end the diagnosis (referred to as the termination condition). For example, the diagnostic unit 2 may end the diagnosis after a preset time period following the parsing of the first field. Alternatively, for example, the diagnostic unit 2 may also end the diagnosis after parsing a field indicating the end of the diagnosis in the received electrical signal.

[0241] In another possible implementation, communication device 1 can selectively send control signals to optical module 1. These control signals can indicate the generation and multiplexing of signals in frequency domain 0 and frequency domain 1, and convert the multiplexed signals into optical signals. Correspondingly, optical module 1 can receive the control signals. (Continue to the previous section) Figure 11 Optionally, the communication device 1 can send control signals to the diagnostic unit 1 through the interface 12, and correspondingly, the diagnostic unit 1 can receive control signals through the interface 12.

[0242] After receiving the control signal, optical module 1 generates a signal in frequency domain 0 and a signal in frequency domain 1. The generated signals are multiplexed, and the multiplexed signals are converted into optical signal 2. The signal in frequency domain 0 can carry diagnostic information, while the signal in frequency domain 1 can carry secondary information or not. Figure 16 This is an illustration of a signal after multiplexing. This application does not limit the magnitude relationship between frequency domain 0 and frequency domain 1, nor does it limit the width of frequency domain 0 and frequency domain 1. See also... Figure 11 Optionally, after receiving the control signal through interface 12, the diagnostic unit 1 can generate a signal in frequency domain 0 and a signal in frequency domain 1, multiplex the signal in frequency domain 0 and the signal in frequency domain 1, and perform electro-optic conversion on the multiplexed signal to obtain optical signal 2.

[0243] After receiving the electrical signal, diagnostic unit 2 can demultiplex the signal. Since the demultiplexed signal does not include signals in frequency domain 1, diagnostic unit 2 can diagnose channel quality without relying on the received electrical signal. However, since the demultiplexed signal includes signals in frequency domain 1, meaning the triggering condition is currently met, diagnostic unit 2 can diagnose channel quality based on the electrical signal. For example, diagnostic unit 2 obtains signals in frequency domain 0 and frequency domain 1 based on the demultiplexed signal, can parse the second information from the signal in frequency domain 1, and diagnose channel quality based on the signal in frequency domain 0 according to the instructions of the second information.

[0244] This application does not limit the conditions for the diagnostic unit 2 to end the diagnosis (referred to as the termination condition). For example, the diagnostic unit 2 may end the diagnosis after a preset time period following the demultiplexing of the diagnostic signal into frequency domain 1. Alternatively, for example, the diagnostic unit 2 may also demultiplex the signal into frequency domain 1 or frequency domain 2 from the received electrical signal, and the diagnostic unit 2 may end the diagnosis after parsing the signal into frequency domain 1 or frequency domain 2.

[0245] The preceding text introduced the structure of the communication system with diagnostic function and the method in the communication system provided in this application. Taking the communication device 2 as the receiving end diagnosing channel quality as an example, optionally, the communication device 1 as the transmitting end can diagnose channel quality.

[0246] The structure of the communication device 1 with diagnostic functions can be referred to Figure 10 The communication device 1 shown is explained above. Figure 10 The structure of the communication device 1 and the functions of each unit are illustrated. For example, the diagnostic unit 1 adds first information or diagnostic mode information to the electrical signal received by the optical transmitting unit to instruct the diagnostic unit 2 in the communication device 2 to diagnose the channel quality. Unlike the previously described diagnostic unit 1, for the communication device 1 with diagnostic functions, its diagnostic unit 1 can be used to receive the electrical signal s sent by the communication device 1 and diagnose the channel quality between the communication device 1 and the optical module 1 based on the electrical signal s. The communication device 1 can then obtain this diagnostic result.

[0247] and Figure 5 The optical module 1 shown has an optical transmitting unit connected to the communication device 1 via a diagnostic unit 1. Different units are connected in this way. Figure 10 In the optical module 1 shown, the output end of the communication device 1 or the interface unit 1 used to connect to the communication device 1 is connected to the diagnostic unit 1 and the optical transmission unit, respectively. The diagnostic unit 1 and the optical transmission unit receive the electrical signal s output by the communication device 1. In this way, when the diagnostic unit 1 performs a diagnosis based on the received electrical signal s, even if the data carried by the electrical signal s is service data, the optical transmission unit can still receive the electrical signal s, convert it into an optical signal, and send the optical signal to the communication device 2. This reduces the complexity of optical network topology while ensuring the reliability of data transmission between the communication device 1 and the communication device 2.

[0248] Figure 10 The optical module 1 shown is only an example; optical module 1 may include more structures or units. Figure 11 This schematically illustrates another example of optical module 1. (Previously introduced...) Figure 11The structure of the optical module 1 and the functions of each unit are shown. For example, the diagnostic subunit 1 is used to add first information or diagnostic mode information to the electrical signal received by the optical transmitting unit to instruct the diagnostic unit 2 in the communication device 2 to diagnose the channel quality. Unlike the previously described diagnostic subunit 1, for the communication device 1 with diagnostic functions, the diagnostic subunit 1 can receive the electrical signal s sent by the communication device 1, diagnose the channel quality between the communication device 1 and the optical module 1 based on the electrical signal s, and write the diagnostic results into the storage unit 1 through the central processing unit 1. The communication device 1 can obtain the diagnostic results in the storage unit 1 through the interface 12.

[0249] Figure 11 Taking the example of a central processing unit 1 connected to a storage unit 1 via a bus 1, this application does not limit the connection method between the central processing unit 1 and the storage unit 1. Figure 11 As shown, interface 12 is connected to storage unit 1, and communication device 1 can obtain diagnostic results from storage unit 1 through interface 12. Figure 11 Taking the connection of interface 12 to storage unit 1 via bus 1 as an example, this application does not limit the connection method between interface 12 and storage unit 1. Optionally, diagnostic unit 1 may not include central processing unit 1, and diagnostic subunit 1 may directly write diagnostic results to storage unit 1. Optionally, central processing unit 1 may be replaced by other types of processing units.

[0250] Taking communication device 1, which acts as the transmitter, diagnosing channel quality as an example, Figure 17 Examples of the communication systems and methods provided in this application are illustrated schematically. Figure 17 The method may include S1701 to S1706.

[0251] S1701, Communication device 1 sends electrical signal s to optical module 1, and correspondingly, optical transmission unit and diagnostic unit 1 receive electrical signal s respectively;

[0252] The communication device 1 can send an electrical signal s to the optical module 1. Since the optical transmitting unit and the diagnostic unit 1 are respectively connected to the output end of the communication device 1, the optical transmitting unit and the diagnostic unit 1 can respectively receive the electrical signal s.

[0253] Continue to refer to Figure 11 The communication device 1 can send electrical signals s to the interface 11, and the optical transmission unit and the diagnostic unit 1 can receive electrical signals s from the interface 11 respectively.

[0254] S1702, the optical transmitting unit performs electro-optical conversion on the electrical signal s to obtain an optical signal;

[0255] After receiving the electrical signal s, the optical transmitting unit can perform electro-optical conversion on the electrical signal s to obtain an optical signal. (Continue to refer to...) Figure 11In addition to performing electro-optical conversion on the electrical signal s, the optical transmitting unit can also perform one or more other processing on the electrical signal s.

[0256] S1703, the optical transmitting unit transmits optical signals through optical fiber 1, and correspondingly, the communication device 2 receives optical signals through optical fiber 1;

[0257] like Figure 17 As shown, after the optical transmitting unit transmits optical signals through optical fiber 1, the communication device 2 can receive the optical signals through optical module 2.

[0258] S1704, Communication equipment 2 processes optical signals;

[0259] After receiving the optical signal, communication device 2 can process the optical signal. Figure 17 In the example shown, this application does not limit the method by which the communication device 2 processes the optical signal. For example, the optical module 2 can convert the optical signal into an electrical signal r, and the communication device 2 processes the electrical signal r, for example, the communication device 2 acquires and processes the information carried by the electrical signal r. For example, refer to Figure 8 or Figure 9 or Figure 10 or Figure 13 The structure and method of the optical module 2 shown are illustrated. The optical module 2 can also diagnose the channel quality between the communication device 1 and the communication device 2 based on the electrical signal r.

[0260] S1705, Diagnostic unit 1 diagnoses the channel quality between communication device 1 and optical module 1 based on electrical signal s;

[0261] After receiving the electrical signal s, diagnostic unit 1 can diagnose the channel quality between communication device 1 and optical module 1 based on the electrical signal s. (Continue to refer to...) Figure 11 The diagnostic subunit 1 receives electrical signal s from the output of the communication device 1, diagnoses the channel quality based on the electrical signal s, obtains the diagnostic result, and then sends the diagnostic result to the central processing unit 1. The central processing unit 1 stores the diagnostic result in the storage unit 1.

[0262] This application does not limit the type of diagnostic result. For example, the diagnostic result is used to indicate at least one of bit error rate, bit error distribution, signal-to-noise ratio, or frequency response.

[0263] This application does not limit the specific way in which the diagnostic unit 1 performs the diagnosis. Examples of the specific way in which the diagnostic unit 1 performs the diagnosis will be given later, and will not be elaborated here.

[0264] S1706, Communication device 1 obtains diagnostic results from optical module 1.

[0265] After the diagnostic unit 1 obtains the diagnostic result, the communication device 1 can obtain the diagnostic result from the optical module 1.

[0266] This application does not limit the method by which the communication device 1 obtains diagnostic results. For example, see below. Figure 11 After the diagnostic subunit 1 stores the diagnostic result in the storage unit 1, the communication device 1 can retrieve the diagnostic result from the storage unit 1 through the interface 12. Alternatively, for example, the diagnostic subunit 1 can actively send the diagnostic result to the communication device 1.

[0267] like Figure 17 As shown, the output terminal of diagnostic unit 1 (e.g.) Figure 17 The black-filled circle on the diagnostic unit 1 can be connected to interface unit 1, which in turn connects to communication device 1. Communication device 1 can obtain diagnostic results from diagnostic unit 1 through interface unit 1. Figure 11 As shown, the output of the diagnostic unit 1 can be specifically connected to the interface 12 in the interface unit 1, and the communication device 1 can obtain the diagnostic results from the diagnostic unit 1 through the interface 12.

[0268] For communication systems with diagnostic capabilities, if existing technical methods are used, then... Figure 5 As shown, the output of communication device 1 is connected to the optical transmission unit via diagnostic unit 1. According to this application... Figure 17 or Figure 11 For example, the output of communication device 1 is connected to diagnostic unit 1 and optical transmission unit respectively. It can be seen that the difference between the two is: in the prior art, when diagnostic unit 1 performs diagnosis based on the received electrical signal, it cannot send the electrical signal output by communication device 1 to the optical transmission unit; while in this application, when diagnostic unit 1 performs diagnosis based on the received electrical signal, the optical transmission unit can still receive the electrical signal output by communication device 1. In practical applications, in order to ensure the reliability of data transmission between communication device 1 and communication device 2, the network management system schedules the working modes of optical module 1 and optical module 2, which is a complex scheduling scheme. The solution provided in this application can reduce the complexity of optical network topology while ensuring the reliability of data transmission between communication device 1 and communication device 2.

[0269] This application does not limit the type of information carried in the optical signal by the communication device 1.

[0270] In one implementation, the communication device 1 carries service information in the electrical signal s, and correspondingly, the diagnostic unit 1 can perform diagnostics based on the electrical signal s carrying the service information.

[0271] The diagnostic unit 1 performs diagnostics based on the electrical signal s carrying service information. This can be understood by referring to the previous description of the diagnostic unit 2 performing diagnostics based on the electrical signal r carrying service information. It will not be repeated here.

[0272] This application does not limit the diagnostic unit 1 to performing diagnosis based on all electrical signals s output by the communication device 1. Optionally, the diagnostic unit 1 may perform diagnosis when certain conditions are met. These conditions may be pre-configured or predefined. These conditions can be understood by referring to the conditions under which the diagnostic unit 2 performs diagnosis. The following example, in conjunction with a method example, illustrates the conditions (referred to as triggering conditions) under which the diagnostic unit 1 performs diagnosis.

[0273] In the first implementation of the triggering condition, the triggering condition can be that the diagnostic unit 1 receives a control signal generated in the communication device 1.

[0274] Taking the control signal as a periodic signal generated and output within optical module 1 as an example, Figure 18 This schematically illustrates an example of the system architecture and method corresponding to the first implementation of diagnostic conditions. For example... Figure 18 As shown, the optical module 1 also includes a clock unit 1, which generates and outputs a periodic control signal, which can be referred to as a clock signal. Optionally, the communication device 1 can configure the period of the control signal output by the clock unit 1 through the interface unit 1.

[0275] The following is an introduction Figure 18 The method shown. (As shown) Figure 18 As shown, the method may include S1801 to S1812.

[0276] S1801, the communication device 1 sends an electrical signal s1 to the optical module 1, and the optical transmission unit and the diagnostic unit 1 respectively receive the electrical signal s1;

[0277] S1802, the optical transmitting unit performs electro-optical conversion on the electrical signal s1 to obtain the optical signal 1;

[0278] S1803, the optical transmitting unit transmits optical signal 1 through optical fiber 1, and correspondingly, the communication device 2 receives optical signal 1 through optical fiber 1;

[0279] S1804, Communication equipment 2 processes optical signal 1;

[0280] S1801~S1804 can be understood by referring to S1701~S1704, and will not be elaborated here.

[0281] S1805, Diagnostic unit 1 does not diagnose channel quality based on electrical signal s1;

[0282] After receiving electrical signal s1 from communication device 1, diagnostic unit 1 may not perform diagnosis because it has not received a control signal, i.e., the triggering condition is not met.

[0283] S1806, Clock unit 1 sends a control signal to diagnostic unit 1, and correspondingly, diagnostic unit 1 receives the control signal sent by clock unit 1;

[0284] Clock unit 1 can generate and output periodic control signals, and diagnostic unit 1 can periodically receive these control signals. These periodic control signals can be referred to as clock signals. These control signals are used to instruct diagnostic unit 1 to perform diagnostics, that is, to diagnose channel quality based on electrical signals received from communication device 1.

[0285] S1807, Communication device 1 sends electrical signal s2 to optical module 1, and correspondingly, optical transmission unit and diagnostic unit 1 receive electrical signal s2 respectively;

[0286] S1808, the optical transmitting unit performs electro-optical conversion on the electrical signal s2 to obtain the optical signal 2;

[0287] S1809. The optical transmitting unit transmits optical signal 2 through optical fiber 1, and correspondingly, the communication device 2 receives optical signal 2 through optical fiber 1.

[0288] S1810, Communication equipment 2 processes optical signal 2;

[0289] S1807~S1810 can be understood by referring to S1701~S1704, and will not be elaborated here.

[0290] S1811, Diagnostic unit 1 diagnoses channel quality based on electrical signal s2;

[0291] After receiving electrical signal s2 from communication device 1, diagnostic unit 1 can perform a diagnosis because it has received a control signal sent by clock unit 1, i.e., the triggering condition is met. For example, it can diagnose the channel quality between communication device 1 and optical module 1 based on the received electrical signal s2 and obtain the diagnosis result.

[0292] This application does not limit the conditions for the diagnostic unit 1 to end the diagnosis (referred to as the termination condition). For example, the diagnostic unit 1 may end the diagnosis after a preset time following the receipt of a control signal. Alternatively, for example, the diagnostic unit 1 may also receive other control signals to indicate the end of the diagnosis, and the diagnostic unit 1 may end the diagnosis after receiving such other control signals.

[0293] S1812, Communication device 1 obtains diagnostic results from optical module 1.

[0294] S1812 can be understood by referring to S1706.

[0295] In the second implementation of the triggering condition, the triggering condition may be that the electrical signal output by the communication device 1 carries the first information, and the diagnostic unit 1 detects the first information in the electrical signal.

[0296] This application does not limit the manner in which the electrical signal carries the first information. For example, communication device 1 adds a first field to the frame carrying the electrical signal to enable the electrical signal to carry the first information. Correspondingly, diagnostic unit 1 can determine that the first information has been detected in the electrical signal by parsing the electrical signal and identifying the first field in the parsed frame.

[0297] The communication device 1 can selectively transmit an electrical signal carrying the first field or an electrical signal without carrying the first field. This application does not limit the way in which the communication device 1 selectively adds the first field to the electrical signal.

[0298] Taking communication device 1 as an example, by adding a first field to the frame carried by the electrical signal so that the electrical signal carries first information, Figure 19 This schematically illustrates a system architecture and method example corresponding to the second implementation of diagnostic conditions. The following section introduces... Figure 19 The method shown. (As shown) Figure 19 As shown, the method may include S1901 to S1913.

[0299] S1901, Communication device 1 sends electrical signal s1 to optical module 1, and correspondingly, optical transmission unit and diagnostic unit 1 receive electrical signal s1 respectively;

[0300] S1902, the optical transmitting unit performs electro-optical conversion on the electrical signal s1 to obtain the optical signal 1;

[0301] S1903, the optical transmitting unit transmits optical signal 1 through optical fiber 1, and correspondingly, the communication device 2 receives optical signal 1 through optical fiber 1;

[0302] S1904, Communication equipment 2 processes optical signal 1;

[0303] S1901~S1904 can be understood by referring to S1701~S1704, and will not be elaborated here.

[0304] S1905, Diagnostic unit 1 analyzes electrical signal s1 and determines that the analyzed frame does not include the first field;

[0305] S1906, Diagnostic unit 1 does not diagnose channel quality based on electrical signal s1;

[0306] After receiving electrical signal s1 from communication device 1, diagnostic unit 1 may not perform diagnosis because the parsed frame does not include the first field, i.e. the triggering condition is not met.

[0307] S1907, Communication device 1 sends electrical signal s2 to optical module 1, and correspondingly, optical transmission unit and diagnostic unit 1 receive electrical signal s2 respectively;

[0308] S1908, the optical transmitting unit performs electro-optical conversion on the electrical signal s2 to obtain the optical signal 2;

[0309] S1909, the optical transmitting unit transmits optical signal 2 through optical fiber 1, and correspondingly, the communication device 2 receives optical signal 2 through optical fiber 1;

[0310] S1910, Communication equipment 2 processes optical signal 2;

[0311] S1907~S1910 can be understood by referring to S1701~S1704, and will not be elaborated here.

[0312] S1911, Diagnostic unit 1 analyzes electrical signal s2 and determines that the analyzed frame includes the first field;

[0313] The frame obtained by the diagnostic unit 1 after parsing the electrical signal s2 can be used as a reference. Figure 12 As shown. This application does not limit the location where the first field is added. Figure 12 Taking the example of adding the first field before the data field. Optionally, the first field can be added to the frame header. The data field can carry the aforementioned service information 2. In this application, the service information can also be referred to as service signal data.

[0314] S1912, Diagnosing channel quality based on electrical signal S2;

[0315] After receiving the electrical signal s2 from the communication device 1, the diagnostic unit 1 can perform a diagnosis since the parsed frame includes the first field, i.e., the triggering condition is currently met. For example, it can diagnose the channel quality between the communication device 1 and the optical module 1 based on the received electrical signal s2 and obtain the diagnostic result.

[0316] This application does not limit the conditions for the diagnostic unit 1 to end the diagnosis (referred to as the termination condition). For example, the diagnostic unit 1 may end the diagnosis after a preset time period following the parsing of the first field. Alternatively, for example, the diagnostic unit 1 may also end the diagnosis after parsing a field indicating the end of the diagnosis in the received electrical signal.

[0317] S1913, Communication device 1 obtains diagnostic results from optical module 1.

[0318] S1913 can be understood by referring to S1706.

[0319] This application does not limit the manner in which the communication device 1 carries the first information in the output electrical signal. For example, the communication device 1 can multiplex multiple signals and output a multiplexed electrical signal. In the multiple signals, the signal in frequency domain 0 is a data signal, and the signal in frequency domain 1 is a diagnostic signal. By adding the signal in frequency domain 1 to the multiple signals, the output electrical signal carries the first information. Correspondingly, the diagnostic unit 1 demultiplexes the electrical signal output by the communication device 1 and detects the signal in the first frequency domain in the demultiplexed signal. Based on the detected signal in the first frequency domain, for example, if the signal strength in the first frequency domain is higher than a threshold, it can determine that the first information has been detected in the electrical signal.

[0320] Taking communication device 1 as an example, it adds a frequency domain 1 signal to multiple signals to carry the first information in the output electrical signal. Figure 20 This schematically illustrates another system architecture and method example corresponding to the second implementation of diagnostic conditions. The following section introduces... Figure 20 The method shown. (As shown) Figure 20 As shown, the method may include S2001 to S2019.

[0321] S2001, Communication device 1 sends electrical signal s1 to optical module 1, and correspondingly, optical transmission unit and diagnostic unit 1 receive electrical signal s1 respectively;

[0322] S2002, the optical transmitting unit performs electro-optical conversion on the electrical signal s1 to obtain the optical signal 1;

[0323] S2003, the optical transmitting unit transmits optical signal 1 through optical fiber 1, and correspondingly, the communication device 2 receives optical signal 1 through optical fiber 1;

[0324] S2004, Communication equipment 2 processes optical signal 1;

[0325] S2001 to S2004 can be understood by referring to S1701 to S1704, and will not be elaborated here.

[0326] S2005. Diagnostic unit 1 demultiplexes electrical signal s1 and determines that the demultiplexed signal does not include the signal in frequency domain 1.

[0327] S2006, Diagnostic unit 1 does not diagnose channel quality based on electrical signal s1;

[0328] After receiving electrical signal s1 from communication device 1, diagnostic unit 1 may not perform diagnosis because the demultiplexed signal does not include the signal in frequency domain 1, i.e. the triggering condition is not met.

[0329] S2007. Communication device 1 sends electrical signal s2 to optical module 1, and correspondingly, optical transmission unit and diagnostic unit 1 receive electrical signal s2 respectively.

[0330] S2008, the optical transmitting unit performs electro-optical conversion on the electrical signal s2 to obtain the optical signal 2;

[0331] S2009. The optical transmitting unit transmits optical signal 2 through optical fiber 1, and correspondingly, the communication device 2 receives optical signal 2 through optical fiber 1.

[0332] S2010, Communication equipment 2 processes optical signal 2;

[0333] S2007~S2010 can be understood by referring to S1701~S1704, and will not be repeated here.

[0334] S2011, Diagnostic unit 1 demultiplexes electrical signal s2 and determines that the demultiplexed signal includes the signal in frequency domain 1;

[0335] For example, based on the signal strength in frequency domain 1 of the demultiplexed signal being greater than a threshold, diagnostic unit 1 can determine that the demultiplexed signal includes the signal in frequency domain 1. Based on the signal strength in frequency domain 1 of the demultiplexed signal being equal to a threshold, diagnostic unit 1 can determine that the demultiplexed signal includes the signal in frequency domain 1 or determine that the demultiplexed signal does not include the signal in frequency domain 1.

[0336] S2012, Diagnosing channel quality based on electrical signal S2;

[0337] After the diagnostic unit 1 demultiplexes the electrical signal s2, based on the demultiplexed signal including the signal in the frequency domain 1, i.e. the current triggering condition is met, the diagnostic unit 1 can diagnose the channel quality based on the electrical signal s2. For example, it can diagnose the channel quality between the communication device 1 and the optical module 12 based on the received electrical signal 12 and obtain the diagnostic result.

[0338] This application does not limit the conditions for the diagnostic unit 1 to end the diagnosis (referred to as the termination condition). For example, the diagnostic unit 1 may end the diagnosis after a preset time period following the demultiplexing of the diagnostic signal into frequency domain 1. Alternatively, for example, the diagnostic unit 1 may also demultiplex the signal into frequency domain 1 or frequency domain 2 from the received electrical signal, and the diagnostic unit 1 may end the diagnosis after parsing the signal into frequency domain 1 or frequency domain 2.

[0339] S2013, Communication device 1 obtains diagnostic results from optical module 1.

[0340] S2013 can be understood by referring to S1706.

[0341] This application does not limit the type of information carried in the output electrical signal by the communication device 1. In another implementation, the communication device 1 carries service information or diagnostic mode information in the output electrical signal. The diagnostic mode information includes first information and diagnostic information. When the diagnostic unit 1 determines that the electrical signal carries first information, it can perform a diagnosis based on the electrical signal.

[0342] Optionally, the diagnostic unit 1 performing diagnosis based on an electrical signal carrying diagnostic information can be understood as performing diagnosis based on that diagnostic information. For example, the communication device 1 can carry predefined or preconfigured diagnostic information in its output electrical signal. After receiving the electrical signal, the diagnostic unit 1 can parse the information carried by the electrical signal and determine the channel quality (such as bit error rate and / or bit error distribution) by comparing the parsed information with the predefined or preconfigured diagnostic information. Alternatively, for example, the communication device 1 can send a signal with a predefined or preconfigured waveform. After receiving the electrical signal, the diagnostic unit 1 can detect the waveform of the electrical signal and determine the signal-to-noise ratio and / or frequency response of the channel based on the waveform of the electrical signal and the predefined or preconfigured waveform.

[0343] Optionally, the diagnostic mode information may further include second information. The second information indicates the type of the diagnostic information and / or the type of the diagnostic result. For example, the type of the diagnostic information may be the content of the diagnostic information; for instance, the second information may indicate that the diagnostic information is a first binary sequence or a second binary sequence, or a signal of a first waveform or a signal of a second waveform. After receiving the second information, the diagnostic unit 1 can determine the content of the diagnostic information. For example, the type of the diagnostic result may be a diagnostic parameter; for instance, the diagnostic parameter may be bit error rate, bit error distribution, signal-to-noise ratio, or frequency response.

[0344] This application does not limit the manner in which the communication device 1 carries diagnostic mode information in an electrical signal. For example, the communication device 1 may selectively send an electrical signal carrying diagnostic mode information or an electrical signal carrying service information but not diagnostic mode information to the optical module 1. The optical module 1 converts the electrical signal into an optical signal, which may or may not carry diagnostic mode information.

[0345] In one possible implementation, diagnostic mode information is carried by the electrical signal output by communication device 1, and the frame structure carried by the electrical signal can be as follows: Figure 15 As shown. Figure 15As shown, the frame includes a first field, a second field, and a diagnostic information field. The first field indicates first information, such as indicating the generation of a signal carrying diagnostic mode information and the conversion of that signal into optical signal 2. The second field indicates second information, and the diagnostic information field carries diagnostic information. This application does not limit the positional relationship between the three fields. Optionally, the first and second fields can be added to the frame header. In this application, the first field can be referred to as the trigger frame, the second field as mode data, and the third field as digital diagnostic signal data. Optionally, the frame may not include the second field.

[0346] After receiving the electrical signal, the diagnostic unit 1 can parse the electrical signal. If the parsed frame does not include the first field, that is, the triggering condition is not met, the channel quality is not diagnosed based on the received electrical signal. If the parsed frame includes the first field, that is, the triggering condition is met, the diagnostic unit 1 can diagnose the channel quality based on the electrical signal.

[0347] This application does not limit the conditions for the diagnostic unit 1 to end the diagnosis (referred to as the termination condition). For example, the diagnostic unit 1 may end the diagnosis after a preset time period following the parsing of the first field. Alternatively, for example, the diagnostic unit 1 may also end the diagnosis after parsing a field indicating the end of the diagnosis in the received electrical signal.

[0348] In another possible implementation, communication device 1 can generate signals in frequency domain 0 and frequency domain 1, multiplex the generated signals, and output the multiplexed signal to optical module 1. The signal in frequency domain 0 can carry diagnostic information, while the signal in frequency domain 1 can carry secondary information or not. This signal is an electrical signal carrying diagnostic mode information. Alternatively, communication device 1 can generate a signal in frequency domain 0 and output this signal to optical module 1. The signal in frequency domain 0 carries service information, and the output signal does not multiplex the signal in frequency domain 1; this signal is an electrical signal that does not carry diagnostic mode information. Figure 16 This is an illustration of a signal after multiplexing. This application does not limit the size relationship between frequency domain 0 and frequency domain 1, nor does it limit the width of frequency domain 0 and frequency domain 1.

[0349] After receiving the electrical signal, diagnostic unit 1 can demultiplex the signal. Since the demultiplexed signal does not include signals in frequency domain 1, diagnostic unit 1 can diagnose channel quality without relying on the received electrical signal. However, since the demultiplexed signal includes signals in frequency domain 1, i.e., the triggering condition is currently met, diagnostic unit 1 can diagnose channel quality based on the electrical signal. For example, diagnostic unit 1 obtains signals in frequency domain 0 and frequency domain 1 based on the demultiplexing, and can parse the second information from the signal in frequency domain 1. Following the instructions of the second information, it diagnoses channel quality based on the signal in frequency domain 0.

[0350] This application does not limit the conditions for the diagnostic unit 1 to end the diagnosis (referred to as the termination condition). For example, the diagnostic unit 1 may end the diagnosis after a preset time period following the demultiplexing of the diagnostic signal into frequency domain 1. Alternatively, for example, the diagnostic unit 1 may also demultiplex the signal into frequency domain 1 or frequency domain 2 from the received electrical signal, and the diagnostic unit 1 may end the diagnosis after parsing the signal into frequency domain 1 or frequency domain 2.

[0351] In this application, the electrical signal received by diagnostic unit 1 for diagnosing channel quality can be an electrical signal used for electro-optical conversion by optical transmitting unit, and the electrical signal received by diagnostic unit 2 for diagnosing channel quality can be an electrical signal obtained after photoelectric conversion by optical receiving unit.

[0352] In this application, the electrical signal received by diagnostic unit 1 for diagnosing channel quality can be a digital electrical signal or an analog electrical signal, and the electrical signal received by diagnostic unit 2 for diagnosing channel quality can be a digital electrical signal or an analog electrical signal.

[0353] In this application, the diagnostic results may include current diagnostic results as well as historical diagnostic results. In this application, frequency domain 0 and frequency domain 1 do not include the same frequencies; that is, frequency domain 0 and frequency domain 1 do not overlap.

[0354] In this application, the central processing unit (CPU) can be replaced with other types of processing units, such as a combination of a CPU and a hardware chip, or simply a hardware chip. The aforementioned hardware chip can be an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic device (PLD), or a combination thereof. The aforementioned PLD can be a complex programmable logic device (CPLD), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), a generic array logic (GAL), or any combination thereof.

[0355] In this application, the storage unit may include volatile memory, such as random access memory (RAM); the storage unit may also include non-volatile memory, such as read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, hard disk drive (HDD) or solid-state drive (SSD); the storage unit may also include a combination of the above types.

[0356] This application does not limit the implementation method of the diagnostic unit or diagnostic subunit. For example, the diagnostic unit or diagnostic subunit may be implemented in hardware, in software, or in a combination of both.

[0357] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program that, when executed by a processor, can implement some or all of the steps described in any of the above-described method examples. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium accessible to a general-purpose or special-purpose computer. This invention also provides a computer program product including instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform some or all of the steps of any of the method examples. Those skilled in the art will understand that the aforementioned computer-readable storage medium includes various non-transitory machine-readable media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, portable hard drives, magnetic disks, optical disks, RAM, SSDs, or non-volatile memory.

[0358] Since the devices provided in this application can be used to execute the corresponding example methods described above, the technical effects that can be obtained by each device example in this application can be referred to the technical effects obtained by the corresponding method examples described above, and will not be repeated here.

[0359] Those skilled in the art will readily understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the specific working processes of the systems, devices, and units described above can be referred to the corresponding processes in the aforementioned method examples, and will not be repeated here. The "A and / or B" mentioned in the examples of this application can be understood to include both "A and B" and "A or B". The terms "first," "second," "third," "fourth," etc., in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this application are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such terms can be interchanged where appropriate; this is merely a method of distinction used in describing objects with the same attributes in the examples of this application.

[0360] In the examples provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed modules, devices, or equipment can be implemented in other ways. For example, the device examples described above are merely illustrative; the division of units described above is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be through some interface; the indirect coupling or communication connection of devices or units may be electrical or other forms.

[0361] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and not to limit them; although the present invention 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; and these 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 the present invention.

Claims

1. A communication system, characterized in that, The communication system includes a first communication device and a second communication device connected via an optical communication medium. The first communication device includes a first communication unit and a first optical module. The first optical module includes an optical receiving unit and a diagnostic unit, wherein the output terminal of the optical receiving unit is connected to the diagnostic unit and the first communication unit, respectively. The second communication device is used to send optical signals to the first communication device through the optical communication medium; The optical receiving unit is used to receive the optical signal through the optical communication medium, perform photoelectric conversion on the optical signal, obtain and output a first electrical signal; The first communication device is used to receive and process the first electrical signal from the output terminal; The diagnostic unit is used to receive the first electrical signal from the output terminal and diagnose the channel quality between the first communication device and the second communication device based on the first electrical signal. The first communication device is also used to acquire diagnostic results.

2. The communication system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The information carried by the optical signal may or may not include the first information, and the first information is used to instruct the diagnostic unit to diagnose the channel quality; The diagnostic unit is further configured to detect the first information in the first electrical signal after receiving the first electrical signal and before diagnosing the channel quality based on the first electrical signal; The diagnostic unit is specifically used to diagnose the channel quality based on the first electrical signal after detecting the first information from the first electrical signal.

3. The communication system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The diagnostic unit is specifically used to parse the first electrical signal, and based on the parsed frame including the first field, determine that the first information is detected from the first electrical signal.

4. The communication system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The diagnostic unit is specifically used to demultiplex the first electrical signal, obtain an electrical signal in the first frequency domain based on the demultiplexing, and determine that the first information was detected from the first electrical signal.

5. The communication system according to any one of claims 2-4, characterized in that, The second communication device includes a second communication unit and a second optical module; The second communication device is used to send a first signal or a second signal to the second optical module. The first signal includes a data signal and a first control signal, and the second signal includes a data signal. The first control signal indicates that the first information is added to the information carried by the data signal. The second optical module is used to add the first information to the information carried by the data signal according to the instruction of the first control signal based on receiving the first signal, perform photoelectric conversion on the data signal after adding the first information, obtain and send the optical signal, or, based on receiving the second signal, perform electro-optical conversion on the second signal, obtain and send the optical signal.

6. The communication system according to any one of claims 2-4, characterized in that, The second communication device includes a second communication unit and a second optical module; The second communication device is used to send a data signal or a second control signal to the second optical module. The second control signal indicates the generation of a second electrical signal. The information carried by the second electrical signal includes the first information and diagnostic information. The diagnostic information is used to diagnose the channel quality. The second optical module is used to perform electro-optical conversion on the received data signal to obtain and transmit the optical signal, or to generate the second electrical signal according to the instruction of the second control signal, perform electro-optical conversion on the second electrical signal, and obtain and transmit the optical signal.

7. The communication system according to claim 6, characterized in that, The information carried by the second electrical signal also includes second information, which indicates the type of the diagnostic information and / or the type of the diagnostic result.

8. The communication system according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The diagnostic results are used to indicate at least one of bit error rate, bit error distribution, signal-to-noise ratio, or frequency response.

9. The communication system according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, The optical receiving unit is further configured to perform at least one of the following processes on the photoelectric converted electrical signal to obtain the first electrical signal: Analog-to-digital conversion, signal equalization, signal compensation, or clock data recovery.

10. A method in a communication system, characterized in that, The communication system includes a first communication device and a second communication device connected via an optical communication medium. The first communication device includes a first communication unit and a first optical module. The first optical module includes an optical receiving unit and a diagnostic unit, wherein the output terminal of the optical receiving unit is respectively connected to the diagnostic unit and the first communication unit. The method includes: The second communication device sends an optical signal to the first communication device through the optical communication medium; The optical receiving unit receives the optical signal through the optical communication medium, performs photoelectric conversion on the optical signal, and obtains and outputs a first electrical signal; The first communication device receives and processes the first electrical signal from the output terminal; The diagnostic unit receives the first electrical signal from the output terminal and diagnoses the channel quality between the first communication device and the second communication device based on the first electrical signal. The first communication device acquires the diagnostic results.

11. A communication device, characterized in that, The communication device includes a communication unit and an optical module. The optical module includes an optical receiving unit and a diagnostic unit. The output terminal of the optical receiving unit is connected to the diagnostic unit and the communication unit, respectively. The optical receiving unit is used to receive optical signals sent by other communication devices, perform photoelectric conversion on the optical signals, obtain and output electrical signals; The communication device is used to receive and process the electrical signal from the output terminal; The diagnostic unit is used to receive the electrical signal from the output terminal and diagnose the channel quality between the communication device and the other communication devices based on the electrical signal; The communication device is also used to obtain diagnostic results.

12. The communication device according to claim 11, characterized in that, The information carried by the optical signal may or may not include the first information, and the first information is used to instruct the diagnostic unit to diagnose the channel quality; The diagnostic unit is further configured to detect the first information in the electrical signal after receiving the electrical signal and before diagnosing the electrical signal; The diagnostic unit is specifically used to diagnose the channel quality based on the electrical signal after detecting the first information from the electrical signal.

13. The communication device according to claim 12, characterized in that, The diagnostic unit is specifically used to parse the electrical signal and, based on the parsed frame including the first field, determine that the first information was detected from the electrical signal.

14. The communication device according to claim 12, characterized in that, The diagnostic unit is specifically used to demultiplex the electrical signal, obtain an electrical signal in the first frequency domain based on the demultiplexing, and determine that the first information was detected from the electrical signal.

15. The communication device according to any one of claims 12-14, characterized in that, The information carried by the optical signal includes the first information, and the optical signal also carries service information; The diagnostic unit is specifically used to diagnose the channel quality based on the service information in the electrical signal.

16. The communication device according to any one of claims 12-14, characterized in that, The optical signal carries information including the first information, and also carries diagnostic information. The diagnostic unit is specifically used to diagnose the channel quality based on the diagnostic information in the electrical signal.

17. The communication device according to claim 16, characterized in that, The information carried by the optical signal includes the first information and the diagnostic information. The optical signal also carries second information, which indicates the type of the diagnostic information and / or the type of the diagnostic result. The diagnostic unit is specifically used to diagnose the channel quality based on the diagnostic information in the electrical signal, according to the instructions of the second information.

18. The communication device according to any one of claims 11-17, characterized in that, The diagnostic results are used to indicate at least one of bit error rate, bit error distribution, signal-to-noise ratio, or frequency response.

19. The communication device according to any one of claims 11-18, characterized in that, The optical receiving unit is also used to perform at least one of the following processes on the electrical signal: Analog-to-digital conversion, signal equalization, signal compensation, or clock data recovery.

20. A method in a communication device, characterized in that, The communication device includes a communication apparatus and an optical module. The optical module includes an optical receiving unit and a diagnostic unit. The output terminal of the optical receiving unit is connected to the diagnostic unit and the communication apparatus, respectively. The method includes: The optical receiving unit receives optical signals sent by other communication devices, performs photoelectric conversion on the optical signals, and outputs electrical signals. The communication device receives and processes the electrical signal from the output terminal; The diagnostic unit receives the electrical signal from the output terminal and diagnoses the channel quality between the communication device and the other communication devices based on the electrical signal. The communication device acquires the diagnostic results.

21. An optical module, characterized in that, The optical module includes an optical receiving unit, a diagnostic unit, and an interface unit. The interface unit is used to connect to a communication device, and the output of the optical receiving unit is connected to the diagnostic unit and the interface unit respectively. The optical receiving unit is used to receive optical signals sent by other communication devices, perform photoelectric conversion on the optical signals, obtain and output electrical signals; The interface unit is used to receive the electrical signal from the output terminal and send it to the communication device. The diagnostic unit is used to receive the electrical signal from the output terminal and diagnose the channel quality between the communication device and the other communication devices based on the electrical signal; The interface unit is also used to acquire and send diagnostic results to the communication device.

22. The optical module according to claim 21, characterized in that, The information carried by the optical signal may or may not include the first information, and the first information is used to instruct the diagnostic unit to diagnose the channel quality; The diagnostic unit is further configured to detect the first information in the electrical signal after receiving the electrical signal and before diagnosing the electrical signal; The diagnostic unit is specifically used to diagnose the channel quality based on the electrical signal after detecting the first information from the electrical signal.

23. The optical module according to claim 22, characterized in that, The diagnostic unit is specifically used to parse the electrical signal and, based on the parsed frame including the first field, determine that the first information was detected from the electrical signal.

24. The optical module according to claim 22, characterized in that, The diagnostic unit is specifically used to demultiplex the electrical signal, obtain an electrical signal in the first frequency domain based on the demultiplexing, and determine that the first information was detected from the electrical signal.

25. The optical module according to any one of claims 22-24, characterized in that, The information carried by the optical signal includes the first information, and the optical signal also carries service information; The diagnostic unit is specifically used to diagnose the channel quality based on the service information in the electrical signal.

26. The optical module according to any one of claims 22-24, characterized in that, The optical signal carries information including the first information, and also carries diagnostic information. The diagnostic unit is specifically used to diagnose the channel quality based on the diagnostic information in the electrical signal.

27. The optical module according to claim 26, characterized in that, The information carried by the optical signal includes the first information and the diagnostic information. The optical signal also carries second information, which indicates the type of the diagnostic information and / or the type of the diagnostic result. The diagnostic unit is specifically used to diagnose the channel quality based on the diagnostic information in the electrical signal, according to the instructions of the second information.

28. A method in an optical module, characterized in that, The optical module includes an optical receiving unit, a diagnostic unit, and an interface unit. The interface unit is used to connect to a communication device. The output terminal of the optical receiving unit is connected to both the diagnostic unit and the interface unit. The method includes: The optical receiving unit receives optical signals sent by other communication devices, performs photoelectric conversion on the optical signals, and outputs electrical signals. The interface unit receives the electrical signal from the output terminal and sends it to the communication device. The diagnostic unit receives the electrical signal from the output terminal and diagnoses the channel quality between the communication device and the other communication devices based on the electrical signal. The interface unit acquires and sends diagnostic results to the communication device.

29. A communication device, characterized in that, The communication equipment includes a communication device and an optical module; The communication device is used to send a first electrical signal to the optical module; The optical module is used to receive the first electrical signal and send optical signals to other communication devices based on the first electrical signal. The information carried by the optical signal may or may not include the first information. The first information is used to instruct the other communication devices to diagnose the channel quality between the communication devices.

30. The communication device according to claim 29, characterized in that, The electrical signal is a first signal or a second signal. The first signal includes a data signal and a first control signal, and the second signal includes a data signal. The first control signal indicates that the first information is added to the information carried by the data signal. The optical module is used to receive the first signal, add the first information to the information carried by the data signal according to the instruction of the first control signal, perform electro-optical conversion on the data signal after adding the first information, obtain and send the optical signal, or, based on receiving the second signal, perform electro-optical conversion on the second signal, obtain and send the optical signal.

31. The communication device according to claim 29, characterized in that, The electrical signal is a data signal or a second control signal. The second control signal indicates the generation of a second electrical signal. The information carried by the second electrical signal includes the first information and diagnostic information. The diagnostic information is used to diagnose the channel quality. The second optical module is used to perform electro-optical conversion on the received data signal to obtain and transmit the optical signal, or to generate the second electrical signal according to the instruction of the second control signal, perform electro-optical conversion on the second electrical signal, and obtain and transmit the optical signal.

32. A method in a communication device, characterized in that, The communication device includes a communication unit and an optical module, and the method includes: The communication device sends a first electrical signal to the optical module; The optical module receives the first electrical signal and sends an optical signal to other communication devices based on the first electrical signal. The information carried by the optical signal may or may not include the first information. The first information is used to instruct the other communication devices to diagnose the channel quality between the communication devices.

33. A communication device, characterized in that, The communication device includes a communication unit and an optical module. The optical module includes an optical transmission unit and a diagnostic unit. The output terminal of the communication unit is connected to the diagnostic unit and the optical transmission unit, respectively. The communication device is used to output electrical signals; The optical transmitting unit is used to receive the electrical signal from the output terminal, perform electro-optical conversion on the electrical signal, obtain and transmit the optical signal to other communication devices; The diagnostic unit is used to receive the electrical signal from the output terminal and diagnose the channel quality between the communication device and the other communication devices based on the electrical signal; The communication device is also used to obtain diagnostic results.

34. The communication device according to claim 33, characterized in that, The information carried by the electrical signal may or may not include the first information, and the first information is used to instruct the diagnostic unit to diagnose the channel quality; The diagnostic unit is further configured to detect the first information in the electrical signal after receiving the electrical signal and before diagnosing the channel quality based on the electrical signal; The diagnostic unit is specifically used to diagnose the channel quality based on the electrical signal after detecting the first information from the electrical signal.

35. The communication device according to claim 33, characterized in that, The diagnostic unit is also used to receive control signals; The diagnostic unit is specifically used to diagnose the channel quality based on the electrical signal after receiving the control signal.

36. The communication device according to claim 35, characterized in that, The control signal comes from a signal periodically generated within the communication device or the optical module.

37. A method in a communication device, characterized in that, The communication device includes a communication unit and an optical module. The optical module includes an optical transmitting unit and a diagnostic unit. The output terminal of the communication unit is connected to the diagnostic unit and the optical transmitting unit, respectively. The method includes: The communication device outputs an electrical signal; The optical transmitting unit receives the electrical signal from the output terminal, performs electro-optical conversion on the electrical signal, and obtains and transmits the optical signal to other communication devices; The diagnostic unit receives the electrical signal from the output terminal and diagnoses the channel quality between the communication device and the other communication devices based on the electrical signal. The communication device acquires the diagnostic results.

38. An optical module, characterized in that, The optical module includes an optical transmitting unit, a diagnostic unit, and an interface unit. The interface unit is used to connect to the output end of the communication device, and the interface unit is connected to the diagnostic unit and the optical transmitting unit respectively. The interface unit is used to receive electrical signals sent by the communication device; The optical transmitting unit is used to receive the electrical signal from the interface unit, perform electro-optical conversion on the electrical signal, obtain and transmit the optical signal to other communication devices; The diagnostic unit is used to receive the electrical signal from the interface unit and diagnose the channel quality between the communication device and the other communication devices based on the electrical signal; The interface unit is also used to acquire and send diagnostic results to the communication device.

39. A method in an optical module, characterized in that, The optical module includes an optical transmitting unit, a diagnostic unit, and an interface unit. The interface unit is used to connect to the output terminal of the communication device. The interface unit is connected to both the diagnostic unit and the optical transmitting unit. The method includes: The interface unit receives electrical signals sent by the communication device; The optical transmitting unit receives the electrical signal from the interface unit, performs electro-optical conversion on the electrical signal, and obtains and transmits the optical signal to other communication devices; The diagnostic unit receives the electrical signal from the interface unit and diagnoses the channel quality between the communication device and the other communication devices based on the electrical signal; The interface unit acquires and sends diagnostic results to the communication device.

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