Oxc component, fault locating method, device and system

Abstract

The application discloses an OXC assembly, a fault positioning method, equipment and a system, and belongs to the technical field of optical communication. The OXC assembly comprises an OXC unit, a connecting optical fiber and an optical reflection structure. The OXC unit has a service input optical port, a service output optical port, an auxiliary input optical port and an auxiliary output optical port. The auxiliary input optical port and the auxiliary output optical port are connected to two ends of the connecting optical fiber. The optical reflection structure is located on an optical path from the auxiliary input optical port to the auxiliary output optical port through the connecting optical fiber. The optical path from the auxiliary input optical port to the auxiliary output optical port through the connecting optical fiber comprises the connecting optical fiber, the auxiliary input optical port and the auxiliary output optical port. The optical reflection structure is used for reflecting a part of received light and transmitting another part of received light. The application can position faults of the optical path, thereby improving the performance of the optical path, and is used for positioning faults of the optical path.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of optical communication technology, and in particular to an OXC component, a fault location method, device and system. Background Technology

[0002] In optical communication technology, communication devices can communicate by transmitting optical signals through optical paths.

[0003] In related technologies, the optical path between communication devices includes multiple optical fibers and fiber optic connectors connecting the fibers. However, after prolonged operation, dust particles and other contaminate the fiber optic connectors, leading to increased return loss (RL) and deterioration of multipath interference (MPI), thus affecting the performance of the optical path.

[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a method to locate faults in optical paths, so that staff can repair the fault locations in the optical paths and thus improve the performance of the optical paths. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides an OXC component, a fault location method, a device, and a system that can solve the problem of optical path performance degradation. The solution provided by this application is as follows.

[0006] In a first aspect, a communication system is provided, comprising a transmitting unit and a receiving unit; wherein, an optical reflection structure is provided in the optical path from the transmitting unit to the receiving unit, the optical path from the transmitting unit to the receiving unit includes the transmitting unit and the receiving unit, as well as the optical path between the transmitting unit and the receiving unit; the optical reflection structure is used to reflect a portion of the received light and transmit another portion of the received light; in this communication system, the transmitting unit is used to transmit detection light to the receiving unit; the receiving unit is used to locate the optical path fault based on the received target light, and the RL and position of the optical reflection structure, wherein the target light is obtained by the detection light passing through the optical path from the transmitting unit to the receiving unit.

[0007] In the communication system provided in this application embodiment, an optical reflection structure is provided on the optical path from the transmitting unit to the receiving unit. The receiving unit knows the RL and position of the optical reflection structure. After the transmitting unit transmits detection light to the receiving unit, the receiving unit receives the target light obtained after the detection light passes through the optical path from the transmitting unit to the receiving unit. Then, the receiving unit can locate the fault in the optical path from the transmitting unit to the receiving unit based on the target light, as well as the RL and position of the optical reflection structure. This allows personnel to repair the located fault location (e.g., replace or clean the faulty fiber optic connector), thereby improving the performance of the optical path from the transmitting unit to the receiving unit. Furthermore, this process does not require manual operation of external devices, thus automating fault location and improving efficiency. Additionally, since OTDR is not required for fault location, the high cost of OTDR is avoided.

[0008] Optionally, multiple fiber optic connectors may be provided along the optical path from the transmitting unit to the receiving unit. In this case, the fault location can be the location of the faulty fiber optic connector or other locations. Alternatively, no fiber optic connectors may be provided along the optical path from the transmitting unit to the receiving unit; this application does not impose any limitations on this.

[0009] When fiber optic connectors are also present in the optical path from the transmitting unit to the receiving unit, the RL of the optical reflection structure can be greater than that of the fiber optic connector. For example, the RL of the optical reflection structure 033 is greater than or equal to -14 dB, and the RL of each fiber optic connector 032 can be less than -14 dB. By setting a larger RL for the optical reflection structure, it is easier to distinguish between the optical reflection structure and the fiber optic connector, making it easier for the receiving unit to locate optical path faults using the optical reflection structure as a reference position.

[0010] There are various ways to implement the above-mentioned light reflection structure. In one possible implementation, the light reflection structure includes a first light branching unit and a second light branching unit. Both the first light branching unit and the second light branching unit have a combining port and two split ports. In each of the first light branching unit and the second light branching unit, the light beam input from the combining port is split into two beams and transmitted to the two split ports respectively. One split port of the first light branching unit is connected to the combining port of the second light branching unit, and the two split ports of the second light branching unit are connected to each other.

[0011] The combining port of the first optical branching unit receives light from the side where the transmitting unit is located. Then, this combining port transmits a portion of the received light to the other combining port connected to the receiving unit, and transmits another portion of the light received at this combining port to the combining port of the second optical branching unit through the aforementioned one combining port. The combining port of the second optical branching unit can transmit a portion of the received light to one combining port of the second optical branching unit, and transmit another portion of the received light to the other combining port of the second optical branching unit. Since the two combining ports of the second optical branching unit are connected, the light transmitted to each of these two combining ports is transmitted to the other combining port, and then returned to the combining port of the second optical branching unit to be combined into a single beam. This beam is transmitted back to the aforementioned one combining port of the first optical branching unit, and then output from the combining port of the first optical branching unit. In this way, the function of the light reflection structure—transmitting a portion of the received light and reflecting another portion of the received light—is realized.

[0012] The optical reflection structure may also include a power adjustment unit located on the optical path between the two ports of the second optical branching unit. The power adjustment unit can adjust the power of the passing light; therefore, it can adjust the power of the light between the two ports of the second optical branching unit to adjust the power of the light reflected by the optical reflection structure, thereby adjusting the RL of the optical reflection structure so that the optical reflection structure supports RL adjustment.

[0013] One or more light reflection structures can be set in the optical path from the transmitting unit to the receiving unit.

[0014] When multiple optical reflection structures are arranged on the optical path from the transmitting unit to the receiving unit, at least two of the optical reflection structures have different ranges (RL). In this case, the receiving unit can combine the RL and position of the at least two optical reflection structures, as well as the optical path length between the fault location and each of the at least two optical reflection structures, to locate the fault location, thereby enabling the precise location of the fault.

[0015] Optionally, multiple fiber optic connectors are also provided along the optical path from the transmitting unit to the receiving unit, where the optical path length between any two adjacent optical reflection structures is less than the optical path length between any two adjacent fiber optic connectors. In this case, each fiber optic connector corresponds to one reflection peak for each optical reflection structure, and each fiber optic connector corresponds to multiple reflection peaks. Since the optical path length between any two adjacent optical reflection structures is less than the optical path length between any two adjacent fiber optic connectors, the set of reflection peaks corresponding to each fiber optic connector is located in a region on the optical path length axis, and the regions containing the set of reflection peaks corresponding to different fiber optic connectors are spaced apart. This allows the receiving unit to more easily distinguish the reflection peaks corresponding to different fiber optic connectors, avoiding confusion between reflection peaks corresponding to different fiber optic connectors. This makes it easier for the receiving unit to determine the faulty fiber optic connector based on these reflection peaks, and thus determine the location of the faulty fiber optic connector.

[0016] Optionally, when multiple fiber optic connectors and an optical reflection structure are provided on the optical path from the transmitting unit to the receiving unit, the multiple fiber optic connectors are asymmetrically distributed with respect to the optical reflection structure. If only fault location is considered for the fiber optic connectors on the optical path from the transmitting unit to the receiving unit, then, when an optical reflection structure is provided on the optical path from the transmitting unit to the receiving unit, if the multiple fiber optic connectors on the optical path from the transmitting unit to the receiving unit are asymmetrically distributed with respect to the optical reflection structure, then at least one optical path length appears only once among the optical path lengths between each of the multiple fiber optic connectors and the optical reflection structure. In this case, when the receiving unit knows the optical path length between the faulty fiber optic connector and the optical reflection structure, if the optical path length belongs to at least one optical path length, then the receiving unit can locate the faulty fiber optic connector on which side and at which position within the receiving unit.

[0017] Optionally, a switching unit is further provided on the optical path from the transmitting unit to the receiving unit; the transmitting unit is used to transmit detection light or service light to the switching unit; the switching unit is used to: turn on the first optical path between the switching unit and the receiving unit when receiving service light; and turn on the second optical path between the switching unit and the receiving unit when receiving detection light; a light reflection structure is provided on the second optical path. By selectively turning on and off the first and second optical paths through the switching unit, the detection light passes through the light reflection structure provided on the second optical path, while the service light does not pass through the light reflection structure provided on the second path segment, thereby avoiding the influence of the light reflection structure on the service light.

[0018] The aforementioned switching unit can be any component with optical path selection function, such as an optical switch, an optical cross-connect (OXC) unit, etc. When the switching unit is an OXC unit, the aforementioned second segment 03B can be a connecting optical fiber, with its two ends connected to the two optical ports of the OXC unit, respectively.

[0019] As can be seen, this application provides an OXC component, which includes the aforementioned OXC unit, connecting optical fiber, and optical reflection structure. There may be one or more optical reflection structures. The OXC unit has multiple service input optical ports, multiple service output optical ports, an auxiliary input optical port, and an auxiliary output optical port. The auxiliary input optical ports and auxiliary output optical ports are respectively connected to the two ends of the connecting optical fiber. The service input optical ports are used to connect to the transmitting unit, and the service output optical ports are used to connect to the receiving unit. An optical reflection structure is provided on the optical path from the auxiliary input optical port through the connecting optical fiber to the auxiliary output optical port. The optical path from the auxiliary input optical port through the connecting optical fiber to the auxiliary output optical port includes the connecting optical fiber, the auxiliary input optical port, and the auxiliary output optical port.

[0020] The OXC unit is used to: activate the first service input optical port and the first service output optical port; or, activate the first service input optical port and the auxiliary input optical port, and activate the first service output optical port and the auxiliary output optical port. The first service input optical port can be any service input optical port in the OXC unit, and the first service output optical port can be any service output optical port in the OXC unit. For example, the OXC unit is used to: activate the first service input optical port and the first service output optical port when receiving service light from the first service input optical port; activate the first service input optical port and the auxiliary input optical port, and activate the first service output optical port and the auxiliary output optical port when receiving detection light from the first service input optical port.

[0021] Furthermore, the position of the aforementioned light-reflecting structure in the optical path from the transmitting unit to the receiving unit is not limited. For example, a light-reflecting structure may be provided on the optical fiber in the optical path from the transmitting unit to the receiving unit; or, for example, a light-reflecting structure may be provided on the light-emitting surface of the transmitting unit.

[0022] Secondly, this application also provides a fault location method, which is executed by the aforementioned receiving unit. The communication system in which the receiving unit is located also includes a transmitting unit. A light reflection structure is provided on the optical path from the transmitting unit to the receiving unit. The optical path from the transmitting unit to the receiving unit includes the transmitting unit and the receiving unit, as well as the optical path between the transmitting unit and the receiving unit. The light reflection structure is used to reflect a portion of the received light and transmit another portion of the received light. The fault location method includes: after receiving the target light, the receiving unit performs fault location on the optical path from the transmitting unit to the receiving unit based on the received target light, the RL of the light reflection structure, and its position. The target light is obtained by the detection light emitted by the transmitting unit passing through the optical path from the transmitting unit to the receiving unit.

[0023] Thirdly, this application also provides a receiving unit, and the communication system in which the receiving unit is located further includes a transmitting unit; a light reflection structure is provided on the optical path from the transmitting unit to the receiving unit, and the optical path from the transmitting unit to the receiving unit includes the transmitting unit and the receiving unit, as well as the optical path between the transmitting unit and the receiving unit; the reflection structure is used to reflect a portion of the received light and transmit another portion of the received light; the receiving unit is used to receive the target light, and to locate the fault in the optical path based on the received target light, the return loss RL and position of the light reflection structure. The target light is obtained by the detection light emitted by the transmitting unit passing through the optical path from the transmitting unit to the receiving unit.

[0024] Fourthly, this application provides an optical module, including a transmitting unit for emitting light and a receiving unit provided in the third aspect.

[0025] Fifthly, this application provides a communication device, which includes a host-side device and an optical module as provided in the fourth aspect, the optical module being connected to the host-side device.

[0026] Sixthly, this application provides an OXC component, including: an OXC unit, a connecting optical fiber, and an optical reflection structure; the OXC unit has a service input optical port, a service output optical port, an auxiliary input optical port, and an auxiliary output optical port, the auxiliary input optical port and the auxiliary output optical port being respectively connected to the two ends of the connecting optical fiber; the optical reflection structure is located on the optical path from the auxiliary input optical port through the connecting optical fiber to the auxiliary output optical port, the optical path from the auxiliary input optical port through the connecting optical fiber to the auxiliary output optical port includes the connecting optical fiber, the auxiliary input optical port, and the auxiliary output optical port; the optical reflection structure is used to reflect a portion of the received light and transmit another portion of the received light. The optical reflection structure provided on this OXC component can play a role in locating faults in the optical path.

[0027] Optionally, the OXC unit is used to: activate the first service input optical port and the first service output optical port, wherein the first service input optical port is any service input optical port in the OXC unit and the first service output optical port is any service output optical port in the OXC unit; or, activate the first service input optical port and the auxiliary input optical port, and activate the first service output optical port and the auxiliary output optical port.

[0028] Optionally, the RL of the light-reflecting structure is greater than or equal to -14 dB.

[0029] Optionally, the optical reflection structure includes a first optical branching unit and a second optical branching unit; both the first and second optical branching units have a combining port and two splitting ports; in each of the first and second optical branching units, the light beam input from the combining port is split into two beams and transmitted to the two splitting ports respectively; one splitting port of the first optical branching unit is connected to the combining port of the second optical branching unit, and the two splitting ports of the second optical branching unit are connected together. The optical reflection structure may further include a power adjustment unit located on the optical path between the two splitting ports of the second optical branching unit.

[0030] Optionally, the OXC component includes multiple optical reflective structures. The light reflection ranges (RLs) of at least two optical reflective structures can be different. The optical path length between any two adjacent optical reflective structures can be less than 0.5 meters.

[0031] Optionally, the OXC component may also include an optical reflection structure, in which case the optical path length between the optical reflection structure and the two ends of the connecting optical fiber may be different.

[0032] In a seventh aspect, this application provides an optical reflection structure, comprising: a first optical branching unit and a second optical branching unit; both the first and second optical branching units have a combining port and two splitting ports; in each of the first and second optical branching units, a light beam input from the combining port is split into two beams and transmitted to the two splitting ports respectively; one splitting port of the first optical branching unit is connected to the combining port of the second optical branching unit, and the two splitting ports of the second optical branching unit are connected together. Optionally, the optical reflection structure further includes a power adjustment unit located on the optical path between the two splitting ports of the second optical branching unit.

[0033] The effects of the second to seventh aspects mentioned above can be referred to the effects of the corresponding designs in the first aspect, and will not be elaborated here. Attached Figure Description

[0034] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a communication system provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0035] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of light reflection in an optical path provided for an embodiment of this application;

[0036] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of another communication system provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0037] Figure 4 A schematic diagram showing the distribution location of an optical fiber connector provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0038] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram showing the positions of two light-reflecting structures provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0039] Figure 6 A schematic diagram illustrating the relationship between optical path length and intensity provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0040] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram showing the location of a faulty fiber optic connector provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0041] Figure 8 This is another schematic diagram illustrating the relationship between optical path length and intensity provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0042] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram showing the location of another faulty fiber optic connector provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0043] Figure 10 A schematic diagram of reflection peaks corresponding to different fiber optic connectors provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0044] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of a light reflection structure provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0045] Figure 12 A schematic diagram of a fiber optic connector without loose connections and without an added air cavity, provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0046] Figure 13 A schematic diagram of a loosely connected fiber optic connector provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0047] Figure 14 A schematic diagram of a fiber optic connector with an added air cavity provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0048] Figure 15 A schematic diagram of various segments in an optical path provided for an embodiment of this application;

[0049] Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram showing the position of a light-reflecting structure provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0050] Figure 17 This is a schematic diagram showing the position of another light-reflecting structure provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0051] Figure 18 A schematic diagram illustrating the connection between an OXC unit and multiple transmitting units and multiple receiving units, provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0052] Figure 19 A schematic diagram of an OXC component provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0053] Figure 20 This application provides a schematic diagram of the optical path during the detection stage.

[0054] Figure 21 This is a schematic diagram of another detection stage provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0055] Figure 22 A schematic diagram of a communication system including multiple optical modules provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0056] Figure 23 This is a schematic diagram of another light reflection structure provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0057] Figure 24 This application provides a schematic diagram of the structure of a transmitting unit and a receiving unit in an optical module.

[0058] Figure 25 A schematic diagram of an optical module provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0059] Figure 26 This is a schematic diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0060] This application provides a communication system, such as... Figure 1 As shown, the communication system includes a transmitting unit 01 and a receiving unit 02. This communication system can be an optical communication system or a hybrid optoelectronic communication system. In the hybrid optoelectronic communication system, some components communicate optically, while other components communicate electrically; the electrical communication can be wired or wireless. Regardless of whether it is an optical communication system or a hybrid optoelectronic communication system, the transmitting unit 01 can communicate optically with the receiving unit 02 through the optical path from the transmitting unit 01 to the receiving unit 02.

[0061] The transmitting unit 01 can also be referred to as a transmitting node, a transceiver optical subassembly (TOSA), a transmitting chip, etc.; similarly, the receiving unit 02 can also be referred to as a receiving node, a transceiver optical subassembly (ROSA), a receiving chip, etc. In some embodiments, both the transmitting unit 01 and the receiving unit 02 can be transceiver integrated units, which can not only transmit light but also receive light.

[0062] Both transmitting unit 01 and receiving unit 02 can be optical modules, and they can be the same or different optical modules; this application embodiment does not limit this. Each optical module can include one or more transmitting units and one or more receiving units. In addition to transmitting and receiving units, an optical module can also include at least one component (such as a prism) located in the optical path from which light is emitted by the transmitting unit, and at least one component located in the optical path from which light is received by the receiving unit. The optical module can be located in a communication device, which can also include a host-side device, and the optical module is connected to the host-side device. The communication device can be a router, server, terminal, or other device capable of optical communication. Figure 1 Only the transmitting and receiving units are shown; the optical module and the communication equipment in which it is located are not shown.

[0063] The optical path from transmitting unit 01 to receiving unit 02 includes: the optical path between transmitting unit 01 and receiving unit 02, and the optical path between transmitting unit 01 and receiving unit 02. For example, the optical path between transmitting unit 01 and receiving unit 02 includes multiple sequentially connected fiber optic segments 031, and also includes multiple fiber optic connectors 032. Fiber optic connectors 032 can be used to connect the fiber optic segments 031 to each other, between fiber optic segments 031 and transmitting unit 01, and between fiber optic segments 031 and receiving unit 02. Fiber optic connectors 032 can also be called fiber optic joints, fiber optic connectors, etc. Here, we take the example of the optical path between transmitting unit 01 and receiving unit 02 including multiple fiber optic segments 031. It can be understood that the optical path between transmitting unit 01 and receiving unit 02 may also include only one fiber optic segment 031 (a fiber optic segment is also called an optical fiber), or the optical path between transmitting unit 01 and receiving unit 02 may not include fiber optic segments 031. When the optical path between the transmitting unit 01 and the receiving unit 02 includes an optical fiber segment 031, the optical path may also include a non-optical fiber segment in addition to the optical fiber segment 031. The non-optical fiber segment may include an optical transmission segment with an optical waveguide or the like as a medium, and / or an optical transmission segment without a medium (also called a spatial optical transmission segment).

[0064] After prolonged operation, dust particles and other contaminants can accumulate on fiber optic connectors in communication systems. Improper insertion and removal of fibers by operators can also lead to contamination. Contamination not only increases insertion loss but also raises the fiber optic link strength (RL), resulting in MPI degradation and impacting optical path performance.

[0065] The following will combine Figure 2 This section explains the deterioration of MPI. Please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 2When multiple reflection points exist in the optical path (an optical fiber connector is one such reflection point), the light transmitted in the optical path is reflected between the reflecting cavities formed by every two reflection points. In addition to receiving the original light emitted by the transmitting unit 01 that has not been reflected by the reflection points, the receiving unit 02 also receives a series of reflected lights generated by reflections of the light emitted by the transmitting unit 01 from different reflecting cavities. The reflected light has a time delay compared to the original light, and the reflected light affects the original light. The intensity of the reflected light is related to the RL of the reflecting end face of the reflecting cavity; for example, the intensity of the reflected light is equal to the sum of the RL of the two reflecting end faces of the reflecting cavity. The optical fiber connector is a reflection point in the optical path and is the reflecting end face of the reflecting cavity. When the optical fiber connector is contaminated, the RL of the optical fiber connector increases, causing an increase in the intensity of the reflected light, leading to MPI degradation.

[0066] With the surge in network demands for artificial intelligence (AI) clusters and computing clusters, these clusters are expanding rapidly. During this expansion, operators inevitably need to repeatedly plug and unplug fiber optic cables, leading to harsher data center environments and a sharp increase in the probability of contaminated fiber optic connectors. For example, statistics show that over 30% of system failures in AI clusters are caused by contamination of the fiber optic connector end faces. These failures can lead to system performance degradation and intermittent link drops, reducing the computing efficiency of AI clusters. Therefore, effective methods for rapid fault detection and localization are needed.

[0067] Furthermore, with the increasing demands for bandwidth and speed in communication systems, the modulation format of optical signals has evolved from non-return-to-zero (NRZ) modulation to four-level pulse amplitude modulation (PAM4), and the transmission rate of optical signals has also evolved towards 200 gigabits per second per lane (Gbps / lane) and 400 Gbps / lane. As the transmission rate of optical signals increases, the performance requirements of the optical path also gradually increase. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a method to locate faulty fiber optic connectors in the optical path, so that personnel can clean or replace faulty fiber optic connectors, thereby improving the performance of the optical path.

[0068] In related technologies, an optical time-domain reflectometer (OTDR) is used to detect faulty reflective connectors in an optical path. An OTDR consists of a laser source and a receiver. The laser source is connected to the optical path, which also has a directional coupler. The laser source emits light pulses into the optical path, which are reflected by the optical fibers and fiber optic connectors. The reflected light is then coupled back to the OTDR via the directional coupler and converted into electrical signals by the receiver. The receiver analyzes these electrical signals to determine if a faulty fiber optic connector exists in the optical path, and if so, to pinpoint its location. However, this method requires manual operation of the OTDR. The OTDR must be connected to the optical path under test before the fault detection can be performed. When the communication system has multiple optical paths, operators must connect the OTDR to each path sequentially, resulting in lengthy measurement times. Furthermore, OTDRs are typically expensive.

[0069] Based on this, embodiments of this application provide a communication system in which the receiving unit can locate faults in the optical path from the transmitting unit to the receiving unit, and this process requires no manual operation of peripherals. Furthermore, when the communication system includes multiple optical paths, this fault location method also requires no manual operation of peripherals; therefore, this communication system is applicable to multi-point to multi-point scenarios. In addition, since this fault location method does not require the use of an OTDR, it avoids the high cost of OTDRs.

[0070] The structure of the communication system provided in this application embodiment can be as follows: Figure 3 As shown. Please refer to. Figure 3 In this communication system, a light reflection structure 033 is provided on the optical path from the transmitting unit 01 to the receiving unit 02. As mentioned above, the optical path from the transmitting unit 01 to the receiving unit 02 includes the transmitting unit 01 and the receiving unit 02, as well as the optical path between the transmitting unit 01 and the receiving unit 02. In this embodiment, the optical path from the transmitting unit 01 to the receiving unit 02 may or may not have an optical fiber connector 032; furthermore, the optical path from the transmitting unit 01 to the receiving unit 02 may or may not include an optical fiber segment 031, and may include one optical fiber segment 031 or multiple optical fiber segments 031. Figure 3 For example, the optical path from the transmitting unit 01 to the receiving unit 02 can be equipped with multiple fiber optic connectors 032 and include multiple fiber optic segments 031.

[0071] One or more light reflection structures 033 may be provided on the optical path from the transmitting unit 01 to the receiving unit 02. Figure 3Taking the example of a light reflection structure 033 disposed on the optical path from the transmitting unit 01 to the receiving unit 02. Of course, the number of light reflection structures 033 on the optical path from the transmitting unit 01 to the receiving unit 02 can also be 2, 3, 4, 5, etc., and this application embodiment does not limit this.

[0072] The position of the light reflection structure 033 in the optical path from the transmitting unit 01 to the receiving unit 02 is not limited. For example, the light reflection structure 033 may be provided on the optical fiber in the optical path from the transmitting unit 01 to the receiving unit 02 (e.g., a light reflection structure may be provided between optical fiber segments 031 in the optical path); the light emission surface of the transmitting unit 01 may be provided with the light reflection structure 033; a non-optical fiber segment may exist between the transmitting unit 01 and the optical fiber segment in the optical path, and the light reflection structure 033 may be provided on this non-optical fiber segment; the receiving unit 02 may exist between the receiving unit 02 and the optical fiber segment in the optical path, and the light reflection structure 033 may be provided on this non-optical fiber segment; or the light incident surface of the receiving unit 02 may be provided with the light reflection structure 033. It is understood that the light reflection structure 033 can be provided at at least one of the various positions exemplified here. Figure 3 Taking the optical reflection structure 033 located between optical fiber segments 031 as an example. In addition, the optical fiber connector 032 or the optical reflection structure 033 between optical fiber segments 031 can be set on the optical distribution frame (ODF).

[0073] The light reflection structure 033 can reflect a portion of the received light and transmit another portion of the received light. Therefore, the light reflection structure 033 not only reflects light but also transmits light. The light reflection structure 033 can also be called a light reflector, light filter, or reflective terminal, etc.

[0074] Optionally, the RL of the light reflection structure 033 is greater than the RL of each fiber optic connector 032 arranged on the optical path from the transmitting unit 01 to the receiving unit 02. The RL of different fiber optic connectors 032 arranged on the optical path from the transmitting unit 01 to the receiving unit 02 can be the same or different, but the RL of each light reflection structure 033 is greater than the RL of each fiber optic connector 032. For example, the RL of the light reflection structure 033 is greater than or equal to -14 dB, and the RL of each fiber optic connector 032 is less than -14 dB. As another example, the RL of the light reflection structure 033 is greater than or equal to -13 dB, and the RL of each fiber optic connector 032 is less than -13 dB. Typically, the RL of the fiber optic connectors 032 is less than -14 dB. Therefore, when the RL of the light reflection structure 033 is greater than or equal to -14 dB, the condition that the RL of the light reflection structure 033 is greater than the RL of the fiber optic connector 032 can be satisfied. In this embodiment, the RL of the light reflection structure 033 is taken as -3 dB, -5 dB, -10 dB, or -14 dB. Here, it is taken that the RL of the light reflection structure 033 is greater than the RL of the fiber optic connector 032. It can be understood that the RL of the light reflection structure 033 can also be less than or equal to the RL of the fiber optic connector 032, and this embodiment does not limit this.

[0075] In the communication system provided in this application embodiment, the transmitting unit 01 is used to transmit detection light to the receiving unit 02 (for example, transmitting the detection light during the detection phase). The detection light passes through the optical path from the transmitting unit 01 to the receiving unit 02 during its transmission from the transmitting unit 01 to the receiving unit 02. Therefore, during its transmission through the optical path from the transmitting unit 01 to the receiving unit 02, the detection light passes through each optical reflection structure 033 in the optical path from the transmitting unit 01 to the receiving unit 02. Furthermore, the detection light is reflected by the optical reflection structure 033 when it passes through the optical reflection structure 033. If an optical fiber connector 032 is provided in this optical path, the detection light will also be reflected by the optical fiber connector 032 when it passes through the optical fiber connector 032.

[0076] After the detection light passes through the optical path from the transmitting unit 01 to the receiving unit 02, it becomes the target light, which is then received by the receiving unit 02. The receiving unit 02 is used to locate faults in the optical path from the transmitting unit 01 to the receiving unit 02 based on the received target light, the RL of the light reflection structure 033, and its position. Fault location by the receiving unit 02 means that it detects whether a fault location exists in the optical path from the transmitting unit 01 to the receiving unit 02, and if a fault location exists, it outputs the fault location. It can be understood that this fault location may be the location of the fiber optic connector 032, or it may be a location where the fiber optic connector 032 is not installed, such as a location on the fiber optic segment 031.

[0077] For example, the receiving unit 02 is used to detect the received target light (such as MPI detection or Fabry-Perot (FP) interferometry detection, etc.), and based on the detection result, the RL and position of the light reflection structure 033, to locate the fault in the optical path from the transmitting unit 01 to the receiving unit 02.

[0078] The target light received by receiving unit 02 can include transmitted light and reflected light. Transmitted light is obtained by a portion of the detection light emitted by transmitting unit 01 passing through the optical path from transmitting unit 01 to receiving unit 02. Reflected light is obtained by a portion of the detection light undergoing multiple reflections (e.g., secondary reflection, quadruple reflection) within the optical path before being transmitted to receiving unit 02. Receiving unit 02 detects the received target light and can obtain the optical path length and corresponding intensity between every two reflection points on the optical path from transmitting unit 01 to receiving unit 02. The fiber optic connector 032 and the optical reflection structure 033 on the optical path from transmitting unit 01 to receiving unit 02 are reflection points. There may be other reflection points on this optical path, such as the bend in fiber segment 031. These reflection points on the optical path can transmit a portion of the received light and reflect another portion. The intensity corresponding to any two reflection positions is the intensity of the light transmitted to the receiving unit 02 after a portion of the detection light (the reflected detection light) undergoes multiple reflections (such as secondary reflection, fourth reflection, etc.) between these two reflection positions. Taking secondary reflection as an example, this intensity is equal to the sum of RL at these two reflection positions.

[0079] When the receiving unit 02 performs fault location on the optical path from the transmitting unit 01 to the receiving unit 02 based on the detection results, the RL of the light reflection structure 033, and its position, it can first filter out the optical path length and corresponding intensity between the light reflection structure 033 and other reflection positions from the detection results based on the RL of the light reflection structure 033. Then, the receiving unit 02 can detect whether there is an excessively high intensity among the filtered intensities, based on the fact that the intensity corresponding to the fault position in the optical path from the transmitting unit 01 to the receiving unit 02 is higher than that corresponding to the light reflection structure 033, while the intensity corresponding to the non-fault position is lower. When an excessively high intensity is found, the receiving unit 02 can determine that the reflection position corresponding to that intensity is the fault position. Finally, the receiving unit 02 can combine the position of the light reflection structure 033 and the optical path length between the fault position and the light reflection structure 033 to locate the fault position. Since the position of the light reflection structure 033 is known, the receiving unit 02 can locate the fault location by using the position of the light reflection structure 033 as a reference point and combining the optical path length, after knowing the optical path length between the fault location and the light reflection structure 033.

[0080] In summary, the communication system provided in this application embodiment includes a light reflection structure on the optical path from the transmitting unit to the receiving unit. The receiving unit knows the RL and position of the light reflection structure. After the transmitting unit transmits detection light to the receiving unit, the receiving unit receives the target light obtained after the detection light passes through the optical path from the transmitting unit to the receiving unit. Then, the receiving unit can locate the fault in the optical path from the transmitting unit to the receiving unit based on the target light, as well as the RL and position of the light reflection structure. This allows personnel to repair the located fault location (e.g., replace or clean the faulty fiber optic connector), thereby improving the performance of the optical path from the transmitting unit to the receiving unit. Furthermore, this process requires no manual operation of external devices, thus automating fault location and improving efficiency. Additionally, since OTDR is not required for fault location, the high cost of OTDR is avoided.

[0081] For example, such as Figure 3 As shown, taking an example where four fiber optic connectors 032 and one optical reflection structure 033 are arranged on the optical path from the transmitting unit 01 to the receiving unit 02. Assume that the optical path lengths between these four fiber optic connectors 032 and the optical reflection structure 033 are all different, respectively... Figure 3 The optical path lengths are L1, L2, L3, and L4. Therefore, if the receiving unit 02 knows that the optical path length between the fault location and the optical reflection structure 033 is L4, the receiving unit 02 can determine that either the optical fiber connector 032 on the right side of the optical reflection structure 033, with an optical path length of L4, is faulty, or that the fault lies at a location on the optical fiber segment 031 on the left side of the optical reflection structure 033, with an optical path length of L4. At this point, the operator can further determine whether the fault is with the optical fiber connector 032 or the optical fiber segment 031.

[0082] Furthermore, assuming that L3 = L4, then, Figure 3 The distribution locations of multiple fiber optic connectors 032 can be as follows: Figure 4 As shown. In this case, if the receiving unit 02 knows that the optical path length between the fault location and the optical reflection structure 033 is L4, the receiving unit 02 can determine that the fiber optic connector 032 with an optical path length of L4 between it and the optical reflection structure 033 is faulty. At this time, the staff can check the two fiber optic connectors 032 with an optical path length of L4 between them to further determine which of the two fiber optic connectors 032 is faulty.

[0083] As can be seen, if we only consider fault location of the fiber optic connector 032 on the optical path from transmitting unit 01 to receiving unit 02, then, when a light reflection structure 033 is provided on the optical path from transmitting unit 01 to receiving unit 02, if the multiple fiber optic connectors 032 on the optical path from transmitting unit 01 to receiving unit 02 are asymmetrically distributed with respect to the light reflection structure 033, then at least one optical path length appears only once among the optical path lengths between each of the multiple fiber optic connectors 032 and the light reflection structure 033. In this case, when receiving unit 02 knows the optical path length between the faulty fiber optic connector 032 and the light reflection structure 033, if the optical path length belongs to at least one optical path length, then receiving unit 02 can locate the faulty fiber optic connector 032 on which side and at which position within receiving unit 02. If the optical path length does not belong to at least one optical path length, then receiving unit 02 can locate the area where the faulty fiber optic connector 032 is located within the area on both sides of receiving unit 02 that is a distance of the optical path length.

[0084] When the optical path lengths between the multiple fiber optic connectors 032 and the optical reflection structure 033 are all different, the receiving unit 02 can locate the position of any faulty fiber optic connector 032 on which side of the receiving unit 02. In this embodiment, the example of multiple fiber optic connectors 032 having different optical path lengths with respect to the optical reflection structure 033 is used. It can be understood that the multiple fiber optic connectors 032 can also be symmetrically distributed about the optical reflection structure 033; or, the multiple fiber optic connectors 032 can be asymmetrically distributed about the optical reflection structure 033, and some fiber optic connectors 032 may have the same optical path length with respect to the optical reflection structure 033.

[0085] In addition, when multiple fiber optic connectors 032 are asymmetrically distributed with respect to the light reflection structure 033, the multiple fiber optic connectors 032 may be located on one or both sides of the light reflection structure 033, and this application embodiment does not limit this.

[0086] Furthermore, taking the example of one light reflection structure 033 in the above embodiment, it can be understood that multiple light reflection structures 033 can also be provided on the optical path from the transmitting unit 01 to the receiving unit 02.

[0087] The aforementioned multiple optical reflection structures 033 may all be located between two adjacent fiber optic connectors 032; or, some of the optical reflection structures 033 may be located between two adjacent fiber optic connectors 032, while others may be located between two other adjacent fiber optic connectors 032; or, the multiple optical reflection structures 033 and the multiple fiber optic connectors 032 may be arranged alternately. There may be many other arrangements of the multiple optical reflection structures 033 and the multiple fiber optic connectors 032, which are not listed here in the embodiments of this application.

[0088] The RL of the above-mentioned multiple light reflection structures 033 can be the same, or at least two of the multiple light reflection structures 033 can have different RLs.

[0089] On the one hand, when the RL values ​​of the multiple light reflection structures 033 are the same, the receiving unit 02 can locate the optical path from the transmitting unit 01 to the receiving unit 02 based on the RL value and position of any light reflection structure 033. This process can be referenced to the process by which the receiving unit 02 locates the optical path from the transmitting unit 01 to the receiving unit 02 when the number of light reflection structures 033 is 1.

[0090] On the other hand, when at least two of the multiple optical reflection structures 033 have different RL values, the receiving unit 02 can combine the RL values ​​and positions of the at least two optical reflection structures 033, as well as the optical path length between the fault location and each of the at least two optical reflection structures 033, to locate the fault location, thereby enabling the precise location of the fault location.

[0091] For example, such as Figure 5 As shown, assuming that the above-mentioned at least two optical reflection structures 033 are the first optical reflection structure 033A and the second optical reflection structure 033B, the RL of the first optical reflection structure 033A is greater than the RL of the second optical reflection structure 033B, and the first optical reflection structure 033A is closer to the transmitting unit 01, and the second optical reflection structure 033B is closer to the receiving unit 02; and, there is no optical fiber connector 032 between the first optical reflection structure 033A and the second optical reflection structure 033B (at this time, both of these optical reflection structures are located between two adjacent optical fiber connectors).

[0092] If the optical path length and corresponding intensity between the faulty fiber optic connector 032 and the two optical reflective structures 033 are as follows: Figure 6 As shown, the receiving unit 02 can be determined. Figure 6 The corresponding higher intensity optical path length L1 is the optical path length between the faulty fiber optic connector 032 and the first optical reflection structure 033A with a larger RL value, while Figure 6 The corresponding lower intensity optical path length L2 is the optical path length between the faulty fiber connector 032 and the second optical reflection structure 033B with a smaller RL value. L1 is greater than L2, and the difference between L1 and L2 is the optical path length L0 between the first optical reflection structure 033A and the second optical reflection structure 033B. Figure 6(Not shown in the diagram, L1-L2=L0). Since L1 is greater than L2, the receiving unit 02 can determine that the optical path length between the faulty fiber optic connector 032 and the first optical reflection structure 033A is larger, and the optical path length between the faulty fiber optic connector 032 and the second optical reflection structure 033B is smaller. Therefore, the faulty fiber optic connector 032 is closer to the second optical reflection structure 033B. Thus, as... Figure 7 As shown, the receiving unit 02 can determine the fault of the fiber optic connector 032 at a position with an optical path length of L2 between the second optical reflection structure 033B and the first optical reflection structure 033A on the side of the second optical reflection structure 033B away from the first optical reflection structure 033A.

[0093] Conversely, if the optical path length and corresponding intensity between the faulty fiber optic connector 032 and the two optical reflection structures 033 are as follows... Figure 8 As shown, the receiving unit 02 can still be determined. Figure 8 The corresponding higher intensity optical path length L1 is the optical path length between the faulty fiber optic connector 032 and the first optical reflection structure 033A with a larger RL value, while Figure 8 The corresponding lower intensity optical path length L2 is the optical path length between the faulty fiber optic connector 032 and the second optical reflective structure 033B with a smaller RL value. L2 is greater than L1, and the difference between L2 and L1 is the optical path length L0 between the first optical reflective structure 033A and the second optical reflective structure 033B. Since L1 is less than L2, the receiving unit 02 can determine that the optical path length between the faulty fiber optic connector 032 and the first optical reflective structure 033A is smaller, and the optical path length between the faulty fiber optic connector 032 and the second optical reflective structure 033B is larger. Therefore, the faulty fiber optic connector 032 is closer to the first optical reflective structure 033A. Therefore, as... Figure 9 As shown, the receiving unit 02 can determine that the fiber optic connector 032 is faulty on the side of the first optical reflection structure 033A away from the second optical reflection structure 033B, at a position with an optical path length of L1 between it and the first optical reflection structure 033A.

[0094] Here, we take the example of two optical reflection structures 033 having different RL values. Of course, there can also be three, four, five, or more optical reflection structures 033 having different RL values. In this case, the receiving unit 02 still locates the optical path from the transmitting unit 01 to the receiving unit 02 based on the received target light, the RL values ​​and positions of at least two optical reflection structures 033.

[0095] In this embodiment, at least two optical reflection structures 033 with different RLs are used as examples of all optical reflection structures 033 on the optical path from the transmitting unit 01 to the receiving unit 02. It is understood that these at least two optical reflection structures 033 can also be a subset of the optical reflection structures 033 on the optical path from the transmitting unit 01 to the receiving unit 02. In this case, other optical reflection structures 033 are also provided on the optical path from the transmitting unit 01 to the receiving unit 02, and the RL of any one of these other optical reflection structures 033 is the same as the RL of any one of the at least two optical reflection structures 033 mentioned above.

[0096] Understandably, the result of the receiving unit's detection of the received target light is usually expressed as a relationship between optical path length and intensity (e.g., ...). Figure 6 or Figure 8 As shown in the diagram, this relationship diagram typically includes multiple reflection peaks, with each peak corresponding to two reflection locations. These locations can be fiber optic connector 032 or optical reflection structure 033, etc. The value corresponding to the reflection peak on the optical path length axis is the optical path length between these two reflection locations, and the value corresponding to the peak's vertex on the intensity axis is the intensity at those two reflection locations.

[0097] When multiple optical reflection structures 033 are arranged in the optical path from the transmitting unit 01 to the receiving unit 02, the optical path length between any two adjacent optical reflection structures 033 can be less than the optical path length between any two adjacent fiber optic connectors 032 (e.g., 0.5 meters, 5 meters, 10 meters, etc.). In this case, each fiber optic connector 032 corresponds to one reflection peak with each optical reflection structure 033, and each fiber optic connector 032 corresponds to multiple reflection peaks. Since the optical path length between any two adjacent optical reflection structures 033 is less than the optical path length between any two adjacent fiber optic connectors 032, the set of reflection peaks corresponding to each fiber optic connector 032 is located in a region on the optical path length axis, and the regions containing the set of reflection peaks corresponding to different fiber optic connectors 032 are spaced apart. Figure 10 As shown, the regions where the reflection peaks of fiber optic connectors 032A and 032B are located are spaced apart. In this way, the receiving unit 02 can more easily distinguish the reflection peaks corresponding to different fiber optic connectors 032, avoiding confusion between the reflection peaks of different fiber optic connectors 032. This makes it easier for the receiving unit 02 to determine the faulty fiber optic connector 032 based on these reflection peaks, and thus determine the location of the faulty fiber optic connector 032.

[0098] Of course, there may be cases where the optical path length between two adjacent optical reflection structures 033 is greater than or equal to the optical path length between two adjacent optical fiber connectors 032. This application does not limit this.

[0099] There are many ways to implement the aforementioned light reflection structure 033, and these methods will be explained below.

[0100] 1. In the first possible implementation of the optical reflection structure 033, the optical reflection structure 033 can be implemented using optical filter structures such as filters and fiber optic gratings.

[0101] 2. In the second possible implementation of the light reflection structure 033, the light reflection structure 033 can be implemented by coating the end face (such as the end face of the fiber segment 031, the light emitting surface of the transmitting unit 01, the light receiving surface of the receiving unit 02, etc.) in the optical path from the transmitting unit 01 to the receiving unit 02. In this case, the light reflection structure 033 includes a coating layer located on a certain end face in the optical path.

[0102] 3. In the third possible implementation of the light-reflecting structure 033, such as Figure 11 As shown, the light reflection structure 033 includes a first light branching unit 0331 and a second light branching unit 0332; both the first light branching unit 0331 and the second light branching unit 0332 have a combining port X and two splitting ports Y; in each of the first light branching unit 0331 and the second light branching unit 0332, the light beam input from the combining port X is split into two beams and transmitted to the two splitting ports Y respectively; since the optical path is reversible, the light beams input from the two splitting ports Y will be combined into one beam and transmitted to the combining port X. Please continue to refer to... Figure 11 One branch port Y of the first optical branch unit 0331 is connected to the combiner port X of the second optical branch unit 0332, and the two branch ports Y of the second optical branch unit 0332 are connected. In addition, the combiner port X of the first optical branch unit 0331 is connected to the transmitting unit 01, and the other branch port Y of the first optical branch unit 0331 is connected to the receiving unit 02. Figure 11 The portion between the transmitting unit 01 and the first optical branching unit 0331 is not shown, nor is the portion between the receiving unit 02 and the first optical branching unit 0331. The combining port X and the other split port Y of the first optical branching unit 0331 can connect different segments in the optical path from the transmitting unit 01 to the receiving unit 02. The combining port X is connected to the transmitting unit 01 through the connected segment, and the split port Y is connected to the receiving unit 02 through the connected segment.

[0103] The combining port X of the first optical branching unit 0331 receives light from the side where the transmitting unit 01 is located. Then, the combining port X transmits a portion of the received light to the other branch port Y connected to the receiving unit 02, and another portion of the light received at combining port X is transmitted through the aforementioned branch port Y to the combining port X of the second optical branching unit 0332. The combining port X of the second optical branching unit 0332 can transmit a portion of the received light to one branch port Y of the second optical branching unit 0332, and another portion of the received light to the other branch port Y of the second optical branching unit 0332. Since the two branch ports Y of the second optical branching unit 0332 are connected, the light transmitted to each of these two branch ports Y is transmitted to the other branch port Y, and then returned to the combining port X of the second optical branching unit 0332 to be combined into a single beam. This beam is transmitted back to the aforementioned branch port Y of the first optical branching unit 0331, and then output from the combining port X of the first optical branching unit 0331. In this way, the light reflection structure 033 can transmit a portion of the received light and reflect another portion of the received light.

[0104] The optical branching units (such as the first optical branching unit and the second optical branching unit) in this application can be couplers, Y-shaped planar waveguide (PLC) branching structures, or multimode interferometer (MMI) devices based on silicon photonics and other processes.

[0105] Please continue to refer to this. Figure 11 The light reflection structure 033 may further include a power adjustment unit 0333, which is located on the optical path between the two branch ports Y of the second optical branch unit 0332. The power adjustment unit 0333 can adjust the power of the passing light. Therefore, the power adjustment unit 0333 can adjust the power of the light between the two branch ports Y of the second optical branch unit 0332 to adjust the power of the light reflected by the light reflection structure, thereby adjusting the RL of the light reflection structure 033, so that the light reflection structure 033 supports the adjustment of RL.

[0106] The power adjustment unit 0333 can be any device capable of adjusting power, such as a variable optical attenuator (VOA), a power amplifier, etc.

[0107] 4. In the fourth possible implementation of the optical reflection structure 033, the optical reflection structure can be implemented by using a dummy fiber optic connector or by adding an air cavity to the fiber optic connector.

[0108] For example, the structure of a fiber optic connector without loose connections and without added air cavity is as follows: Figure 12As shown, the fiber optic connector includes an adapter J1, and a first connector J2 and a second connector J3 inserted into the adapter J1. Both the first connector J2 and the second connector J3 are snapped into the adapter J1 and fixed within it. The first connector J2 connects to the end of one fiber optic segment, and the second connector J3 connects to the end of another fiber optic segment. When both the first connector J2 and the second connector J3 are inserted into the adapter J1, the ends of the fiber optic segments connected to the first connector J2 and the second connector J3 are in contact, and the optical axes of these two fiber optic segments are collinear. This achieves the connection between the two fiber optic segments.

[0109] In the fourth possible implementation of optical reflection structure 033, such as the dummy fiber optic connector... Figure 13 As shown, although the first connector J2 and the second connector J3 are inserted into the adapter J1, they are not fully engaged. This results in a gap between the fiber optic segment connected to the first connector J2 and the fiber optic segment connected to the second connector J3, with the optical axes of these two fiber optic segments collinear. This creates air gaps between the separated fiber optic segments. Due to the difference in refractive index between the fiber optic segments and air, a light reflection structure of approximately -14 dB RL can be achieved. This allows a portion of the light from one fiber optic segment to be transmitted to the other, while the remaining portion is reflected back to the first fiber optic segment.

[0110] Please continue to refer to this. Figure 12 In a fiber optic connector without loose connections and without added air cavities, each of the first connector J2 and the second connector J3 includes a connector body and a metal ring K. One end of the connector body has a groove, within which the metal ring K is located. An optical fiber segment 031 connected to this connector passes through the connector body and is enclosed by the metal ring K, with the connection end of the optical fiber segment 031 flush with one end of the metal ring K. When the connection end of the optical fiber segment connected to the first connector J2 contacts the connection end of the optical fiber segment connected to the second connector J3, the metal ring K in the first connector J2 contacts the metal ring K in the second connector J3.

[0111] In the fourth possible implementation of the optical reflection structure 033, an air cavity is added to the fiber optic connector, such as... Figure 14 As shown, for at least one of the first connector J2 and the second connector J3 ( Figure 14Taking the first connector J2 and the second connector J3 as examples, the connecting end of the optical fiber segment connected by the connector is recessed into one end of the metal ring K, so that an air cavity is formed between the connecting end and one end of the metal ring K. At this time, the connecting end of the optical fiber segment and one end of the metal ring K are not flush. In this way, when the first connector J2 and the second connector J3 are inserted into the adapter J1, due to the presence of the air cavity, a light reflection structure of approximately -14 dB RL can be achieved. This allows a portion of the light from one of the two optical fiber segments connected by the first connector J2 and the second connector J3 to be transmitted to the other optical fiber segment, and the other portion to be reflected back to the first optical fiber segment. This enables the optical fiber connector with the added air cavity to achieve the function of the aforementioned light reflection structure.

[0112] Fiber optic connectors that add an air cavity create the air cavity by increasing the length of the metal ring; of course, air cavities can also be formed in other ways. For example, please refer to [link / reference needed]. Figure 12 The adapter J1 includes a first adapter structure J11, a second adapter structure J12, and an optical fiber flange J13. A first connector is inserted into the first adapter structure J11, and a second connector is inserted into the second adapter structure J12. The optical fiber flange J13 locks the first adapter structure J1 and the second adapter structure J12 together. Furthermore, by increasing the axial dimension of the optical fiber flange J13, the connection end of the optical fiber segment connected to the first connector J2 is spaced apart from the connection end of the optical fiber segment connected to the second connector J3, thus forming an air cavity between these two connection ends.

[0113] Among the various ways to implement the light reflection structure 033, the cost of the light reflection structure 033 is relatively low.

[0114] In the above embodiments, the transmitting unit 01 is used to transmit detection light to the receiving unit 02 (e.g., transmitting detection light to the receiving unit 02 during the detection phase). The transmitting unit 01 may also have other functions. For example, the transmitting unit 01 may also be used to transmit service light to the receiving unit 02 (e.g., transmitting service light to the receiving unit 02 during the service phase, which differs from the detection phase). This service light is an optical signal carrying a service signal. The service light and the detection light may be different; the detection light does not carry a service signal but carries a detection signal, such as a special sequence (which can be called a detection sequence). In some optional embodiments, the detection light may also carry a service signal. In this case, the receiving unit 02 will process the service signal carried by the received light in both the service phase and the detection phase. When the detection light also carries a service signal, the embodiments of this application can achieve online fault location, avoiding the impact of fault location on services.

[0115] When the transmitting unit 01 needs to transmit service light to the receiving unit 02, the optical reflection structure 033 is provided on the optical path from the transmitting unit 01 to the receiving unit 02. Therefore, the optical reflection structure 033 will have a certain impact on the service light. In this embodiment, the impact of the optical reflection structure 033 on the service light can be mitigated by setting the RL of the optical reflection structure 033 to a smaller value. For example, when the RL of the optical reflection structure 033 is close to -14 (e.g., RL = -14), the impact of the optical reflection structure on the service light is small.

[0116] Here, we take the service light passing through the light reflection structure 033 as an example. In some optional implementations, the service light may not pass through the light reflection structure 033.

[0117] For example, a switching unit is also provided in the optical path from the transmitting unit 01 to the receiving unit 02. A first optical path and a second optical path exist between the switching unit and the receiving unit 02. A light reflection structure is provided in the second optical path, but not in the first optical path. Alternatively, a light reflection structure may or may not be provided in the optical path from the transmitting unit 01 to the switching unit. The transmitting unit 01 transmits the aforementioned detection light or service light to the switching unit. The switching unit is used to activate the first optical path between the switching unit and the receiving unit 02 when receiving service light, and to activate the second optical path between the switching unit and the receiving unit 02 when receiving detection light. In this way, through the selective activation and deactivation of the switching unit 034, the detection light passes through the light reflection structure provided in the second optical path, while the service light does not pass through the light reflection structure 033 provided in the second segment 03B, thereby avoiding the influence of the light reflection structure 033 on the service light.

[0118] The following will combine Figures 15 to 17 The function and location of the switching unit are explained.

[0119] like Figure 15 As shown, the optical path from transmitting unit 01 to receiving unit 02 includes a first segment 03A, a second segment 03B, and a third segment 03C. A light-reflecting structure 033 is disposed on the second segment 03B, which is also called the reflection loop. In this embodiment, the position of the light-reflecting structure 033 on the second segment 03B is not limited; the light-reflecting structure 033 can be located at the end or middle of the second segment 03B. When the number of light-reflecting structures 033 is two, such as... Figure 16 As shown, the two light-reflecting structures 033 can be located at opposite ends of the second segment 03B, or, as... Figure 17 As shown, one light-reflecting structure 033 is located at one end of the second segment 03B, and the other light-reflecting structure 033 is located in the middle part of the second segment 03B.

[0120] Please continue to refer to this. Figure 15 A switching unit 034 is also provided on the optical path from the transmitting unit 01 to the receiving unit 02. The first optical path from the switching unit 034 to the receiving unit 02 includes the aforementioned third segment 03C, but does not include the second segment 03B; the second optical path from the switching unit 034 to the receiving unit 02 includes the aforementioned second segment 03B and the third segment 03C. The transmitting unit 01 is used to transmit detection light or service light to the first segment 03A. The switching unit 034 is used to turn on the first segment 03A and the second segment 03B, and turn off the first segment 03A and the third segment 03C when receiving detection light from the first segment 03A, so that the detection light is transmitted to the receiving unit 02 along the first segment 03A and the second optical path (including the second segment 03B and the third segment 03C); the switching unit 034 is also used to turn off the first segment 03A and the second segment 03B, and turn on the first segment 03A and the third segment 03C when receiving service light from the first segment 03A, so that the detection light is transmitted to the receiving unit 02 along the first segment 03A and the first optical path (including the third segment 03C).

[0121] It can be seen that the detection light is transmitted along the path of transmitting unit 01, first segment 03A, switching unit 034, second segment 03B, third segment 03C, and receiving unit 02. The service light is transmitted along the same path. By selectively turning on and off the switching unit 034, the detection light passes through the light reflection structure 033 set on the second segment 03B, while the service light does not pass through the light reflection structure 033 set on the second segment 03B, thus avoiding the influence of the light reflection structure 033 set on the second segment 03B on the service light.

[0122] Furthermore, the communication system provided in this application embodiment may also include a controller (not shown in the drawings), which is connected to the transmitting unit 01, the receiving unit 02, and the switching unit 034. The controller is used to control the transmitting unit 01, the switching unit 034, and the receiving unit 02 to perform corresponding operations during the aforementioned detection phase and service phase. Of course, the aforementioned detection phase and service phase may also be pre-set in the transmitting unit 01, the receiving unit 02, and the switching unit 034, in which case the controller is not needed to control the transmitting unit 01, the receiving unit 02, and the switching unit 034. The aforementioned detection phase may be the time period during which the communication system begins operation (such as the initialization phase of the communication system), or the time period after a fault occurs; the service phase differs from the detection phase.

[0123] The aforementioned switching unit 034 can be any component with optical path selection function, such as an optical switch, an optical cross-connect (OXC) unit, etc. Figure 15Taking the optical switch as an example, the communication system supports point-to-point communication. When the switch unit 034 is an OXC unit, the communication system supports multi-point-to-multi-point communication, such as... Figure 18 As shown, the communication system may include multiple transmitting units and multiple receiving units. The transmitting unit 01 is any one of the multiple transmitting units, and the receiving unit 02 is any one of the multiple receiving units. Furthermore, when the switching unit 034 is an optical switch, the communication system may or may not include an OXC unit; this application embodiment does not limit this.

[0124] When the switching unit 034 is an OXC unit, the fiber segments connected to the OXC unit by the multiple transmitting units form a fiber array unit (FAU) at one end and are connected to the OXC unit. Similarly, the fiber segments connected to the OXC unit by the multiple receiving units also form another FAU at one end and are connected to the OXC unit. Based on this, the second segment 03B can be a connecting fiber, and both ends of this connecting fiber can also be connected to these two FAUs.

[0125] Multiple transmitting units and multiple receiving units are connected to the OXC unit via corresponding fiber optic segments. When a transmitting unit is the aforementioned transmitting unit 01, the fiber optic segment connecting this transmitting unit and the OXC unit belongs to the aforementioned first segment 03A. When a receiving unit is the aforementioned receiving unit 02, the fiber optic segment connecting this receiving unit and the OXC unit belongs to the aforementioned third segment 03C. The fiber optic segment connecting the transmitting unit and the OXC unit passes through at least one ODF, and the fiber optic segment connecting the receiving unit and the OXC unit also passes through at least one ODF. One or more fiber optic connectors are provided on the ODF. The ODF here can also be replaced by one or more fiber optic connectors.

[0126] The OXC unit can connect any one of multiple transmitting units, a second segment (the segment with an optical reflection structure), and any one of multiple receiving units as needed, to achieve fault location of the optical path between any transmitting unit and any receiving unit. Therefore, in multi-point to multi-point communication scenarios, although multiple communication links exist, a single OXC unit can automatically detect faults in any point-to-any point communication link. Furthermore, the entire process requires no manual operation of external devices, significantly improving the efficiency of fault location.

[0127] The aforementioned OXC unit includes an optical cross array and a scanning control unit (not shown in the attached figure). The scanning control unit is used to control the optical cross array so that the optical cross array connects any transmitting unit connected to the OXC to any receiving unit.

[0128] As can be seen, embodiments of this application provide an OXC component, such as... Figure 19 As shown, the OXC component includes the aforementioned OXC unit, connecting optical fiber, and optical reflection structure. There may be one or more optical reflection structures. Figure 19 Taking a single optical reflection structure as an example, the OXC unit has multiple service input optical ports, multiple service output optical ports, an auxiliary input optical port, and an auxiliary output optical port. The auxiliary input optical ports and auxiliary output optical ports are respectively connected to the two ends of the connecting optical fiber. The service input optical ports are used to connect to the transmitting unit, and the service output optical ports are used to connect to the receiving unit. An optical reflection structure 033 is set in the optical path from the auxiliary input optical port through the connecting optical fiber to the auxiliary output optical port. The optical path from the auxiliary input optical port through the connecting optical fiber to the auxiliary output optical port includes the connecting optical fiber, the auxiliary input optical port, and the auxiliary output optical port.

[0129] The OXC unit is used to: activate the first service input optical port and the first service output optical port; or, activate the first service input optical port and the auxiliary input optical port, and activate the first service output optical port and the auxiliary output optical port. The first service input optical port can be any service input optical port in the OXC unit, and the first service output optical port can be any service output optical port in the OXC unit.

[0130] For example, the OXC unit is used to: when receiving service light from the first service input optical port, turn on the first service input optical port and the first service output optical port, so that the service light is directly transmitted from the first service input optical port to the first service output optical port without passing through any other optical ports of the OXC unit other than the first service input optical port and the first service output optical port; when receiving detection light from the first service input optical port, turn on the first service input optical port and the auxiliary input optical port, and turn on the first service output optical port and the auxiliary output optical port, so that the detection light is transmitted from the first service input optical port through the auxiliary input optical port, the connecting optical fiber, and the auxiliary output optical port in sequence, and then transmitted to the first service output optical port. When the detection light passes through the connecting optical fiber, the light reflection structure on the connecting optical fiber will transmit a portion of the detection light and reflect another portion of the detection light.

[0131] The OXC unit can also turn on the first service input optical port and the first service output optical port when it does not receive service light from the first service input optical port; and the OXC unit can also turn on the first service input optical port and the auxiliary input optical port, as well as the first service output optical port and the auxiliary output optical port, when it does not receive detection light from the first service input optical port. This application embodiment does not limit the time period during which the OXC unit turns on its optical ports.

[0132] It is understood that in the OXC component provided in the embodiments of this application, the OXC unit may not automatically control the optical port, but may conduct the optical port communication under the control of an external component outside the OXC unit. The embodiments of this application do not limit this.

[0133] The optical reflection structure in the OXC component provided in this application embodiment can refer to the optical reflection structure in the foregoing embodiments. For example, the RL of the optical reflection structure is greater than or equal to -14 dB. Another example is that the optical reflection structure includes the aforementioned first optical branching unit and second optical branching unit (and may also include a power adjustment unit). Yet another example is that when the OXC component includes multiple optical reflection structures, the RL of at least two optical reflection structures can be different. Yet another example is that when the OXC component includes multiple optical reflection structures, the optical path length between any two adjacent optical reflection structures can be less than 0.5 meters, 5 meters, or 10 meters. Yet another example is that when the OXC component includes one optical reflection structure, the optical path length between the optical reflection structure and the two ends of the connecting optical fiber is different. In this case, the multiple fiber optic connectors 032 arranged on the optical path from the transmitting unit 01 to the receiving unit 02 can be symmetrically or asymmetrically distributed with respect to the optical reflection structure 033; this application embodiment does not limit this distribution.

[0134] In the communication system provided in this application embodiment, the transmitting unit can belong to a single optical module, and the receiving unit can also belong to a single optical module. The optical modules where the transmitting unit and the receiving unit reside can be the same or different. When the transmitting unit and the receiving unit belong to the same optical module, it is equivalent to the optical module transmitting detection light (or detection light and service light) and the optical module receiving the detection light (or detection light and service light) at its local end. When the transmitting unit and the receiving unit belong to different optical modules, it is equivalent to one optical module transmitting detection light (or detection light and service light) and the other optical module receiving the detection light (or detection light and service light).

[0135] For example, a communication system includes a first optical module and a second optical module, both of which include a transmitting unit and a receiving unit. Assuming that the transmitting unit 01 is the transmitting unit in the first optical module, and the receiving unit 01 is the receiving unit in the second optical module, then, as... Figure 20 As shown, during the detection phase, the OXC unit needs to connect the transmitting unit in the first optical module and the receiving unit in the second optical module through a connecting optical fiber, so that the detection light emitted by the transmitting unit in the first optical module is transmitted to the receiving unit in the second optical module after passing through the light reflection structure 033 on the connecting optical fiber. Figure 20 Fiber optic connectors are not shown.

[0136] Assuming that the aforementioned transmitting unit 01 is the transmitting unit in the first optical module, and the aforementioned receiving unit 01 is both the transmitting unit and the receiving unit in the first optical module, then, as Figure 21 As shown, during the detection phase, the OXC unit needs to connect the transmitting unit and the receiving unit in the first optical module via a connecting optical fiber. This allows the detection light emitted by the transmitting unit in the first optical module to be transmitted to the receiving unit in the first optical module after passing through the light reflection structure 033 on the connecting optical fiber. In this case, the first optical module can complete the fault location of the optical path independently without the need for other optical modules.

[0137] It is understood that each optical module may include one or more transmitting units and one or more receiving units. The function of the transmitting unit in each optical module can be referenced to the function of transmitting unit 01 in this application, and the function of the receiving unit in each optical module can be referenced to the function of receiving unit 01 in this application. In this case, not only can one optical module send a detection light to another optical module, enabling the other optical module to locate a fault in the optical path from one optical module to the other based on the detection light; but the other optical module can also send a detection light to one optical module, enabling the one optical module to locate a fault in the optical path from the other optical module to itself based on the detection light. For example, Figure 18 By replacing each transmitting unit with an optical module and each receiving unit with an optical module, the following can be obtained: Figure 22 The communication system shown is such that any two optical modules can be connected via an OXC unit, and the OXC unit can also control the light detection between any two optical modules as it passes through the light reflection structure on the connecting optical fiber.

[0138] When two optical modules can mutually emit detection light, the light reflection structure set in the optical path between these two optical modules can not only partially reflect and partially transmit light transmitted from one optical module to the other, but also partially reflect and partially transmit light transmitted from the other optical module to the first optical module. In this case, in the third possible implementation of the aforementioned light reflection structure, assuming the light-emitting unit 01 is located in optical module 1 and the receiving unit 02 is located in optical module 2, then the first light branching unit 0331 and the second light branching unit 0332 in the light reflection structure are used to partially reflect and partially transmit light from optical module 1; in this third possible implementation, such as... Figure 23As shown, the light reflection structure 033 also includes a third optical branch unit 0334 and a fourth optical branch unit 0335; both the third optical branch unit 0334 and the fourth optical branch unit 0335 have a combined port X and two separate ports Y; one separate port Y of the third optical branch unit 0334 is connected to the combined port X of the fourth optical branch unit 0335, and the two separate ports Y of the fourth optical branch unit 0335 are connected. The third optical branch unit 0334 is connected in the optical path between the combined port of the optical module 1 and the first optical branch unit 0331, the combined port X of the third optical branch unit 0334 is connected to the combined port of the first optical branch unit 0331, and the other separate port Y of the third optical branch unit 0334 is connected to the transmitting unit 01. The third optical branch unit 0334 and the fourth optical branch unit 0335 are used for partial reflection and partial transmission of light from the optical module 2. A power adjustment unit 0333 can also be provided between the two separate ports Y of the fourth optical branch unit 0335.

[0139] Furthermore, after determining the fault location in the optical path from the transmitting unit 01 to the receiving unit 02, the receiving unit 02 can output the fault location, or send the fault location to other devices (such as management devices, which can be servers or terminals used by staff, such as mobile phones, computers, etc.). Afterwards, staff can repair the fault location, and then the entire communication system can enter the service phase to transmit service optical signals.

[0140] As an example, such as Figure 24 As shown, it is assumed that the transmitting unit 01 and the receiving unit 02 belong to the same optical module. The transmitting unit 01 includes a service signal generation subunit 011, a detection signal generation subunit 012, and a modulation subunit 013. The service signal generation subunit 011 generates a service signal, the detection signal generation subunit 012 generates a detection signal, and the modulation subunit 013 generates service light carrying the service signal based on the service signal, and detection light carrying the detection signal based on the detection signal. This process involves electro-optical conversion and optical modulation. The modulation subunit 013 is also used to transmit the service light and the detection light.

[0141] The receiving unit 02 includes a demodulation subunit 021, a signal downsampling subunit 022, a signal processing subunit 023, and a detection result reporting subunit 024. The demodulation subunit 021 extracts the signal (e.g., service light or detection light) carried by the received light (e.g., service light or detection light). The signal downsampling subunit 022 downsamples the signal extracted by the demodulation subunit 021. The signal processing subunit 023 processes the downsampled signal. The detection result reporting subunit 024 reports (sends) the fault location obtained by the signal processing subunit 023 to other devices.

[0142] This application also provides a fault location method executed by the aforementioned receiving unit. In this method, the receiving unit receives target light and, based on the received target light, the RL and position of the light reflection structure, performs fault location on the optical path from the transmitting unit to the receiving unit. The target light is obtained by the detection light emitted by the transmitting unit passing through the optical path from the transmitting unit to the receiving unit.

[0143] Optionally, in this fault location method, after determining the fault location, the receiving unit can output the fault location, or send the fault location to other devices (such as management devices, which can be servers or terminals used by staff, such as mobile phones, computers, etc.). Afterwards, staff can repair the fault location, and then the entire communication system can enter the service phase to transmit service optical signals.

[0144] Optionally, in this fault location method, the receiving unit can also receive the service light transmitted by the transmitting unit and process the service signal carried by the service light.

[0145] The fault location method provided in this application embodiment can refer to the function of the receiving unit in the above embodiment, and will not be described again in this application embodiment.

[0146] This application also provides a receiving unit, which is the receiving unit in the above embodiments. The function of this receiving unit can be referred to the function of the receiving unit in the foregoing embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0147] This application also provides an optical module, such as... Figure 25 As shown, the optical module includes a transmitting unit for emitting light and a receiving unit 02 provided in the embodiments of this application. Optionally, the transmitting unit may be the transmitting unit 01 in the foregoing embodiments. Figure 25 The transmitting unit in this embodiment may not be the transmitting unit 01 in the above embodiment, and this application does not limit this.

[0148] Optionally, in addition to the transmitting unit 01, the optical module also includes a light reflection structure in the light path of the transmitting unit 01.

[0149] Optionally, in addition to the receiving unit 02, the optical module also includes a light reflection structure in the optical path of the light entering the receiving unit 02.

[0150] This application also provides a communication device, such as... Figure 26 As shown, the communication device includes a host-side device and an optical module, with the optical module connected to the host-side device. The optical module can be, for example,... Figure 25The optical module shown is an example. This host-side device includes a processor and memory, among other things. The processor can be a graphics processing unit (GPU), a central processing unit (CPU), a neural processing unit (NPU), a tensor processing unit (TPU), or the like.

[0151] In this application, the terms "first" and "second," etc., are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance. The term "at least one" refers to one or more, and "multiple" refers to two or more, unless otherwise expressly defined. The term "and / or" is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A alone, A and B simultaneously, and B alone. Additionally, the character " / " in this document generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects are in an "or" relationship. Different embodiments provided in this application can be referenced mutually, and this application does not limit the scope of the embodiments.

[0152] The above description is merely an embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any person skilled in the art can easily conceive of various equivalent modifications or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed in this application, and these modifications or substitutions should all be covered within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. An optical cross-connect (OXC) component, characterized in that, include: OXC unit, connecting optical fiber and optical reflection structure; The OXC unit has a service input optical port, a service output optical port, an auxiliary input optical port, and an auxiliary output optical port. The auxiliary input optical port and the auxiliary output optical port are respectively connected to the two ends of the connecting optical fiber. The light reflection structure is located on the optical path from the auxiliary input optical port through the connecting optical fiber to the auxiliary output optical port. The optical path from the auxiliary input optical port through the connecting optical fiber to the auxiliary output optical port includes the connecting optical fiber, the auxiliary input optical port, and the auxiliary output optical port. The light reflection structure is used to reflect a portion of the received light and transmit another portion of the received light.

2. The OXC component according to claim 1, characterized in that, The OXC unit is used for: The first service input optical port and the first service output optical port are connected, wherein the first service input optical port is any service input optical port in the OXC unit, and the first service output optical port is any service output optical port in the OXC unit; Alternatively, the first service input optical port and the auxiliary input optical port can be connected, as well as the first service output optical port and the auxiliary output optical port can be connected.

3. The OXC component according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The return loss RL of the light reflection structure is greater than or equal to -14 dB.

4. The OXC component according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The light reflection structure includes a first light branching unit and a second light branching unit; both the first light branching unit and the second light branching unit have a combining port and two split ports; in each of the first light branching unit and the second light branching unit, the light beam input from the combining port is split into two beams and transmitted to the two split ports respectively; One branch port of the first optical branch unit is connected to the combine port of the second optical branch unit, and the two branch ports of the second optical branch unit are connected to each other.

5. The OXC component according to claim 4, characterized in that, The light reflection structure also includes a power adjustment unit, which is located on the optical path between the two branch ports of the second light branch unit.

6. The OXC component according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The OXC component includes multiple light-reflecting structures.

7. The OXC component according to claim 6, characterized in that, At least two of the light-reflecting structures have different RLs.

8. The OXC component according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that, The optical path length between any two adjacent optical reflection structures is less than 0.5 meters.

9. The OXC component according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The OXC component includes one of the optical reflection structures, and the optical path length between the optical reflection structure and the two ends of the connecting optical fiber is different.

10. A communication system, characterized in that, include: A transmitting unit and a receiving unit; a light reflection structure is provided on the optical path from the transmitting unit to the receiving unit, the optical path from the transmitting unit to the receiving unit includes the transmitting unit and the receiving unit, as well as the optical path between the transmitting unit and the receiving unit; the light reflection structure is used to reflect a portion of the received light and transmit another portion of the received light; The transmitting unit is used to transmit detection light to the receiving unit; The receiving unit is used to locate the optical path fault based on the received target light, the return loss RL and position of the light reflection structure, and the target light is obtained by the detection light passing through the optical path from the transmitting unit to the receiving unit.

11. The communication system according to claim 10, characterized in that, Multiple fiber optic connectors are also provided on the optical path from the transmitting unit to the receiving unit.

12. The communication system according to claim 11, characterized in that, The RL of the optical reflection structure is greater than the RL of the optical fiber connector.

13. The communication system according to any one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that, The RL of the light-reflecting structure is greater than or equal to -14 dB.

14. The communication system according to any one of claims 10 to 13, characterized in that, The light reflection structure includes a first light branching unit and a second light branching unit; both the first light branching unit and the second light branching unit have a combining port and two split ports; in each of the first light branching unit and the second light branching unit, the light beam input from the combining port is split into two beams and transmitted to the two split ports respectively; One branch port of the first optical branch unit is connected to the combine port of the second optical branch unit, and the two branch ports of the second optical branch unit are connected to each other.

15. The communication system according to claim 14, characterized in that, The light reflection structure also includes a power adjustment unit, which is located on the optical path between the two branch ports of the second light branch unit.

16. The communication system according to any one of claims 10 to 15, characterized in that, Multiple light reflection structures are provided on the optical path from the transmitting unit to the receiving unit.

17. The communication system according to claim 16, characterized in that, At least two of the light-reflecting structures have different RLs.

18. The communication system according to claim 16 or 17, characterized in that, Multiple fiber optic connectors are also provided on the optical path from the transmitting unit to the receiving unit, and the optical path length between any two adjacent optical reflection structures is less than the optical path length between any two adjacent fiber optic connectors.

19. The communication system according to any one of claims 10 to 15, characterized in that, The optical path from the transmitting unit to the receiving unit is provided with multiple fiber optic connectors and a light reflection structure; the multiple fiber optic connectors are asymmetrically distributed with respect to the light reflection structure.

20. The communication system according to any one of claims 10 to 19, characterized in that, A switching unit is also provided in the optical path from the transmitting unit to the receiving unit; The transmitting unit is used to transmit the detection light or service light to the switching unit; The switching unit is used to: open a first optical path between the switching unit and the receiving unit when the service light is received; and open a second optical path between the switching unit and the receiving unit when the detection light is received; the second optical path is provided with the light reflection structure.

21. The communication system according to any one of claims 10 to 19, characterized in that, An OXC component as described in any one of claims 1 to 9 is provided on the optical path from the transmitting unit to the receiving unit; the transmitting unit is connected to the first service input port of the OXC component, and the receiving unit is connected to the first service output port of the OXC component; The transmitting unit is used to transmit the detection light or service light to the OXC component; The OXC component is used to: when receiving the service light, turn on the first service input optical port and the first service output optical port; when receiving the detection light, turn on the first service input optical port and the auxiliary input optical port, and turn on the first service output optical port and the auxiliary output optical port.

22. The communication system according to any one of claims 10 to 19, characterized in that, The communication system satisfies at least one of the following conditions: The optical fiber in the optical path from the transmitting unit to the receiving unit is provided with the light reflection structure; Furthermore, the light-emitting surface of the emitting unit is provided with the light-reflecting structure.

23. A fault location method, characterized in that, The method is executed by a receiving unit, and the communication system in which the receiving unit is located also includes a transmitting unit; a light reflection structure is provided on the optical path from the transmitting unit to the receiving unit, and the optical path from the transmitting unit to the receiving unit includes the transmitting unit and the receiving unit, as well as the optical path between the transmitting unit and the receiving unit; The light-reflecting structure is used to reflect a portion of the received light and transmit another portion of the received light; the method includes: The target light is received, which is obtained by the detection light emitted by the transmitting unit passing through the optical path from the transmitting unit to the receiving unit; Based on the received target light, the return loss RL and position of the light reflection structure, the optical path is fault located.

24. A receiving unit, characterized in that, The communication system in which the receiving unit is located also includes a transmitting unit; a light reflection structure is provided on the optical path from the transmitting unit to the receiving unit, and the optical path from the transmitting unit to the receiving unit includes the transmitting unit and the receiving unit, as well as the optical path between the transmitting unit and the receiving unit; the reflection structure is used to reflect a portion of the received light and transmit another portion of the received light. The receiving unit is used to receive target light, which is obtained by the detection light emitted by the transmitting unit passing through the optical path from the transmitting unit to the receiving unit; Furthermore, based on the received target light, the return loss RL of the light reflection structure, and its position, the optical path is fault located.

25. An optical module, characterized in that, It includes a transmitting unit for emitting light and a receiving unit as described in claim 24.

26. A communication device, characterized in that, The communication device includes a host-side device and an optical module as described in claim 25, wherein the optical module is connected to the host-side device.

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